Parent barbecue shopping list

A parent barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Use this shopping list to cover food, drinks, servingware, cooking equipment, seating, shelter and cleanup before guests arrive. Plan vegetarian portions and check dietary requirements before buying, then chill drinks and prepare vegetables on the day. The quantities depend on your guest count, but the checklist helps prevent the commonly missed items: enough serving utensils, cups for coffee, bins, shade and safe power for lighting or equipment.

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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
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 8
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Aluminum foil dispenser

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 4
Dish brushesqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 50 pieces
- Pork satay - 3 kilogram
- Chicken skewers - 3 kilograms
- Thick bratwurst - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 2 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue spices - 4 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 jars
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Lemon soda - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Pilsener - 4 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Ice pops - 60 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Fresh fruit - 5 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Kitchen foil - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box

Tips

Plan around 250–350 g of meat or other main food per adult, plus vegetarian portions for anyone who does not eat meat. Add salads, bread and dessert separately rather than assuming the barbecue food will cover the whole meal.
Buy two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Chill part of the supply in coolers and keep water clearly available throughout the event.
Allow one reusable plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Serving platters and serving tongs are easily forgotten when food is bought but not yet ready to put on the buffet.
For an outdoor barbecue, arrange shelter before the day and check the weather forecast 24 hours beforehand. Tables, chairs, waste bins and tablecloths should be included in the plan, not added after the food shopping.
Set aside equipment for preparation and cleanup: cutting boards, chef’s knives, aluminum trays, foil, kitchen tongs and washing-up basins. If you use string lights, coffee machines or kettles outdoors, check the extension cords and power points before setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a parent barbecue?: Plan 250–350 g of main food per adult, then add salads, bread and dessert. Buy separate vegetarian portions for every guest who needs them rather than relying on side dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that. Include water and chill the first serving before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Prepare one plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, plus around 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 of each item used throughout the meal.
What do people usually forget for an outdoor parent barbecue?: Commonly missed items are vegetarian food, serving tongs, coffee cups, waste bins, shelter and washing-up basins. Check these at least 24 hours before the event, along with lighting and extension cords.

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