What to Buy for a Texas Barbecue

A Texas barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the servingware, cooking equipment, drinks setup and practical supplies needed to feed your guests without last-minute trips to the store. Plan your quantities after confirming the guest list and dietary requirements, then shop early enough to chill drinks, check the meat and prepare sauces, salads and desserts. Reserve barbecues, tables and party tents before the event if you do not own them.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 2
Chairsqty 50
Beer table setsqty 4
Coat rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 55
Dessert platesqty 55
Cutlery setsqty 55
Drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 45
Serving plattersqty 12
Large serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Food thermometersqty 3
Food warmersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Stainless steel traysqty 8
Baking traysqty 4
Kitchen tongsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Table décorqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Recycling binsqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef brisket - 7 kg
- Pulled pork - 6 kg
- Spare ribs - 8 kg
- Beef Chipolata - 4 kg
- Chicken thighs - 5 kg
- Vegetarian burgers - 8 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Corncobs - 45 pieces
- Potatoes - 8 kg
- Red cabbage - 3 kg
- White cabbage - 3 kg
- Carrots - 3 kg
- Romaine lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kg
- Red onions - 2 kg
- Spring onions - 6 bunches
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Jalapeños - 6 jars
- Coriander - 8 bunches
- Limes - 20 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Avocados - 20 pieces
- Cheddar - 3 kg
- Sour cream - 3 liters
- Mayonnaise - 3 liters
- Ketchup - 3 liters
- American mustard - 2 liter
- Barbecue sauce - 5 liters
- Hot pepper sauce - 4 bottles
- Relish - 2 liters
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Apple cider vinegar - 2 liters
- Honey - 1 kg
- Brown sugar - 2 kg
- Smoked paprika - 500 g
- Chili powder - 300 g
- Cumin powder - 250 g
- Garlic powder - 250 g
- Onion powder - 250 g
- Black pepper - 250 g
- Salt - 1 kg
- Charcoal - 30 kg
- Firelighters - 3 packs
- Smoking wood chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 kg
- Corn chips - 2 kg
- Peanuts - 2 kg
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kg
- Brownies - 60
- Vanilla ice cream - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 10 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Light Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 1 kg
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Ice cubes - 25 kg
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan around 250–350 g of raw meat per adult when meat is the main meal, allowing extra for bones, trimming and second helpings. Add separate options once you know the dietary requirements.
Buy drinks for the full serving period, not just the meal: allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one drink per person per hour, plus water and non-alcoholic options.
Allow at least 1.5 dinner plates, sets of cutlery and drinking glasses per guest if washing up during the barbecue is not practical. Keep dessert plates and coffee cups separate.
Book the barbecue equipment, coolers, food thermometers and food warmers at least 7 days ahead. A second barbecue may be needed if several cuts must finish at different temperatures.
Shop for sauces, salads and desserts at least 1 day before the event, but buy fresh meat according to its storage instructions. Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive and keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a Texas barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of raw meat per adult when barbecue meat is the main meal. For children, plan about 125–200 g, and add more if you are serving mostly bone-in cuts or expect generous second helpings.
How many drinks should I buy for a Texas barbecue?: Start with two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Provide water and non-alcoholic drinks as well, and chill them at least 4 hours before serving.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Plan 1.5 dinner plates, sets of cutlery and drinking glasses per guest when there is no dishwasher or washing-up service. Add one dessert plate and one coffee cup per guest if dessert and coffee are being served.
When should I shop for a Texas barbecue?: Buy equipment, tableware, coolers and drinks 3–7 days ahead, depending on availability and storage space. Buy fresh meat as close to the event as its storage instructions allow, and prepare sauces, salads and desserts no later than the day before.

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