What to buy for a reunion barbecue

A reunion barbecue needs more than meat, buns and drinks. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from separate trays for vegetarian food to enough cold storage and serving utensils. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list, including dietary requirements, children and non-drinkers. Buy fresh food close to the event, but arrange hired furniture, a party tent and gas cylinders several days in advance.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 3
Fold-out drinks table

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 45
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 10

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 9
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Name badgesqty 45
Trash bin signsqty 3

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Microphone

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 5
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 5
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Aluminum barbecue traysqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 50 pieces
- Chipolata sausages - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 55 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 24 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilograms
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 3 kilograms
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 package
- Black pepper - 1 package
- Paprika powder - 1 package
- Italian herbs - 1 pack
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Water - 40 liter
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Charcoal - 3 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow about 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, plus 2–3 side dishes and enough bread for everyone. Add separate vegetarian portions rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers the day before and keep a separate supply of water and non-alcoholic options.
Use separate cutting boards, serving platters and tongs for raw meat and vegetarian food. Prepare and label the vegetarian items before handling meat to prevent mix-ups.
Count reusable plates, bowls, glasses, forks, knives and spoons against the final registration list, then add at least 10% extra. Include coffee cups, serving spoons and tongs, which are often missed in the main shop.
Buy or arrange practical extras at least 3–5 days ahead: gas cylinders, barbecue trays, extension cords, rubbish-bin signs, name badges and lighting. Check the weather before deciding whether to reserve a party tent.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a reunion barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, with extra portions for long events or hearty eaters. Add side dishes, bread and dessert based on the final guest count and collected dietary requirements.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and around 1 drink per person for each following hour. Include at least one non-alcoholic option and keep water available throughout the event.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Provide one plate, bowl and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 of each, along with matching cutlery and enough coffee cups for dessert or coffee.
When should I buy barbecue supplies for a reunion?: Arrange furniture, a party tent, gas cylinders and equipment 3–5 days before the event. Buy fresh meat, vegetables, salads and desserts one day before, then chill drinks and prepare food on the day itself.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.