What you need for a Sinterklaas barbecue

A Sinterklaas barbecue needs more than meat, vegetables and charcoal. You also need enough cold storage, serving utensils, reusable tableware, coffee supplies and lighting for guests staying after dark. This shopping list is built for an outdoor celebration with party tents, buffet tables and Sinterklaas decorations. Check the final guest count and dietary requirements before buying, then schedule shopping and charcoal collection close to the event.

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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 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 10
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Oven mittsqty 2
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Charcoal barbecuesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Sinterklaas flagsqty 4
Sint Nicolas decorationsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 45
Sinterklaas mitresqty 45

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 45 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 45 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 45 units
- Bacon steaks - 2.5 kilo
- Veggie burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetable skewers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Pistolets - 30 pieces
- Garlic baguettes - 8 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilos
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilos
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilos
- Pasta salad - 3 kilos
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Italian herbs - 1 canister
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue marinade - 3 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Hot chocolate - 6 liters
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Pepernoten - 3 kilos
- Spiced cookies - 2 kilos
- Chocolate Letters - 45 pieces
- Speculaas - 6 packs
- Marzipan - 1 kilo
- Mandarins - 4 kilo
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Kitchen gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan drinks for the first hour separately: allow two to three drinks per guest, then add water, coffee and tea for the rest of the afternoon or evening. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive, rather than relying on one refrigerator.
Buy barbecue fuel and collect it at least one day before the event. A last-minute charcoal run is easy to forget, especially when you are also transporting tables, chairs and party tents.
Count plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery against the final guest list, then add about 10 percent extra. Reusable tableware is only useful if there is enough for dessert, seconds and replacements.
Prepare marinades, washed vegetables and chilled meat in separate containers before setting up the barbecue. Keep raw meat cold and use separate serving utensils for cooked food to avoid mixing them.
Do not leave lighting and weather protection until the day itself. Put up the party tents and check string lights or LED lanterns before guests arrive, with tables and the buffet positioned underneath or nearby.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Sinterklaas barbecue?: Use the confirmed guest count as your starting point and plan roughly 300 to 400 grams of raw barbecue food per adult, including meat and vegetables. Add extra portions for children, vegetarian guests and anyone staying for dessert.
How many drinks should I buy for a Sinterklaas barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then around one drink per person per hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first batch in coolers before guests arrive.
When should I buy charcoal for the barbecue?: Buy or collect the charcoal at least one day before the barbecue. This gives you time to check that the barbecue, fuel and lighting equipment are all ready before setup begins.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Plan at least one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10 percent extra. For a 20-person barbecue, that means preparing at least 22 of each reusable item where possible.

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