Barbecue basics

Summer and barbecues go together like Wimbledon and strawberries - and you always have to be prepared for rain! But if the weather allows, an al fresco gathering can be perfect. Follow these basic safety tips to ensure your guests are well fed and happy...

Basic preparation

Ensure that all food is refrigerated or frozen to the correct temperature before beginning preparation unless otherwise specified.

Keep raw food separate and preferably on separate chopping boards to avoid cross contamination. Do not mix meat, seafood and dairy, poultry and vegetables or any combination of these when preparing, keep apart until ready to grill.

For safety's sake, wipe surfaces with an antiseptic cleaner between different courses.

Do not under any circumstances mix raw and cooked meat and do not return cooked meat to the fridge until it has properly cooled.

Keep all knives and sharp implements out of reach of children and pets.

Remember that the BBQ is hot so site well aware from trees, fences, hedges garden umbrellas and awnings or anything else likely to combust.

Keep children and pets well away from the grill and do not drink alcohol whilst grilling. Bear in mind that the BBQ will remain hot for some time after you have finished cooking.

Obviously alcohol is an enjoyable part of any BBQ occasion but make sure you have soft drink alternatives and encourage your guests to drink responsibly.

Barbecued food should be grilled from the fridge and eaten as soon as cooked do not leave grilled food lying around in the sun or next to warm surfaces and cover salads etc to guard against insects.

At the end of a BBQ make sure that all equipment is properly cleaned and stowed away safely including the grill which should be left to cool down completely before putting away.

Be barbie-wise

BBQs are a great way of chillin' and grillin' on a warm summer's day or evening and whilst they can be a simple snack meal, they can also, with planning, be a gastronomic experience.

It's always a good idea to have a diverse range of food and drink and to vary the theme on recipes. BBQs are a great excuse for families and friends to sit down for a meal together.

BBQ can be argued to be the antithesis of fast food. In order to increase the ambience of your BBQ, make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating, sun shades (or umbrellas for the rain), a good selection of music is also a good idea but don't forget to be considerate of your neighbours (unless you're inviting them over!).

For more tips and hints go to www.nationalbbq.co.uk

• For restaurant reviews, meal suggestions and all foodie stuff in between, catch up with Liz McClarnon's blog
• Need to buy a barbie? Check out our top 10 BBQs to suit a range of tastes, needs and budgets
• See the iVillage community's barbecue ideas...