As soon as the sun comes out and the scent of charcoal wafts through the garden, it's time to fire up the grill, invite the guests, and get the party started! But a successful BBQ party requires more than just sausages and coals. To ensure you can host with confidence, you need a good plan—or better yet, a barbecue party checklist for 4 to 10 people that takes everything into account.

Whether you 're planning a backyard barbecue , inviting friends to the patio, or a summer BBQ with family and neighbors , this list is sure to make your event a hit. From preparation to drinks, side dishes, grilled food, and decorations, to the perfect grilled desserts , we've got you covered.

Checklist for a successful barbecue party (4–10 people)

🔥 1. Advance planning (3–5 days in advance)

Invite guests & clarify RSVP

Determine location (garden, terrace, balcony)

Organize seating & tables

Check grill & accessories (gas/coal, tongs, lighter, aluminum trays or cast iron fire pan , Halo tray etc.)

Music & Light (playlist, fairy lights, Bluetooth speaker?)

🛒 2. Create a shopping list

Grilled food: sausages, steaks, veggie burgers, fish, marinades

Side dishes: Baguette, salads, dips, herb butter, sauces

Drinks: Beer, wine, lemonade, water, ice cubes, possibly aperitif

Sweets from the grill: bananas, marshmallows, fruits, cinnamon, chocolate

Disposable tableware or cutlery , napkins/ napkin holders , grill box , glasses

👨 3. Preparation on the day of the party

Clean & heat up the grill

Prepare salads and dips, wooden bowls, build-ur-burger bar

Cool & prepare drinks (cool box or zinc tub with ice!) Ice bucket , wine cooler , pourer , opening wood

Prepare skewers, burgers, etc. (marinate, insert skewers, etc.)

Provide cutting boards , pizza peels , knives & kitchen roll, grill tongs

🍽 4. Organize a buffet and grill station

Separation of raw food from finished food. For example, use our HOTTY Legacy to transport it from the kitchen to the grill. Place the raw food on the first stainless steel plate and then replace it with a second stainless steel plate to serve the finished food. Light the tea lights beforehand.

Setting the tables (buffet style or menu?) Placemats , coasters , plates, cutlery; wooden bowls and boards , chip baskets , snack paper , napkin rings , pepper and salt mills , cruet sets , table caddy , Hotty Tapas , grill boxes , cake stands , chrome napkin holders , chrome candlesticks …

HOTTYs of all kinds for keeping food warm

Hand disinfectant or wet wipes at hand

Decoration: lanterns, flowers, fairy lights for mood, lantern , narrow table lamp , Pit Light table lamp, Fire Cage table lamp , Iron Bloom vase , Coral vase , Stone and Iron candle holders, Nubs tealight

🍓 5. Dessert & Wow Factor

Chocolate bananas, grilled peaches, s'mores or French toast

Ice cream, with our ice cream bowls, ice cream spoons or fruit skewers as a light finish

Photo spots for guests (with wooden board, logo, funny accessories?)

Small gifts or thank you cards?

🧹 6. Cleanup & Conclusion

Provide waste separation (residual waste, recycling)

Box for deposit bottles & glasses

Clean the grill after it has cooled down

Thank you message to guests the next day

Bonus tip:

Create a small menu board or drinks list on a stand – this looks professional, saves questions and brings a bistro vibe!