Thank you all for helping me out, I knew you would have some diffent ideas.

Yes we like seafood but tend to save it for Christmas evening when the crowd has gone and we have a light meal of prawns, salad and a glass of wine with my in-laws.

We haven't done much grilling but have new equipment and willing to try.

Like the idea of some hot/cold dishes and all of Queen Bee's suggestions sound wonderful so far. Anything that can be done in ADVANCE is great so I don't miss any of the fun.

Doesn't the can of beer explode in the BBQ?? Not sure I would be allowed to "waste" the beverage in such a manner :-)