What to Buy for a Father’s Day Barbecue

A Father’s Day barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the food service, cooling, cooking and outdoor setup needed to serve guests comfortably. Plan quantities from your guest list, then check dietary requirements before you shop. Chilled meat, cold drinks, serving dishes and safe barbecue placement are easy to overlook when they are left until the day itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tablesqty 2
Drinks table

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 36
Drinking glassesqty 48
Coffee cupsqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Outdoor extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen thermometerqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6
Father's Day decorations

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 36 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 36 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Fresh sausage - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Garlic butter - 500 grams
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn - 12 ears
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Burgundian herb butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Chili sauce - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Dried oregano - 1 jar
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Ice - 10 liters
- Chocolate cake - 2 cakes
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Barbecue briquettes - 10 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan food portions from the confirmed guest list, including separate vegetarian options and any dietary requirements. Buy sauces, salads, bread and side dishes early enough to prepare them before guests arrive.
Keep meat and vegetarian products chilled from the shop until cooking. Use coolers with ice packs if the barbecue is outdoors, and chill drinks several hours before serving.
Allow about two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then adjust for the length of the afternoon. Set aside water as well as alcoholic and soft drinks so the drinks table is ready before the barbecue starts.
Check that you have enough reusable plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery and serving platters for one full round of food plus a small reserve. Napkins and a separate drinks table prevent people from crowding the buffet.
Check the barbecue, gas cylinders and cooking tools before shopping day. A kitchen thermometer, barbecue tongs, aluminum trays and suitable outdoor extension cords are often forgotten until preparation has already started.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Father’s Day barbecue?: Use the confirmed guest list and plan roughly 250–350 g of main food per adult, depending on side dishes and appetites. Add separate vegetarian portions rather than assuming everyone will eat the same food.
How many drinks should I buy for a Father’s Day barbecue?: Allow about two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Include water and soft drinks, and chill them at least 3–4 hours before guests arrive.
When should I shop for a Father’s Day barbecue?: Buy shelf-stable food, tableware and decorations several days ahead. Shop for fresh meat and vegetables no earlier than 1–2 days before the barbecue, then keep the meat chilled until it is cooked.
What barbecue equipment is easy to forget?: Check for fuel, barbecue tongs, aluminum trays and a kitchen thermometer before the day. Also confirm that coolers, serving platters and outdoor extension cords are available at least one day in advance.

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