In many parts of the country warm weather has finally arrived, which means cookout season is upon us, ushering in a summer’s worth of charcoal-scented air, laid back afternoons that extend into evening, and al fresco feasts with (now, socially distanced) friends or family.   While it doesn’t take much more than a grill and a package of hot dogs to create a worthy celebration, a few simple, inexpensive upgrades — think next-level condiments, stylish outdoor dishware and elevated lawn games — can make any backyard BBQ that much more special.         When it comes to light, easy-to-clean, outdoor-friendly dishware, melamine is king. It can also be downright stylish. Lay your table with these white, ruffle-edged dishes that mimic paper plates (minus the soggy mess that usually comes along with them), or evoke your favorite country quilt with a set of colorful, prairie inspired plates. Both designs are dishwasher friendly, making cleanup almost as easy as disposables.         Ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish — if you’re firing up burgers or hot dogs, these four condiments are non-negotiables. But why stop there? Designate one corner of the table as a toppings bar, and stock it with spreads like NY Shuk’s Signature Harissa, Stonewall Kitchen’s Roasted Garlic Onion Jam, Brooklyn Delhi’s Sweet Mango Chutney or Fly by Jing’s fiery Sichuan Chili Crisp       Grilling novices and pros alike can learn a thing or two from The Outdoor Kitchen (Ten Speed Press, 2020), Chef Eric Werner’s homage to all things cooked over the fire. His flame-centric philosophy — not to mention his recipes for Hartwood spiced spareribs, grilled tomato gazpacho and burnt strawberry ice cream — will inspire you to expand your barbecue repertoire.   And while burgers and dogs are typically the stars of the show, Shelly Westerhausen’s book Platters and Boards will teach you how to create photo-worthy spreads of cheese, veggies and other snacks (like crème fraîche deviled eggs and quick rose-pickled grapes) to beautifully round out the meal.     Chicken and sausages are easy enough for any newbie to grill with success, but for ‘cue lovers who are hesitant to try the more complicated stuff (or don’t own a smoker), it’s mail order BBQ to the rescue. Online purveyors like Porter Road have great cuts to cook up yourself, while Texas’ famous Black’s Barbecue and Corky’s BBQ in Memphis ship their perfectly made meats — tender beef brisket, smoky ribs and pulled pork — right to your door, ready to be reheated.     Bocce, badminton and corn hole are never out of place at a backyard barbecue. But adding in a few tabletop classics made life-size, like Tumbling Timbers or Four in a Row, will make the occasion ten times more fun.   Meanwhile, keep the little ones entertained with Stomp Rocket, a kid-powered rocket launcher; a running leap onto the launch pad sends the rocket (safely) soaring. Or with Zuru’s Bunch O Balloons, which uses a garden hose to fill 100 water balloons in 60 seconds. The self-tying system means you spend less time knotting balloons and kids spend more time splashing. (Plus Zuru partners with the global recycling company Terracycle, which lets you ship the spent balloons to be upcycled into new products).     Switch off your patio lights and instead string up a few rows of elegant outdoor bulbs to keep your barbecue twinkling after the sun sets. These soft-glowing globe lights with corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated bases will last the whole grilling season and beyond. For an eco-friendly option, opt for solar powered string lights that gather energy while the sun is up and shine long after it goes down.     There is arguably no more refreshing way to end a barbecue than with an ice pop, especially when they are homemade. Whether you’re making Smitten Kitchen’s sunset-colored peach melba popsicles or Fany Gerson’s creamy rice pudding paletas, Zoku’s Mod Pops mold has a cute retro look and is easy to clean and store. And for pint-size portions, freeze up a few pops with Zoku’s adorable mini molds.