Spring is in full bloom; it’s the season to enjoy your time with family and friends outside.  Refreshing beverages, barbecues and relaxation are the ingredients for a perfect time outdoors. I’m planning a Memorial Day outdoor get together with the members of my book club and their husbands (who go to the sports bar for dinner on book club nights and started their own club). The key to a successful backyard barbecue is planning.

First on the To Do List is to make a guest list and send out invitations; I use www.evite.com to invite my friends.

Next up is planning the menu. When I was growing up in the northeast, we would typically grill steaks, burgers and hot dogs. Now that I live on the west coast and the years have progressed, there is a whole lot more that ends up on the grill, from vegetables and fruit to seafood, poultry and ribs.

On a recent visit to Atlanta, I bought some great BBQ rub to be used for anything that you grill. We tried it on salmon last week and loved it.  Have you ever considered cooking a pineapple  on the BBQ? How about onions, asparagus, peppers or corn on the cob still in the husk? Salmon, shrimp, halibut, swordfish, as well as turkey, veggie and Portobello mushroom burgers are all very common fare on the grill these days. In the west marinated Tri-tip is a favorite, too. I will most likely BBQ a variety of our best-loved recipes to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Once the menu is set, select the music that you want to play on your outdoor speakers. It is always nice to appeal to all the senses when planning your party. If it happens to be a holiday like Memorial Day, close your eyes and imagine the perfect gathering. Then, sketch out what enhancements you want to use to accent your outdoor furniture – like an outdoor table cloth, napkins, plates and table top accessories.  You can use lighting such as votives, lanterns and candles to create a special atmosphere as well.

Do all of the food prep before everyone arrives, so you will have time to relax and enjoy your company.

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So what are you planning for your next outdoor get together? What special touches do you incorporate in your planning to make outdoor entertaining a success?