What you need for a barbecue

A barbecue shopping list covers more than meat and charcoal. You also need enough side dishes, drinks, serving equipment, cooling space and tableware for the full guest count. Plan food around the number of people who confirmed, then add a small buffer for popular dishes. Check dietary requirements before buying fresh groceries, and arrange barbecues, tables, chairs and shelter early if you are hosting outdoors.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Beer tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Serving spoonsqty 12
Salad serversqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 20

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table candlesqty 24
Lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dishpanqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Sausages - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Pork belly slices - 3 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 4 kilograms
- Baguette salad - 3 kilogram
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Fried onions - 3 bags
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Beer - 6 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan about 250–350 g of raw meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives per adult, plus 200–250 g of side dishes. For children, allow roughly half an adult portion.
For drinks, allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per hour after that. Chill drinks several hours ahead and keep extra bottles in coolers rather than relying on one fridge.
Buy non-perishable items first, then get fresh meat, vegetables and salads one day before the barbecue. Keep raw meat refrigerated until it goes on the grill.
Allow one reusable plate, bowl, set of cutlery and drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Serving platters, salad servers and serving spoons are easy to overlook when the food is ready.
Set up at least two separate zones: keep barbecues well away from tables and tents, and place buffet tables near the seating area. Check extension cords, lighting and weather protection before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a BBQ per person?: For adults, plan 250–350 g of raw meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives per person. Add 200–250 g of side dishes, and increase the amount if the barbecue is the main meal with few starters.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, then one drink per hour. For a four-hour barbecue, that means roughly five to six drinks per adult, with extra water and non-alcoholic options.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Count one plate, bowl, set of reusable cutlery and drinking glass per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, prepare at least 22 of each basic item so replacements are available.
When should I buy food for a barbecue?: Buy shelf-stable groceries several days in advance and fresh meat, vegetables and salad ingredients one day before. Chill drinks a few hours ahead and keep raw meat refrigerated until cooking.

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