What you need for a neighborhood barbecue

A neighborhood barbecue needs more than meat, buns and charcoal. Plan food and drinks around the final guest count, then check servingware, cooling space, cooking tools and weather protection before shopping. Dietary requirements should be collected before you buy, and meat and vegetables need separate storage and preparation areas. This list covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook, from fire blankets and thermometers to lighting and reusable tableware.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Beer tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving boardsqty 8

Equipment

Charcoal barbecuesqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Outdoor speaker
Digital thermometersqty 2

Kitchen

Barbecue tongsqty 4
Barbecue spatulasqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 9
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Rechargeable lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Buckets and mopsqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic butter - 4 tubs
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Sambal - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 tin
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Italian herbs - 1 canister
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Still water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Mini ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Table labels - 10 pieces
- Charcoal - 30 kilograms
- Firelighters - 3 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour afterward. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep a separate reserve for later.
Buy enough reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for the final guest count, plus a 10% spare allowance. Include serving boards and platters so cooked food does not go straight onto preparation surfaces.
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for meat and vegetarian food, and keep digital thermometers available to check that meat is cooked safely. Label dishes and stock clearly when allergens or dietary requirements are involved.
Do not leave charcoal, barbecue equipment or fire-safety supplies until the day itself. Fire blankets, a broom and dustpan, and buckets and mops should be on site before the barbecues are lit.
Check the venue surface and the forecast at least 48 hours ahead. Party tents, tablecloths, string lights and rechargeable lanterns are easy to forget when the barbecue starts in daylight but runs into the evening.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a neighborhood barbecue?: For a main meal, plan roughly 300 to 400 g of food per adult, including meat, vegetarian options, salads and sides. Add about 10% extra when attendance is uncertain, and use the confirmed guest count for the final shop.
How many drinks should I buy for a neighborhood barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by around one drink per person per hour. For a four-hour barbecue, that is approximately five to six drinks per guest, with extra water available throughout.
When should I buy meat and vegetables for a barbecue?: Buy fresh meat and vegetables no more than one day before the barbecue, unless they are safely frozen or vacuum-packed. Keep meat chilled and separate from vegetables, and transport it in a cooler if the journey takes longer than 30 minutes.
What barbecue equipment is easy to forget?: Check for charcoal, barbecue tongs, spatulas, cutting boards, knives and digital thermometers before leaving the shop. Also have coolers, extension cords, lighting and fire blankets ready at least one day before setup.

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