What you need for a neighborhood barbecue

A neighborhood barbecue needs more than meat, bread and drinks. This shopping list covers the food, serving items, barbecue equipment, fuel, seating support, lighting and cleanup supplies that are easy to overlook. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest count, including dietary requirements, and buy non-perishable items first. Arrange barbecues, gas cylinders and any tents or tables early, then chill drinks and prepare marinades on the day before or the morning of the event.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 2
Folding benchesqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Grill tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Measuring cupsqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dishpanqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Broomqty 2
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 50 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 15 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Garlic baguettes - 8 pieces
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 4 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Corn cobs - 25 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Sambal - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Plain potato chips - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 2 kilograms
- Snack mix - 1 kilogram
- Peanuts - 1 kilogram
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Pils - 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
- Cookies - 3 packs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice pops - 60 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan about 250–350 g of raw meat or vegetarian food per adult, plus salads, bread and side dishes. Buy extra vegetarian portions once dietary requirements are confirmed rather than guessing from the total headcount.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 drink per person for each following hour. Chill more drinks than fit in the refrigerator by using coolers, and keep water available throughout the event.
Check barbecue and gas availability at least 7 days before the barbecue. If you are using more than one barbecue, match each unit with the correct gas cylinder and keep the cylinders upright and away from heat.
Count tableware by guest and add 10% spare: for 30 guests, prepare at least 33 plates, cutlery sets and glasses. Include coffee cups, serving platters, serving spoons and pouring jugs, which are often forgotten until the buffet is ready.
Buy or confirm waste bins, bin liners, a dishpan, dustpan and brush before setup day. Put waste stations near the buffet and drinks area, and keep cutting boards and the chef's knife separate from ready-to-eat food.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a neighborhood barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of raw meat or vegetarian food per adult, then add salads, bread and side dishes. For 30 adults, that means roughly 7.5–10.5 kg of barbecue food before accounting for children and special dietary needs.
How many drinks should I buy for a neighborhood barbecue?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 drink per person for every hour after that. For a three-hour barbecue with 30 guests, buy enough for roughly 120–150 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic options.
How many plates and glasses do I need for 30 guests?: Prepare at least 33 plates, cutlery sets and glasses for 30 guests, giving you a 10% spare allowance. Add coffee cups separately if coffee or tea will be served after the meal.
When should I arrange the barbecue equipment and gas?: Confirm the barbecues, gas cylinders, coolers and extension equipment at least 7 days before the event. Check the gas supply again the day before, because replacing an empty or incompatible cylinder at the last minute can delay cooking.

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.