What you need for a company barbecue

A company barbecue needs more than meat, bread, and drinks. You also need enough chilled storage, serving equipment, tableware, cooking tools, and cover for changing weather. Confirm the final headcount before shopping, then separate vegetarian products and dietary requirements so they stay clear and chilled. Use this list alongside the plan to avoid the items teams most often remember too late: gas, serving utensils, ice or coolers, coffee supplies, and enough plates and glasses for the full event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Barbecue sausages - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Marinated chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian vegetable skewers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 4 kilogram
- Green salad - 4 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Zucchini - 10 pieces
- Mushrooms - 3 kilogram
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Bacon - 2 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 3 liters
- Ketchup - 3 liters
- Mustard - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Chili sauce - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Still water - 60 bottles
- Sparkling water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Pilsner - 96 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Ice pops - 60 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Equipment

Gas barbecuesqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 4
Gas pressure regulatorsqty 2
Grill tongsqty 6
Grill spatulasqty 4
Meat thermometersqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 8
Sauce bowlsqty 8
Serving traysqty 4
Kitchen tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Cooling racksqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tableclothsqty 9
Table décorqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Trash binsqty 6
Waste sorting binsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Towel rollsqty 6

Tips

Count one reusable plate, bowl, glass, and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. For 50 guests, that means 55 of each basic place setting.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive rather than relying on a last-minute ice run.
Keep meat and vegetarian products separate from the start. Use separate cutting boards, knives, tongs, and serving platters so vegetarian food does not share barbecue tools with meat.
Check the barbecue fuel and connections at least 48 hours beforehand. A barbecue that needs gas cylinders or pressure regulators cannot be tested properly if those parts arrive on the day.
Allow at least one serving spoon or pair of kitchen tongs for every separate salad, side dish, and sauce. Put serving trays with lids aside for food that must stay covered during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a company barbecue?: Budget around 400 to 500 grams of total food per adult, including meat or vegetarian products, salads, bread, and sides. Increase the amount by 10% if the barbecue replaces a full evening meal or if guests can serve themselves freely.
How many drinks should I buy for a company barbecue?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each following hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options for the entire event, and chill them at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for 50 guests?: Prepare at least 55 reusable plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery sets for 50 guests. The extra 10% covers breakage, dropped items, and guests who use a fresh glass or plate later.
When should I buy and chill the barbecue supplies?: Buy shelf-stable groceries and disposable backup supplies 1 to 2 days ahead, but purchase fresh meat and vegetables as close to the event as practical. Chill drinks for at least 4 hours and keep meat and vegetarian products chilled until cooking.

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