10 Things People Always Forget to Bring to a BBQ
A checklist of BBQ essentials that everyone assumes someone else is handling. Spoiler: nobody is.
Every BBQ starts the same way. Someone says “I’ll handle the grill.” Someone else says “I’ll bring drinks.” And then the day arrives and you’re eating burgers with your bare hands because nobody brought plates.
Here are the 10 things that get forgotten at almost every BBQ — and how to make sure they don’t.
1. Ice
Everyone remembers the cooler. Nobody fills it. You need way more ice than you think, especially if it’s hot outside. Two bags minimum for a group of 10. Three if it’s July.
2. Serving utensils
The person who made the potato salad brings a bowl. They do not bring a serving spoon. Now you’re scooping with a fork and making a mess. Tongs, spatulas, and large spoons are everyone’s problem and therefore nobody’s problem.
3. Condiments
There’s a universal BBQ assumption that the host has ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they have a dried-out bottle of yellow mustard from 2023. Bring backups.
4. Napkins
Paper towels work in a pinch, but actual napkins are better and cheaper. BBQ is messy. You’ll go through more than you expect.
5. A trash bag setup
One small kitchen trash can is not going to cut it. You need a large garbage bag in an obvious spot, and ideally a second one for recycling. Nobody wants to deal with the aftermath — making it easy to throw things away prevents the mess from piling up.
6. Non-alcoholic drinks
Someone brings beer. Someone brings more beer. The person who doesn’t drink, the kids, and the designated driver are stuck with tap water. Bring a case of sparkling water or lemonade. It costs three dollars and saves someone from feeling left out.
7. Bug spray
Mosquitoes love BBQs as much as humans do. A single bottle of bug spray sitting on the table saves everyone. Nobody thinks to bring it. Be the hero.
8. Aluminum foil
You need it for covering food, wrapping leftovers, and keeping things warm on the grill. It’s one of those things that has six uses at a BBQ and is available at zero BBQs unless someone specifically plans for it.
9. A phone charger or portable battery
This one’s modern but real. Someone’s going to be on 8% battery trying to look up directions, play music, or take photos. A portable charger or a long extension cord is an underrated BBQ essential.
10. Something vegetarian
If your whole spread is meat and bread, anyone who doesn’t eat meat is stuck with a bun and coleslaw. A veggie burger pack, a bean salad, or even a solid hummus plate goes a long way. Check with your group ahead of time.
The real fix
The pattern here is obvious — nobody forgets the big stuff. It’s the supporting items that slip through the cracks because everyone assumes someone else has it covered.
The simplest fix is a shared checklist. Write down everything needed — not just the food — and let people claim items. When you can see that nobody has claimed napkins, ice, or a trash bag, someone steps up.
HooGotIt makes this take about a minute. List what’s needed, share the link, and people claim items on their phone. No app, no sign-up, no group chat chaos. Just a list that everyone can see.