What you need for a neighborhood barbecue

A neighborhood barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the items that keep food preparation, serving, seating, drinks, coffee, and cleanup running smoothly for a shared outdoor meal. Buy or borrow the reusable tableware, coolers, serving equipment, lighting, and shelter before the final guest count is known. Check dietary requirements and the weather forecast first, then adjust groceries and seating for the confirmed number of guests.

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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 50
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pitcherqty 4

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettle
Extension cordsqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 8
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 50 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 skewers
- Chicken skewers - 40 sticks
- Beef sausages - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 4 kilogram
- Mixed green salad - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cheddar slices - 60 slices
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Fried onions - 3 bags
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Beer - 5 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Marinade - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Barbecue seasoning - 2 jars
- Butter - 2 packs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 boxes
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Wet wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan food and drinks for the final guest count, then add about 10% extra for bread, salads, and non-alcoholic drinks. This prevents the buffet from running empty when guests arrive at different times.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep ice packs available for food that must stay cold.
Count one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Serving spoons, pitchers, and kitchen tongs are easy to overlook but are needed as soon as the buffet opens.
Check the barbecue fuel before shopping and keep at least one spare gas cylinder available if the barbecue uses gas. Put the barbecue on a stable surface and keep separate worktables for raw ingredients and serving food.
Prepare for a change in weather with party tents, tablecloths, LED lanterns, and waste bins. Bring extension cords only where needed, and test string lights and the coffee maker before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a neighborhood barbecue?: Start with the confirmed guest count and plan the main food, salads, vegetables, bread, marinades, and condiments around it. Add roughly 10% extra for shared sides and bread, especially when guests have not confirmed arrival times.
How many drinks should I buy for a neighborhood barbecue?: Budget two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Include water and other non-alcoholic options, and chill them in coolers before the barbecue starts.
How many plates and cups do I need for a barbecue?: Buy or borrow one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means 33 of each item so replacements are available during the meal.
What should I buy for a barbecue if it might rain?: Arrange party tents before the event and provide enough covered space for guests, food, and the serving area. Add tablecloths, LED lanterns, and tested extension cords where needed, and check the forecast at least one day before shopping.

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