How to organize a Brazilian barbecue

A Brazilian barbecue works best when the food preparation, fire, and serving setup are planned in that order. Start by confirming the guest list and dietary requirements, then reserve the meat and grill before shopping. Prepare marinades, salads, vegetables, and desserts ahead of time so you can focus on the barbecue once guests arrive. Keep raw meat refrigerated, allow time for charcoal to heat, and set up separate areas for preparation, cooking, and serving.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Finalize the participant list
5
Reserve meat and grill
6
Check the shopping list
7
Do the shopping
2 people
8
Pick up the meat
2 people
9
Store meat refrigerated
2 people
10
Chill drinks
2 people
11
Prepare marinades
2 people
12
Marinate the meat
2 people
13
Wash and cut vegetables
2 people
14
Prepare desserts
2 people
15
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
16
Set up party tents
4 people
17
Place barbecue safely
2 people
18
Hang lighting
2 people
19
Set up buffet tables
2 people
20
Lay out crockery and cutlery
2 people
21
Prepare salads and side dishes
2 people
22
Set out sauces and seasonings
23
Light the charcoal
2 people
24
Disinfect work surfaces

Event

25
Welcome guests
2 people
26
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
27
Bring meat to room temperature
2 people
28
Grill meat
3 people
29
Refill side dishes
2 people
30
Serve dishes
2 people
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
Collect used dishes
2 people
33
Serve dessert
2 people
34
Serve last-round drinks
2 people

Aftercare

35
Chill leftovers safely
2 people
36
Let the barbecue cool down
37
Collect and sort waste
2 people
38
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
39
Wash dishes
2 people
40
Clean the venue
3 people
41
Empty and clean coolers
42
Take down party tents
4 people
43
Take down lighting
2 people
44
Clean the barbecue
2 people
45
Check materials
46
Return borrowed materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Core thermometersqty 2
Meat Tongsqty 6
Grill racksqty 4
Charcoal startersqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 8
Carafesqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cooling matsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 60
Deep platesqty 45
Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Forksqty 60
Knivesqty 60
Spoonsqty 45
Serving spoonsqty 10
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Serving plattersqty 10
Aluminum traysqty 20
Oven mittsqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 2
Meat plattersqty 6

Decorations

Brazilian flagsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Finalize the guest list at least 7 days before the barbecue. Use it to calculate meat, drinks, seating, plates, and any vegetarian or allergy-friendly options instead of shopping from a rough estimate.
Reserve the meat and barbecue early, then collect the meat on the day of the event or no more than 24 hours before. Store it refrigerated immediately and keep raw meat separate from salads, desserts, and serving dishes.
Prepare marinades, cut vegetables, make salads, and finish desserts the day before. This leaves only final assembly and cooking on the event day, when interruptions are most likely.
Set up the barbecue on a stable, non-flammable surface with clear space around it. Place fire extinguishers nearby, keep oven mitts and meat tongs at the grill, and use a core thermometer to check doneness.
Create three practical zones: a clean preparation table, the barbecue area, and a buffet table. Chill drinks before guests arrive, put sauces and seasonings in small bowls, and keep cooked food away from boards and knives used for raw meat.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a Brazilian barbecue?: Start invitations and equipment planning 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Confirm the final participant list and dietary requirements about 7 days before, then reserve the meat and grill.
How much meat do I need for a Brazilian barbecue?: Plan around 400 to 500 grams of raw meat per adult when side dishes are served, and about 250 to 300 grams per child. Add extra if the barbecue is the main meal and guests are likely to stay for several hours.
When should I marinate the meat for a Brazilian barbecue?: Prepare the marinades and marinate suitable cuts the day before, usually 12 to 24 hours ahead. Keep the meat covered and refrigerated, and do not leave it at room temperature before grilling.
How long before guests arrive should I light the charcoal?: Light the charcoal about 45 to 60 minutes before serving the first meat. Start welcoming guests only after the coals are hot and mostly covered with grey ash, so cooking can begin without a long delay.

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.