Written By Melinda Tennison

Whether your ideal backyard barbecue has an international flair, traditional fare, or lighter offerings, you are sure to find this year’s sizzling outdoor ideas a delicious recipe for success. Just combine equal parts function and style, gently fold in some old-fashioned fun and serve with a generous helping of hospitality. Enjoy!

Retro Recipes
From award-winning pop culture publisher Collector’s Press comes the Retro Series-vintage-theme cookbooks (each $16.95) featuring throwback titles like Retro Barbecue: Tasty Recipes for the Grillin’ Guy, Retro Beach Bash: A Sun Lover’s Guide to Food and Fun, Retro Happy Hour: Drinks and Eats with a Ô50s Beat plus more than 10 other must-have titles to help you plan the most scrumptious summertime soirees.

Borders Express is located in the Westminster TownMall, 400 North Center Street, Westminster. Call 410-876-8440.

Ô60s Chic
Go mod wherever the breeze sways you in this desert-weight African Floral dress (by Echo Design, $48.00). The flattering cut of this mini assures you a sleek look when paired with white skinny jeans and metallic wedges or a simple pair of gladiator sandals with a retro-inspired necklace like this one in sliced agate (by Bijoux Luck, $44.00).

Sidetracked is located behind the library at 10 East Main Street, Westminster. Call 410-857-4455.

Savory Sauces
Spice up your grilling this summer with award-winning sauces and seasonings from local BBQ fanatic Ragin’ Rick. His smorgasbord of flavors (priced $3.90-$4.75) include BBQ and Broilin’ Baste in Mild or Hot Ôn Spicy; rubs in BBQ, Cajun, and Island Jerk Rub; Steak Shake, and Blazin’ Tequilanero Hot Sauce for memorable Bloody Marys.

Hahn’s Pork & Beans Country Store is located at Route 27 & Hahn Road in Westminster. Call 410-848-4200.

This Six Piece Condiment Grill Set, left (by Target, $12.99), doubles as both a portable condiment station with removable grill and Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, and Mustard containers with brush
or a stylish centerpiece.

Flower Power
Beautify your table with a cheerful Flower Dinnerware Set (by Target $27.99), made of lightweight blue or orange Melamine including four solid dinner plates, floral salad plates and bloom-decorated bowls for an upbeat, coordinated look. The dishwasher-safe dinnerware is ideal for any outdoor gathering, from backyard barbecue to preseason tailgating.

Target is located at 200 Malcolm Drive, Westminster, MD. Call 410-848-6180.

Lucky Luminaries
Light the path to longevity with this terra cotta Elephant Candle Lantern ($12.00) symbolizing strength, wisdom and success, and these hand-molded translucent blue ($18.00) and pearl capiz shell Blooming Lotus Tea Light Holders ($8.00) representing long life, health and good luck. These symbolic fair-trade figurines are perfect on a buffet table near the doorway to your backyard to ensure that positive energy comes the way of your party guests.

A Greater Gift is located in the Brethren Service Center at 500 Main Street, New Windsor.
Call 410-635-8711.

Grill Gadget
Take the guesswork out of grilling with this modern, easy-to-use remote digital thermometer (by Weber, $30.00). Its sleek, convenient design allows you the freedom to mingle with your guests while remotely monitoring the grill. Simply place the probe into the food, select your doneness setting, and clip the remote to your waistband or pocket. When your food is done it beeps, providing easy, reliable, and mouthwatering results each and every time.

The Home Depot is located at 1326 Londontown Boulevard, Sykesville. Call 410-549-3559.