When it come to the rights and wrongs of hosting a backyard barbecue bash or attending someone else's barbecue party there are a few rules of proper barbecue etiquette that you should use as guidelines. Take it from me, I host a number of barbecue feasts and I have learned a bit about the rights and wrongs.

When Attending a BBQ Party

• Don't Touch the Grill: That is the domain of the host or hostess of the barbecue party and moving in on their bbq turf is the biggest faux pas that you can make. As a guest you can watch but never touch. But asking questions is completely acceptable.

• Do Bring Something: I some ice cold Sleeman beer or if you feel up to it even a side dish of something you have made. But make sure there is enough to share with others. Even a jar of your favorite barbecue sauce is a great gift. I suggest Ted's World Famous BBQ Sauces and Seasonings.

• Do Be Respectful: Your hosts have enough stress throwing a party that they don't need any added aggravation, so never tell the person working the grill how to do it or what they are doing wrong. Mind your manners and only offer suggestions when asked.

When Hosting a BBQ Party

• Make sure your grill is clean. A clean grill is a healthy grill and it makes you look professional.

• If using propane as your fuel source, make sure you have a full tank and a back up tank. There is nothing worse than running out of fuel during the middle of your cooking. Same goes for charcoal. Make sure you have enough. Stock up ahead.

• Invest in proper utensils. Make yourself look liked a pro. Rusted, dirty gear can make you look bad.

• Prepare recipes that you are comfortable and familiar with. Test recipes on your family (they will forgive you), not your guests.

• Prepare a checklist for your party so that you insure you don't forget any details.

• Create a theme for your BBQ Party: Birthday, Father's Day, Canada Day or 4^th of July or any other celebration a theme will make your life easier to plan a menu and get yourself organized.

• If for example you are nervous about grilling a whole bunch of steaks and getting them all perfect, ask your guests if they want to grill there own. Provide a number of pairs of barbecue tongs and let the guests cook their own. Makes your job easier as a host and your guests get to have some fun.

• Do have all foods ready at relatively the same time. For example, if you are grilling steaks, have everything ready and the last thing you cook is the steaks.

• Do have a vegetarian option. I know that meat is the main stay of barbecue but not all your guests may eat meat. So offer something else. I suggest grilled portobello mushroom caps topped with assorted grilled vegetables and cheese (optional)

• Do have some appetizer nibbles ready to eat for when your guests arrive. I suggest Cedar Planked Brie Cheese topped with Blueberries and Peaches and my Pineapple Rum Sauce. It is a decadent way to start a party and a recipe that will WOW your guests.

• Don't feel obligated to invite your neighbors. Not all parties require your neighbors.

• Provide Taxi/Cab rides for those who have a little too much fun.

• KISS: Keep It Super Simple.

• And lastly have fun. Enjoy your family and friends and don't worry. It's a barbecue party.
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