What to Buy for a Winter Barbecue

A winter barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks for cold-weather appetites, then add the practical items that keep guests warm, dry and safely served after dark. This checklist covers the shopping and equipment around the grill, including coolers, serving gear, lighting, coffee supplies and shelter. Confirm your final guest count before buying, and check dietary requirements early so special items do not become a last-minute job.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 3
Benchesqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Patio heatersqty 4

Kitchen

Grill tongsqty 6
Barbecue spatulasqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 8
Meat thermometersqty 3
Aluminum barbecue traysqty 6
Oven mittsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Menu boardsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2
Fire blanketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 45 pieces
- Pork sausages - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 55 pieces
- White mini baguettes - 55 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Corn cobs - 24 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Cheddar slices - 50 slices
- Fried onions - 3 jars
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 2 jars
- Satay marinade - 2 bottles
- Barbecue spice mix - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Mandarins - 3 kilograms
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Chocolate cookies - 5 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Lemon soda - 5 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Mulled wine - 10 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Barbecue fire starters - 4 boxes
- Charcoal - 30 kilograms
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Plastic cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan around 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, plus vegetables, bread and salads. Add 10–15% extra if guests will be outside for several hours in cold weather.
Buy drinks for the whole evening, not just the meal: allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 per hour after that, with plenty of water and hot coffee or tea.
Allow at least 1 plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% spare. Count coffee cups separately if coffee and tea will be served after eating.
Arrange shelter, patio heaters and lighting before shopping day if they need to be reserved. For an evening barbecue, provide enough string or work lights to illuminate the buffet, tables and grill without relying on indoor power.
Do not leave fuel, gas cylinders, extension cords, serving platters or meat thermometers until the day itself. Check fuel and equipment 1–2 days beforehand, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a winter barbecue?: Allow 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian barbecue food per adult, then add side dishes such as vegetables, salads and bread. For a long outdoor event in cold weather, buy around 10–15% extra.
How many drinks should I buy for a winter barbecue?: Plan for 2–3 drinks per person in the first hour and 1–2 drinks per hour afterwards. Include water for everyone, and prepare coffee or tea for the later part of the event.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Buy one plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% spare. If you are serving coffee or tea, provide one coffee cup per guest as well.
When should I check the winter barbecue shopping list?: Check the complete list 2–3 days before the barbecue, when there is still time to reserve tents or barbecues and replace missing equipment. Check the final guest count and dietary requirements before doing the main shop.

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.