What to buy for a street barbecue

A street barbecue needs more than meat, bread and charcoal. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then add the equipment that keeps raw ingredients separate from ready-to-eat food. This list also covers servingware, coolers, tables, lighting and waste bins, so you are not making a last-minute shop run. Check dietary requirements before buying, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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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
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 3
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable glassesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cooking thermometersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Gas lightersqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Kitchen tongsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 8
Name badgesqty 50
Chalkboardsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Groceries

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Chipolata sausages - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Marinated chicken breast - 3 kilogram
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Romaine lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 4 crates
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Peanut mix - 3 bags
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Barbecue charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs

Tips

Allow about 250–350 g of food per adult, including meat, vegetarian items, salads and bread. Buy separate vegetarian ingredients and keep them away from raw meat during preparation and cooking.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the first batch in coolers before guests arrive and keep reserve drinks cold.
For a self-service buffet, provide one plate, bowl, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus roughly 10% extra. Add serving spoons, trays and small bowls so guests do not use personal cutlery for shared food.
Bring at least one cooking thermometer and separate cutting boards, knives and tongs for raw meat and cooked food. A spare set prevents cross-contamination when the barbecue gets busy.
Arrange lighting, extension cords and power strips before dusk, and place waste bins where people eat and drink. Test string lights or LED lamps at least one hour before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a street barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of total food per adult, including meat, vegetarian options, salads and bread. For children, plan around 150–200 g, then adjust for the length of the barbecue and whether dessert is included.
How many drinks should I buy for a street barbecue?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for every additional hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options for the full guest count, not only for people who do not drink alcohol.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery sets do I need?: Buy or bring one set per guest plus 10% extra; for 40 guests, that means 44 plates, 44 glasses and 44 cutlery sets. Add bowls if you are serving salads, sauces or other side dishes.
When should I chill drinks for a street barbecue?: Put drinks in coolers at least 3–4 hours before guests arrive so the first batch is cold. Keep extra drinks in a separate cooler and avoid opening the main cooler repeatedly.

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