Summer is here, and your mind has likely turned to barbecues and outdoor grill parties! And why not? Barbecuing with friends and family is a great way to create special memories and enjoy a delicious meal all at once. If you’re looking for BBQ tips to help you fire up your outdoor space this year, here are seven smart options to start with.

When you cook in an indoor kitchen, guests tend to congregate in the area, eating, drinking and helping when appropriate. Why should it be any different in an outdoor kitchen? To make your grill the place to be, add some outdoor seating.

Consider setting your grill in a fully equipped outdoor kitchen area, complete with an island and outdoor bar stools. If this won’t work for your outdoor space, position a set of outdoor furniture close enough to the grill station that guests can still interact with you easily while you cook.

Charcoal, lighter fluid, extra propane, grilling supplies and more! There are many accessories that go along with your grill, and having a place to store them all is essential.

To make storage functional and beautiful, set your grill in a synthetic stone, such as limestone, and hide cabinetry within or on the sides of it.

Your outdoor kitchen should be a room with a view. If you’re overhauling your grill space this year, position it to take in the best possible view of the area. Be sure to include outdoor elements like sunlit areas and shade, and offer a cozy seating area for guests to relax and enjoy the evening.

While the grill is the main attraction, accessories like a warming drawer, wine fridge and beer tap can take your outdoor gathering to the next level. Mix and match to include whatever is most appropriate for your household and gatherings.

No outdoor kitchen space is complete without some beautiful greenery. Depending on your space, consider adding landscaping elements like a living wall, shade areas, and natural plants and bushes.

While store-bought grills are nice and all, nothing will fit your space quite as well as a custom grill. Consider having one made to suit your outdoor area and blend seamlessly into your decor. Custom grills also allow you to ensure you have all the accessories and features you want.

An outdoor kitchen should be functional, but it should also be fun. Be sure to add in comfortable seating areas, spaces for young kids to play and a spot for outdoor games like bocce ball.

This transforms your backyard into a functional dining area that suits all of your guests, both young and old.

Summer BBQ tips are everywhere this time a year, but these simple adjustments make it easy to transform your outdoor gatherings and enjoy comfortable, stylish outdoor dining all year long.

While simple alterations, like adding greenery and outdoor game spaces can be functional, the best thing you can do to light up your summer grilling days is to invest in a custom barbecue. Not only will it set your outdoor space apart from the rest, but it will also make you the lean, mean, grilling machine you’ve always wanted to be!