What to buy for a club barbecue

A club barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks for the confirmed guest count, then check servingware, refrigeration, cooking equipment and shelter before shopping. Buy perishable food close to the event, keep meat refrigerated, and chill drinks several hours ahead. This list also covers the items people often remember only when setup has already started, such as serving utensils, extension cords and containers for leftovers.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 45
High tablesqty 3
Tableclothqty 9

Tableware

Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 50
Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Barbecueqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettle
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Serving plattersqty 10
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Barbecue tongsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Waste sorting binsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Pork belly slices - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic butter - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 5 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Satay sauce - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Water - 40 liter
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Fresh fruit - 5 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Confirm the final guest count before doing the main shop, and collect dietary requirements before you choose meat, salads and desserts. Keep separate options clearly labelled so guests can identify them at the buffet.
Plan roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour after that. Add extra drinking water, especially if guests will be outside for several hours.
Shop for meat and other chilled food no earlier than 1–2 days before the barbecue. Store the meat refrigerated and use coolers on the day if the kitchen refrigerator cannot hold everything.
Check that you have enough plates, bowls, glasses, cups and cutlery for the full guest count, plus about 10% extra. Serving spoons, barbecue tongs and food storage containers are easy to overlook but needed during service and cleanup.
Check the weather forecast 2–3 days beforehand and confirm party tents, tables, chairs and barbecues are available. Test extension cords and power strips before setup, and place barbecues safely away from tents and seating.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a club barbecue?: Use the confirmed guest count as your base and allow about 300–400 g of barbecue food per adult, including meat and vegetables. Add salads, bread and desserts separately, and increase the amount if the barbecue is the main meal rather than an afternoon snack.
How many drinks should I buy for a club barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one per person per hour. Include water and non-alcoholic drinks, and chill them at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
When should I buy meat for a barbecue?: Buy fresh meat 1–2 days before the event and keep it refrigerated until cooking. If you buy earlier, freeze it and move it to the refrigerator in time to thaw safely before the barbecue.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a club barbecue?: Plan one plate, one glass and one full set of cutlery per guest, plus about 10% extra for replacements. If guests will eat in separate rounds, provide enough clean tableware for the busiest serving period.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.