Spring and summer is here; get out your checkered tablecloths, aprons, grills and smokers. I’m having thoughts of juicy hamburgers, BBQ chicken, smoked sausage, grilled veggies and all the wonderful things that come this time of year with friends, family and great food. Let the recipe for a great day out begin.

Like Maurice de Vlamick said, " Good painting is like good cooking. It can be tasted, but not explained." What better way to have your food appreciated then a BBQ party with family and friends?

First you need to think about all the things you will need to kick off this BBQ season. First things first; You need the right grill. A BBQ isn’t right unless you’re having something doing all the dirty work for you and making the delicious food for your guests.

If you already have one, you need to check your propane tanks for any signs of corrosion

or wear. Make sure you allow for an extensive "burn in" period where you heat it up to

400 degrees and let it cook for 40-45 minutes. Then let the grill cool down and wipe it

out and you are good to go. You don’t want your guests tasting the cobwebs and bugs from the winter season in their food!

You always want to check the weather when planning a BBQ and make sure the weather will be nice and sunny outside on the day of the party. Also plan ahead of time and schedule with guests to make sure a certain time fits perfectly with everyone. When it comes to BBQ there are so many types of foods available. It depends on your crowd

and what kind of event you are celebrating. Always make sure you thaw and prepare your

meat 12- 24 hours before your party and get together the sides you want to serve with

your dishes.

A themed BBQ is always fun and exciting. It gives you a whole new reason to decorate. What better way to kick off spring and summer with hip dinnerware? Go with colorful fun dishes with eye- catching playful prints and bold colors and always

try and buy two different sets that have similar colors or patterns so you can mix and match throughout the spring and summer seasons. Also you can get different colored tablecloths, napkins and décor to go with the dinnerware.

When having a BBQ always have some fun outdoor lighting options like Tiki torches, faux torches and/or fun string lights to keep the party going well into the night. You may also want to get some patio furniture so your guests have somewhere to relax and chill.

What’s a BBQ without some music? There are so many types of music out there. If you want a relaxing day in the sun choose something mellow,but if you want a pool or dance party you can just turn on the radio to any station and let the dancing begin.

Another fun idea is to have BYOM (bring your own music) and let the guests decide and take turns listening and enjoying some of their favorite songs.

When it comes to a BBQ you can only sit around and hang out for so long, so make sure you have some options of outdoor games. They are always fun and exciting with a group of people and bring easy entertainment. There are so many outdoor games to choose from like volleyball, horseshoes, Frisbees, lawn bowling, bad mitten, shuffleboard

and basketball. This allows a group to stay entertained. Don’t forget to leave some insect

repellent laying around for your guests. Don’t want them going home looking like they have the chicken pox.

Outdoor season has just begun and time to hangout outside with family, friends or even just a relaxing evening of grilling for yourself so make sure you kick your BBQ season to the right start. Happy Grilling!