What to buy for an opening barbecue

An opening barbecue needs more than meat, bread and drinks. Use this shopping list to cover the barbecue setup, buffet service, seating, lighting and cleanup before guests arrive. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest count, then add extra drinks and disposable backup supplies if the weather or turnout is uncertain. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and make sure the barbecue, gas cylinders and coolers are ready at least one day ahead.

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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 55
High tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 20
Reusable glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 60

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Aluminum grill traysqty 10
Meat thermometer

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Table décorqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Sausages - 50 pieces
- Chicken satay - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetable skewers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue seasoning - 3 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Sliced cheddar - 3 packs
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Iced tea - 5 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Skewers - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Barbecue lighter cubes - 2 boxes
- Charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 refills

Tips

Plan about 250–350 g of meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives per adult, plus 2–3 bread portions and at least 150 g of salad or vegetables per person. Buy separate marinades and serving utensils for vegetarian food to prevent cross-contamination.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per hour. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep a separate supply of water available throughout the barbecue.
Count one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. This covers dropped items, second servings and dietary dishes without forcing guests to wait for washing up.
Check fuel before shopping: a gas barbecue needs a full gas cylinder plus a spare if the barbecue will run for several hours. Add aluminum grill trays, serving tongs and a meat thermometer so cooked food can be handled and checked safely.
Buy practical supplies people often forget: ice, napkins, food containers for leftovers, bin liners and lighting. If tables or the drinks station are outdoors, include tablecloths, party tents and extension cords only after checking the venue’s power and weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an opening barbecue?: For a mixed menu, allow 250–350 g of meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives per adult, plus bread, salads and vegetables. Add about 10% extra if guests can arrive without confirming or if the barbecue lasts more than 3 hours.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 per person for every additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first supply at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
What barbecue equipment is easy to forget?: Check the barbecue itself, gas cylinders, aluminum grill trays, serving tongs and a meat thermometer. Test the barbecue and confirm the gas supply at least 1 day before the event, rather than discovering a problem when guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Buy one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each item, unless you have a reliable washing-up system during the event.

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