What you need for a square barbecue

A square barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan the food, serving equipment and cooling space together, then add what makes a shared outdoor meal run safely: tables, reusable tableware, lighting and fire equipment. This checklist also helps you spot items that are often arranged too late, such as refrigerated storage, extension cords and enough serving platters. Use your guest count to set quantities, and confirm dietary requirements before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 45
Tableclothqty 9

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 45
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Equipment

Charcoal barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Digital meat thermometersqty 2

Kitchen

Chef's knivesqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Grill tongsqty 6
Aluminum grill traysqty 8
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 9

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 3

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2
First aid kits

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Washing-up basinsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 40 pieces
- Grill sausages - 30 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 30 pieces
- Veggie burgers - 12 pieces
- Halloumi - 4 packs
- Corn on the cob - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Coleslaw - 2 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 2 kilogram
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Sambal - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 5 crates
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Charcoal - 10 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Dessert ice cream - 5 liters
- Fresh fruit - 5 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishcloths - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow about 250–350 g of meat or other barbecue food per adult, then add vegetables, salads, bread and sauces separately. Buy extra portions only after checking registrations and dietary requirements.
For a buffet, provide at least one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10–15% spare tableware. Plan separate serving tongs and platters for raw and cooked food.
Keep meat refrigerated until it goes on the grill. Use coolers with ice or cold packs, and prepare vegetables, salads and sauces in separate containers before setting up the square.
Reserve charcoal barbecues, the party tent and tables early enough for the expected attendance. The barbecue area needs clear space away from the tent, decorations and guest seating.
Check lighting and safety before shopping is finished: allow enough extension cords, LED lamps or string lights for the full serving area, and place a fire extinguisher and fire blanket where organisers can reach them immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a square barbecue?: For adults, plan around 250–350 g of meat or equivalent barbecue food per person. Add salads, vegetables, bread and sauces separately, and increase the total for a long event or guests who will eat a full meal.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Start with one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, then add 10–15% spare pieces. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each frequently used item.
When should I buy barbecue meat and vegetables?: Buy meat close enough to the event to keep it safely refrigerated, ideally the day before or on the day itself. Wash and cut vegetables shortly before preparation, then store salads and sauces in covered containers.
What safety equipment do I need for a square barbecue?: Keep at least one fire extinguisher and one fire blanket immediately accessible near, but not inside, the barbecue area. Check the forecast and lighting at least 24 hours before the event so the setup can be adjusted in time.

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