A Barbeque is a great idea for an outdoor party. After a long drawn summer or a long chilly winter, we all look forward to a pleasant weather and great smelling food. Since most of us spend a lot of time indoors, either in office or at home, an outdoor party is always welcome. If you can't get your husband to help you in the kitchen, a barbeque is a good way out, as most men enjoy building a barbeque fire and cooking scrumptuous steaks.

Here are a few useful tips for a Barbeque :

• The secret to a delicious meat is to well marinate it. Marinate meats for 24 hrs or at least 8 hrs. It is enough to marinate vegetables and fruits for 4-8 hrs. While marinating, occasionally turn the pieces over.
• Ensure you have all the barbeque tools ready - tongs, spatula, skewers, brush for basting, lighter and plenty of coal.
• The charcoal should be reduced to glowing coals with a little white ash on top, before cooking begins. So start lighting the fire well before meal time, as this could be a tricky step for beginners.
• Place the grill racks about 4 inches from the coal.
• Brush the grill racks with oil to prevent food from sticking.
• Do not rush the cooking, otherwise food will get charred from the outside. Baste food with marinade/oil frequently.
• Individual parcels should be wrapped in double thickness of aluminium foil with edges sealed tightly and turned now and then while cooking.
• Salad, pita bread and dip are good accompaniments to barbeque food.