There are as many styles of barbecue as there are foods to throw on the grill. Select a theme and carry it through from decorations to food preparations. For example, if you want to have a Texas-style BBQ, go over the top with rhinestone cowboy accessories and Lone Star décor. For a more posh party, incorporate a traditional garden theme with fresh blooms and floral table linens.

If you're keeping your barbecue a little less themey, a few simple touches can give your garden a lively atmosphere. The American-style red-and-white checkered tablecloths add some kitsch to your barbecue. You can also line walkways with votives or river stones. Hanging white twinkle lights on fences or patio railings provides great ambiance when the sun begins to set.

If there's room, set up a tent or canopy, or encircle a table with netting to create a graceful buffet area. For some added flare, incorporate a fire pit or chiminea, which are perfect for adding light in the evening as well as for roasting marshmallows. Burning citronella candles is particularly effective in repelling flies and annoying midges.

Since barbecues typically celebrate summertime, dress in light, colourful clothing. This is the time to be casual and comfortable, without worrying that you'll ruin your clothes with unruly barbecue sauce.

Be sure to bring warmer items like a jumper, wrap or jacket, since it can get a little chilly after dark.
 

Enjoying the beautiful weather and the company of friends is what barbecues are all about. To liven things up even more, add a few fun activities for guests of all ages. Here are some ideas that will keep your company entertained and make your BBQ a memorable event:

• Set up a fun yard game like horseshoes, croquet or badminton and have prizes for the winners. • Hold a three-legged race. • A water balloon toss is an fun game for kids and adults and helps to beat the heat. • Roast marshmallows for an activity that doubles as dessert.

Kick it up a notch and hold your own barbecue sauce competition by having your guests bring their own homemade sauces. Pick a couple guests who fancy themselves BBQ experts and have a taste test to see whose sauce reigns supreme.

Food is the centrepiece of any barbecue. Decide what region you’d like to highlight and follow its BBQ preferences. The options are endless, from Middle Eastern-style kebabs to any of these varieties of down-home US barbecue:

• For Kansas City-style, slow cook pork ribs and slather them in a molasses-infused sauce. These ribs pair perfectly with baked beans and creamed corn. • In Texas, barbecuing is all about cooking beef brisket over lots of smoke and low heat for hours. Texans tend to skip the sauce (to get the meat’s true flavor) — serve up your meat alongside macaroni and cheese and potato salad. • If Carolina-style BBQ is your flavor, roast pork chops in a spicy, vinegar-based sauce and pair them with coleslaw and deviled eggs.

For your non-meat-eating guests, your menu should include plenty of grilled veggies. Skewer green and red peppers, eggplant, and zucchini, brush with olive oil and cook them directly on the grill. Wrap corncobs in foil and toss them on as well for corn that is crisp and juicy.

Your barbecue desserts shouldn't be too frilly or fancy. Apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is sure to please the masses. Another easy favorite is the homemade ice cream sandwich – spread a thick layer of your favorite ice cream between two freshly baked biscuits, squeeze them together and enjoy!

Bacardi Silver Mango Mojito Mix Pairs perfectly with feisty friends and sizzling salsa beats. • One bottle Bacardi Silver Mango Mojito • One cup of ice • 1 slice of lime • Sugar-rimmed glass Open a refreshing bottle of Bacardi Silver Mango Mojito. Pour it over ice in a sugar-rimmed glass. Add a slice of fresh lime, and watch your party heat up!

1.	Hey, Good Lookin' / Hank Williams
2.	Soak up the Sun / Sheryl Crow
3.	In the Summertime / Mungo Jerry
4.	Heatwave / Martha and the Vandellas
5.	Centerfield / John Fogerty
6.	I'm Coming Out / Diana Ross
7.	Glory Days / Bruce Springsteen
8.	Ring of Fire / Johnny Cash
9.	The Tide is High / Blondie
10.	Jerk It Out / Caesars

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