BARBECUES can be memorable social occasions at this time of the year.

But, it's worth keeping in mind a few "rules" to ensure that your "barbie" is remembered for all the right reasons.

This particular advice comes from those clever people at Original Andrews Salts, an everyday remedy for over-indulgence.

1. Don't let someone persuade you that wearing a silly apron is actually ironic and cool -- it isn't.

2. Make sure all drinks are infinitely more chilled than the food.

3. Do make sure that the charcoal is lit several hours before the guests arrive --they haven't come for an early Bonfire Night.

4. Wait till the coals go grey -- they will be better for cooking and avoid an amateur version of the Towering Inferno.

5. Cover all ancilliary foods like salads, bread, buns and butter with a cloth. There's enough protein around without adding flies and other insects into the mix.

6. If you're cooking, don't start nibbling too early. As time goes by, the thought and sight of having to cook more of what you've over-indulged in will make you feel ill.

7. Always have a Plan B for when/if the heavens open.

8. Resist the temptation to start cooking when the flames are high. The food will suffer -- and so will you!

9. Ensure a good selection of music to match your guests. The latest underground rave tunes may not be appreciated by your grandparents or neighbours.

10. If cooking fish, place in tin-foil or a fish rack. This avoids it sticking to the grill and looking like an exploded shark.

11. Make sure your meat is cooked all the way through -- don't make yourself ill by eating something that looks well done but is more reminiscent of sushi on the inside.

12. Children are a liability at barbecues. Try to give them simple things to do, and don't get upset when they mess them up. Shouting just spoils the whole atmosphere. The only solution is to give at least one adult the responsibility of simply watching them all, and make sure he/she doesn't get drunk, fall asleep or otherwise go off duty.