What to buy for a Liberation barbecue

A Liberation barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks around the number of guests, then check tableware, serving equipment, shelter and lighting before shopping. Dietary requirements should be collected before you set the menu, and chilled drinks need cooler space on the day. This checklist helps you buy the practical items that are easy to overlook when preparing an outdoor barbecue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Platesqty 70
Bowlsqty 60
Glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Forksqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Spoonsqty 60

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Dutch flagsqty 6
Orange pennantsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Lanternsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Sausages - 50 pieces
- Pork belly slices - 40 pieces
- Chicken satay - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Bread rolls - 60 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Corn on the cob - 30 pieces
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetables - 4 kilograms
- Russian salad - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Sliced cheddar - 3 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Party nuts - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Ice - 5 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 96 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Barbecue firelighters - 2 boxes
- Matches - 2 boxes

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per additional hour. Buy extra water and keep enough cooler space for drinks to chill before guests arrive.
Plan roughly 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, plus salads, bread and snacks. Add 10–15% extra if guests will be eating over several hours.
Count one plate, bowl, glass, fork, knife and spoon per guest, then add at least 10% spare tableware. Set aside coffee cups and serving platters so they do not disappear into the kitchen during service.
Check the barbecue, gas cylinders and power equipment at least 3 days beforehand. Test extension cords, power strips, speaker and string lights before putting them outside.
Buy or reserve party tents, tables and chairs before the final week, especially if rain is possible. Put up lighting and decorations before the barbecue starts, including Dutch flags, orange pennants and lanterns.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Liberation barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, with salads, bread and snacks alongside it. Add 10–15% extra for a long afternoon or guests with larger appetites.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for each following hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill drinks in coolers several hours before guests arrive.
When should I buy groceries for a Liberation barbecue?: Order non-perishable groceries and drinks 5–7 days ahead, then buy fresh meat, vegetables and salads 1–2 days before the barbecue. Check dietary requirements before placing the final food order.
How much tableware do I need for an outdoor barbecue?: Provide one plate, bowl, glass, fork, knife and spoon per guest, plus at least 10% spare. For 30 guests, that means 33 of each item where practical, along with enough serving platters, tongs and coffee cups.

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