BBQ shopping list: what to buy and bring

Use this BBQ shopping list to work out food, drinks, serving items and equipment before guests arrive. Plan portions separately for meat, vegetables, salads, bread and desserts, then add supplies for chilling and serving everything safely. Check dietary requirements before shopping and label any separate meals when you set out the buffet. If the forecast is uncertain, decide early whether you need a party tent, extra tables or lighting.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 12
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Oven mittsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Decorations

Table décorqty 8
Buntingqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Waste sorting binsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- White baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 3 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Curry - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Apple pie - 3 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 aerosol cans
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow about 250–350 g of meat or fish per adult, or reduce that amount if you are serving several substantial salads, bread and vegetables. Buy vegetarian or vegan portions separately so they can be cooked without contact with meat.
For drinks, plan roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill more than you need before guests arrive, using coolers and ice packs rather than relying on a last-minute refrigerator run.
Count tableware against your guest list, then add at least 10% spare plates, forks, knives and glasses. BBQ food often means people return for seconds, so serving platters, tongs and spoons are easy to underestimate.
Buy charcoal and kindling early enough to keep the barbecue running through the meal, and check that you have barbecue tongs, oven mitts and aluminum trays. Keep raw meat, cooked food and salads on separate trays and cutting boards.
Check the weather forecast the day before and again on the morning itself. A party tent, tablecloths, lighting, extension cords and extra seating are much harder to arrange after guests have arrived.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a BBQ per person?: Allow 250–350 g of meat or fish per adult when the BBQ is the main meal. For children, plan about 100–150 g, and reduce the adult amount if you are serving several filling side dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for a BBQ?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for every additional hour. Add water and a clear non-alcoholic option for every guest, and chill drinks at least 4–6 hours beforehand.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a BBQ?: Plan one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% spare. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item; add wine glasses and coffee cups only for the number of people likely to use them.
When should I buy food for a BBQ?: Buy drinks, charcoal, tableware and shelf-stable items 1–3 days ahead. Buy fresh meat, salads and vegetables no earlier than 1–2 days before the BBQ, then chill meat and salads as soon as they arrive home.

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