The Food
If you're the host, it's important that you create a great menu to delight your guests. As a rule of thumb, buy really good cuts of meat in order to get the best taste out of your barbecue. For the best results, make a visit to a local butcher or talk to your grocer's meat department to find out what cuts will work best for your menu. Next, be sure to prepare a marinade, barbecue sauce, or seasoning blend that'll leave your guests wanting more. Get creative and invent your own, use a time trusted recipe, or try experimenting with various bottled sauces and ready made marinades to get the flavor you want out of your meat. To compliment the feature barbecue attractions, serve up complimentary side dishes that are lighter in flavor or in texture. Popular choices for barbecue sides include chips, baked beans, potato or pasta salads, grilled vegetables, salad, corn on the cob, or a blend of fresh vegetables and dip. If you're a guest, talk to your host to see if you could help out by bringing a favorite dish.

The Tools
When it comes to grilling, you need to make sure you have everything you need to make your meal turn out right. Before you even step outside, be sure you have everything you need not only to season, grill, and slice your meats, but also be sure you have enough serving ware to meet the needs of your guests. Stock up on plates, cups, and silverware to ensure that you're ready to meet the appetites of your guests, not to mention, be sure you have enough serving platters or bowls to handle your extensive menu.

The Beverages
Barbecues are often the sign of sunny, summer weather, so you want to make sure that you're stocked with the drinks you need to keep the occasion refreshing. Lemonade, water, punches, soda, mixed drinks, iced beverages, and beer are often essentials that are best kept on hand for when you plan on throwing your next barbecue. If you're a guest, offer to bring something to help out your host.

The Atmosphere
To create a laid back atmosphere that will keep your guests feeling warm and welcome, pick a theme and run with it. Love luaus? Throw one in your backyard complete with tropical fruit, drinks, grass skirts, tiki torches, and flower leis. Want an all-American backyard barbecue? Play some classic summer tunes and open up the pool for some games or as a great way to cool off. Just remember to have enough seating and shade so that your guests stay comfortable. Remember, it's your party, so make it all your own by adding elements that you're sure will delight your guests.

Say Thank You
And finally, as a fun and festive way to thank your host for a great rack or ribs or out of this world burgers, send them a Barbecue Gift Basket. These thoughtful and useful gifts are filled with grilling gear, sauces, seasonings, and other outdoor cooking essentials that are sure to make the next get together even better. Not to mention, your favorite grill master will love getting another excuse to man the spatula and fire up that grill!