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Outdoor grilling has come a long way from camping days and hot dogs on an open fire. Some of today's grills are complete gourmet kitchens on wheels, and the focus of summer parties in the U.S. from Memorial Day and the 4th of July to season's end with Labor Day.

In nice weather, an outdoor barbecue is the perfect way to entertain - relaxed and informal with plenty of delicious food, drinks and decorations to make the party festive.

On the Web, get expert tips for invitations, party activities, games, and recipes, with more barbecue party ideas below...

Girls at the Grill - Backyard grrrrl power with tips and tricks from what to wear to what to grill, including how-to's on grills and hardware, recipes, menu ideas, a 'libation station' of what to wash it all down with, and don't miss a downloadable activity book to help get the kids involved.

Need some fun ideas for your BBQ Party? - This site is in the business of selling decorations and they have a good selection of things to buy, but check out the ideas for home made invitations, what to wear, recipes, menus and cool ideas for serving the food, fun activities to keep your backyard barbecue event moving and plenty of other hints, ideas and tips for a one of a kind BBQ event.

Kid's Fun Barbecue Birthday - A kid's birthday BBQ party with a wild west theme is a big hit and so easy with these tips for everything from planning and invitations to games, foods and favors.

Outdoor barbeque - Grill up a perfect summer party - Barbeque Express - Plan a hot summertime barbecue with the scoop from the party girl and her party-ettes. Centerpiece and decoration ideas, a neat trick for getting guests to bring along favorite recipes and plenty of other simple, creative and fantastic backyard BBQ theme tips will help you get grilling without breaking into a sweat.

Canada Day Barbecue Party - These ideas for the perfect Canada Day party can be used for a Fourth of July outdoor gathering or an any occasion barbecue. Recipes for trifle and nachos and more with other easy planning tips will cool down those hot days of summer.

The Summer BBQ Party - Function Junction has sound advice for throwing a summertime barbecue bash. They'll help you decide how many hamburgers or steaks to grill, tips for topppings and sauces and grilling veggies. Be sure to click on the links for party recipes and drink recipes to see the great lists of suggestions for your outdoor party.

Party America - Planning a July 4th Barbecue - Good ideas for your July 4th Party and a party checklist and tableware guide that will come in handy no matter what date your outdoor party is focused on.

BBQ Party Games and Ideas - You'll find a brief overview of ideas for food and a couple of good game ideas here that don't appear on other sites. The focus is selling their party supplies.

Fun & Games For The 4th of July - Another less than star spangled site, but with some great outdoor party games for kids. The theme is the Fourth, but these games can be used at any kid's barbecue party.