What to buy for a park barbecue

A park barbecue needs more than food and charcoal. You will also need a way to keep drinks cold, separate raw meat from vegetables, serve food outdoors and protect guests from sun or rain. This shopping list covers the practical equipment, tableware and supplies for setting up a barbecue area, buffet and drinks table in the park. Check final guest numbers before shopping, then adjust food and drink quantities to match the confirmed attendance.

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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 3
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving utensilsqty 8

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Meat thermometerqty 2

Kitchen

Barbecue tongsqty 4
Barbecue brushesqty 2
Cutting knivesqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum grill traysqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Table decorationsqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 2
Dustpan broom
Bucketsqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken thigh fillet - 4 kg
- Hamburgers - 50 pieces
- Chipolata sausages - 50 pieces
- Pork belly slices - 3 kg
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian Sausages - 15 pieces
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kg
- Red onions - 2 kg
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kg
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Potatoes - 5 kg
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Butter - 500 grams
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Potato salad - 3 kg
- Pasta salad - 3 kg
- Mixed salad - 3 kg
- Coleslaw - 2 kg
- Feta - 500 grams
- Grated cheese - 1 kg
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Crispy fried onions - 2 bags
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Lemons - 1 kg
- Ice cubes - 10 kg
- Charcoal - 15 kg
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Keep drinks in coolers with ice packs rather than relying on one shared refrigerator.
Allow 250 to 300 g of main food per adult, including meat and vegetarian options. Buy vegetarian food separately and store it away from raw meat during transport and preparation.
Take at least 1 reusable plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. Outdoor serving often takes longer to collect and wash, so spare tableware prevents a shortage.
Pack one cutting board and knife set for vegetables and another set for raw meat. A meat thermometer and barbecue tongs help you check doneness without guessing.
Confirm the weather forecast 24 hours before the barbecue. Party tents, tablecloths, LED lamps and string lights are easy to forget, but they make a major difference if the event runs into the evening or rain is possible.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a park barbecue?: Plan 250 to 300 g of main food per adult, including meat, vegetarian food and sides. Add around 10% extra if guests are arriving hungry or the barbecue is the main meal.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: For the first hour, allow 2 to 3 drinks per person. For every following hour, add about 1 drink per person, with extra water available throughout the event.
How many plates and glasses do I need for an outdoor barbecue?: Prepare one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% spare items. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each reusable item where possible.
When should I buy food for a park barbecue?: Buy meat, vegetarian products and other chilled food no more than 1 day before the event. Do the final shopping after confirming guest numbers, and keep chilled items refrigerated until you leave for the park.

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