What to Buy for a Charcoal Barbecue

A charcoal barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the food, drinks, servingware, cooling equipment, lighting and cleaning supplies needed for a well-organised gathering. Plan quantities from your final guest count, including vegetarian portions and dietary requirements. Check the forecast and venue before shopping, especially if you need a party tent, tables or extra coolers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tent
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Charcoal barbecueqty 2
Barbecue tongsqty 4
BBQ spatulaqty 2
Barbecue brushqty 2
Firelightersqty 2
Lighterqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Extension cordqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 40
Bowlsqty 40
Glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 35
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Trash bag holderqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 30 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 30 pieces
- Pork satay - 30 pieces
- Sausages - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 36 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic bread - 6 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Corn cobs - 24 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Crispy fried onions - 2 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar

Tips

Plan around 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, then add salads, bread and side dishes separately. Reserve vegetarian portions before shopping so they are not treated as leftovers.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per hour. Chill drinks in coolers at least 4 hours before guests arrive and keep separate space for food.
Buy charcoal and firelighters at least 1 day ahead, and check that the barbecue can stand on a stable, non-flammable surface. Keep a lighter and barbecue tools beside the grill before lighting it.
Prepare marinades, sauces, salads and cut vegetables several hours before serving, but keep meat, salads and drinks chilled until needed. Use separate cutting boards and serving utensils for raw and cooked food.
For an evening barbecue, provide one table for the buffet, one waste bin for roughly 10–15 guests, and enough lighting to cover the barbecue, buffet and seating areas. Test string lights or lanterns before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a charcoal barbecue?: Plan 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, depending on how many salads, breads and side dishes you serve. Add extra portions for children and guests who eat more, and confirm the final guest count before shopping.
How much charcoal do I need for a barbecue?: Allow about 1 kg of charcoal for every 4–6 people for a typical meal, then buy extra if you will barbecue in several rounds. Keep the charcoal dry and purchase it at least 1 day before the event.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks at least 4 hours in advance, and include water and suitable options for guests who do not drink alcohol.
What should I prepare the day before a charcoal barbecue?: Buy charcoal, firelighters, drinks and disposable or reusable serving supplies the day before. You can also prepare marinades, sauces and some salads in advance, but keep meat and perishable dishes refrigerated until serving.

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