What to Buy for a Network Barbecue

A network barbecue needs more than meat, bread and drinks. You also need enough serving ware, coolers, cooking tools, coffee supplies and clear name badges for guests who may not know one another. Use the guest count and dietary requirements to set quantities, then separate special-diet meals before shopping. Reserve barbecues, a party tent and rental items early, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Beer benchesqty 6
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving utensilsqty 12
Barbecue tongsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 5
Chef's knivesqty 5
Kitchen thermometersqty 2
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 50
Direction signsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Recycling binsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn on the cob - 40 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 3 kilograms
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 kilograms
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Charcoal - 3 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Cleaning agent - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan about 250–350 g of food per adult, including meat, vegetables and salads. Add vegetarian or dietary portions separately rather than assuming everyone will share the same dishes.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per hour. Buy extra water and keep drinks in coolers instead of relying on a single drinks table.
Take at least one reusable plate, bowl, set of cutlery and drinking glass per guest, plus 10–15% spares. For 40 guests, that means 44–46 of each item.
Reserve one barbecue for roughly 15–20 guests and check whether the venue provides fuel or power. Put barbecues well away from the party tent, tables and walkways.
Prepare name badges, direction signs and lighting before setup day. Test extension cords, power strips, string lights and LED lamps at least 24 hours before the barbecue.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a network barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of total food per adult, including meat, vegetarian options, salads and bread. For 30 adults, plan roughly 7.5–10.5 kg in total, then adjust for the event length and confirmed dietary requirements.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Budget 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 per person for each additional hour. For a three-hour barbecue with 30 guests, that is about 120–150 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic options.
How many plates and glasses do I need for 40 guests?: Use one plate, bowl, set of cutlery and glass per guest, plus 10–15% spares. For 40 people, prepare 44–46 of each item so replacements are available during the meal.
When should I reserve barbecues and a party tent?: Reserve barbecues, the party tent, tables, chairs and other rental items at least 2–4 weeks before the event. Confirm the booking and delivery details one week before, then check the equipment when it arrives.

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