What to Buy for an Easter Barbecue

An Easter barbecue needs more than meat, buns and charcoal. Plan food and drinks around your final guest count, including vegetarian portions and dietary requirements, then check that the barbecue, gas and serving equipment are ready. You will also need practical items for chilling drinks, setting up a buffet, serving coffee and tea, and keeping guests comfortable if the weather changes. Use the plan below to organise your shopping before the final preparations begin.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12

Decorations

Easter tableclothsqty 6
Easter garlandsqty 6
Easter eggsqty 40
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 3
Grill racksqty 4
Meat thermometersqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 5
Chef’s, bread and carving knivesqty 8
Pliersqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8
Lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Cleaning brushesqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Sausages - 50 pieces
- Pork chops - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 5 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Corn on the cob - 30 pieces
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Raw vegetables - 3 kilograms
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilograms
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Fried onions - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Iced tea - 5 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Chocolate Easter eggs - 3 kilograms
- Vanilla ice cream - 6 liters
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Brownies - 60
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- BBQ firelighters - 2 packs
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Confirm the final guest count before shopping, then add vegetarian portions separately rather than estimating them from the meat total. Collect dietary requirements at registration so you can buy suitable alternatives instead of making a last-minute trip.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add non-alcoholic options. Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive and use coolers to keep bottles cold during the barbecue.
Check the barbecue and gas at least two days ahead. Test the grill racks and keep a meat thermometer available so larger cuts are checked by temperature rather than appearance.
Buy or gather serving equipment before preparing food: allow one plate, bowl and cutlery set per guest, plus extra serving platters and utensils for salads, bread, meat and vegetarian food.
Prepare a weather backup at least one day ahead. Party tents, lighting, extension cords and lanterns are easy to overlook, but tables, buffet food and the coffee station still need a usable setup if it gets cold or wet.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an Easter barbecue?: Base the order on the final number of guests and plan separate vegetarian portions. For a mixed barbecue, allow roughly 250–350 g of total meat or meat alternatives per adult, plus bread, salads and side dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for an Easter barbecue?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, including water and non-alcoholic options. Add more for a longer afternoon and chill the drinks at least three to four hours before serving.
When should I buy food for an Easter barbecue?: Buy shelf-stable groceries, drinks and disposable or serving supplies two to three days ahead. Buy fresh meat, vegetables, salads and bread one day before, then keep chilled ingredients refrigerated until preparation.
What equipment do I need for an Easter barbecue?: You need a barbecue, gas cylinders, grill racks, a meat thermometer, tongs, cutting boards, suitable knives and aluminium trays. Also prepare coolers, serving platters, plates, glasses and cutlery before guests arrive.

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