Planning a backyard soiree can be a hassle, but these summer party essentials make entertaining a breeze. Inviting guests into your home can be nerve-racking at first, but things can go off without a hitch when the host or hostess has the right tools.
If you have a spacious deck or poolside patio, adorn it in fun paper lanterns, mason jar candles and colorful decorations to get this party started. Even if your backyard is a bit more simple, consider laying out blankets and creating a DIY bonfire for a rustic chic camping theme. Any good gathering starts with the food. Summer time treats like watermelon, popsicles, burgers and s'mores will have guests salivating for more. There is also nothing wrong with making this party a potluck -- variety is the spice of life, after all.
Keep your drinks cool and your guests talking with these summer party essentials.
80 Summer Party Essentials
80
DIY Glowing Containers
The 'From Panka with Love' Blog Shows How to Make Glow-in-the-Dark Jars
79
Beer Cup-Creating Tools
The Kinkajou Bottle Cutter Turns Any Empty Brew Into a New Mug or Vase
78
Cooler-Embedded Counters
The Beer Gutter Picnic Table is a Summer Time Must-Have
77
Rustic Jar Lighting
Luke Lamp Co. Creates Light Fixtures That are Full of Character
76
Hinged Sun-Loving Seats
Solar Chaise Lounge Passively Stores Renewable Energy
75
Dessert-Inspired Drinking
These Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Shots are Delectable
74
Indoor Firework Lamps
The Laserpod Shoots Colorful LED Lazers at The Ceiling
73
Outdoor Cooking Organizers
My Camp Kitchen Keeps Food Tidy in the Wilderness
72
Fruit Imitating Popsicles
Beat the Summer Heat with These Cute and Kitschy Watermelon Ice Pops
71
Jarred Juice Lids
The Cuppow Mason Jar Sippin' Lids are Country-Inspired
70
Floating Liquid Glasses
The Float Tea Cup by Molo Design Plays Tricks on the Eyes
69
Multi-Functional Summer Loungers
'Float' by Shiner is the Perfect Outdoor Recliner
68
Severely Contorted Tumblers
Tipsy Glasses by Loris & Livia Make You Feel Five Drinks Ahead
67
Green Garden Lights
The Solar Soji Lanterns are an Eco Way to Light Up Your Outdoor Space
66
Tantalizing Melon Medleys
This Watermelon Salad Recipe Incorporates an Unusual Fruit Base
65
Bottled Candelabras
The Mason Jar Chandelier Preserves Light
64
Flower-Filled Furniture
Bysteel's Patio Furniture Has Blossoming Floral Centers
63
Scrumptious Slider Cakes
The Hamburger Cupcakes and Cookie Fries are Deliciously Tricky
62
Upcycled Bottle Glasses
Bottlehood Recycles Wine, Beer and Liquor Bottles into Glass Cups
61
Ant-Free Picnic Platters
The FERN Contemporary Dishes Platform is for Meal-Sharing Amongst People
60
Homemade Hillbilly Drink Stands
Hobo Tin Can Beer Holders are the Laissez-Faire Way to Decorate
59
Swiveling Stereo-Sporting Seats
The Revolve Camping Chair Puts a Twist on Traditional Loungers
58
Culture-Sustaining Hammocks
Yellow Leaf Provides Alternatives to Child Labor and Toxic Farming
57
Fruit-Cooling Gadgets
The Portable Watermelon Cooler Lets You Take Your Melon on the Go
56
Instant Lemonade Balls
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make Refreshing Citrus Drinks
55
Sleek Illuminating Seats
The Terrace Chair Offers a New Style of Patio Furniture
54
Curvy Foldable Loungers
The Confused Direction Koi Deck Chair is Easily Portable
53
One-Handed Bottle Openers
The 'Kebo' Makes Popping Caps Easy
52
Upcycled Bonfire Pits
The Fire Ring Sets Aflame with Ease & Holds Your Drinks Conveniently
51
Spongey Stone Drink Mats
The Kalki'd Water Absorbent Concrete Coaster is a Natural Marvel
50
Vintage Dessert Pops
The Cupcakes and Cashmere Root Beer Float Popsicles are Nostalgic
49
Mini Toasted Treats
The Chocolate Smores Cupcake Offers the Best of Both Desserts
48
Outdoor Suitcase Surfaces
The Wooden Picnic Table Converts into a Compact Carrier
47
Cardboard Campfire Lighting
Let the Urban Camper Project by Chieh-Ting Huang Light Up Your Life
46
Candy-Coated Bar Drinks
The Blow Pop Martini is a Super Sweet Treat
45
Fire Pit Barbecues
The Wodtke Gryll-L is Features a Sophisticated Design
44
Playground Picnic Tables
Marleen Jansen's See-Saw Table Will Send You Flying
43
Temperature-Controlling Ale Containers
The Ice Core Beer Pitcher Keeps Brews Cold for Hours
42
Slick Picnic Baskets
The Smeg Portable Freezer Makes Alfresco Eating Cool
41
Futuristic Eco Kegs
The Kegstand
40
Puppy Pool Pads
Keep Your Canine Afloat With This Pet Floatie
39
Healthy Summer Drink Jars
The Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher is Splendid
38
Arborial Lamp Fixtures
The Pit Out Tree Lights by e27 Brings Elegance to the Outdoors
37
Liquor-Filled Fruits
The Watermelon Keg Mixes and Pours All at Once
36
Caulking Branded Condiments
Montage Saus Packaging Looks More Like Epoxy Applicators
35
Campfire Treat Kits
The S'More to Love 'S'More Maker' Allows Users to Cook Snacks Sans Flames
34
Pop-Up Fireplaces
Portable Bonfire Enclosed in a Table
33
Tipsy Tilted Shooters
Martini Glass Jello Shots are a Grownup's Answer to the Old College Standby
32
Instant Cocoa Cubes
Hot Chocolate Sticks are Handy and Delicious
31
Creepy-Eyed Condiments
The Blink Ketchup and Mustard Squeeze Bottles
30
Booze-Counting Openers
The Beer Tracker Bottle Opener Lets You Know When to Slow Down
29
Margarita-Flavored Beers
Bud Light Releases the Lime-A-Rita
28
Drunken Campfire Confections
These Smoretini Shooters are a Boozy Take on the Old Favorite
27
Cupcake Pinatas
This Party Favor is Clever Take on the Birthday Party Favorite
26
Fruit-Juicing Vessels
Takeya Flash Chill Lemonade Maker Makes Tasty Beverages in One Go
25
Readable Booze Holders
The DIY Chalkboard Wine Glasses are Classy and Fun
24
Solar-Powered Concerts
Sun Boxes by Craig Colorusso is a Sound Installation Powered by the Sun
23
Swedish-Inspired Lawn Games
'V:King' is Old-Fashioned Fun for the Entire Family
22
Diverse Disk-Like BBQS
The Blacktop 360 Grill-Fryer is a Four-in-One Wonder
21
Weather-Inspired Jello Shooters
These Sunny Day Jelly Shot Parfaits are the Perfect Summer Treat
20
Flip-Flop Cup Holders
Multifunctional Sandals That Are Perfect for the Beach
19
Handy Hardware Booze Holders
The Giant Socket Drink Holder Keeps Your Beverages Chilled
18
Devious Summer Snacks
Deep Fried Deviled Eggs are a Tasty Addition to the Picnic Basket
17
Shoe Sole-Inspired Coasters
Vans 'Waffle Sole' Coaster Puts Your Shoe Sole on the Table
16
Trickery Toaster Coasters
Patricia Graves' “Toast It” Add Some Satire to Brunch
15
Ice Box Booze-Coolers
On-Ice Beer Dispenser Makes Sure Warm Alcohol Never Happens
14
Dutiful Barbeque Clamps
The Vegetable Grill Clips Let You Enjoy Healthy Side Dishes
13
Candle Seal Coasters
The Melty Pot Stand Leaves the Mark of a Delicious Meal
12
Portable Party Carts
Keep Guests Entertained Everywhere With the Alpina Grills Mobile Beer Bar
11
Sausage-Grilling Rods
The Hot Dog Roasting Sticks are a Cookout Must-Have
10
Collapsible Barbecues
Paul Jr. Designs' Coleman RoadTrip Grill is Perfect for Summer Adventures
9
Oversized Poolside Games
Giant Ring Toss is a Larger-Than-Life Take on Aquatic Fun
8
Spherical Backyard Cookers
The Eva Solo Grill Globe is Unexpectedly Chic
7
Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves
Get Ready to Grill With the Pit Mitt
6
Fencing-Like Grill Utensils
The Heat Shield Barbecue Tools Protect Knuckles from Burns
5
One-Click Margarine Slicers
The RSA Butter Cutter Will Give You the Perfect Amount Each Time
4
Four-Pack Alcohol Carriers
The Convenient Handy Cans Can Holder for Booze Hounds
3
Weather-Resistant Lighters
The REI Stormproof Matches are Made to Rough it Out
2
Summery Sauce Carriers
The Mini Picnic Table Condiment Set is Perfect for Summer Parties
1
Portable Cocktail Makers
Coleman's New Rechargeable Blender Makes for Easy Drinking
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Summer-Ready Scotch Whisky Cocktails
Glenfiddich Highlights Refreshing Summer Cocktail Recipes
Cheeky Summer Product Lines
Great Jones Has Introduced the Great Float and the Great Tote
Spontaneous Summer Picnics
Absolut Vodka & Sprite's HANGOUT-OF-HOME Inspires Unplanned Gatherings
Slender Off-Grid Barbecues
The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill Has Ample Cooking Space
Versatile Camp Cooking Sets
Gerber Gear Debuts New ComplEAT Camp Cookware Collection
Picnic-Ready Bottle Accessories
Stanley Introduces a Set of Quencher-Compatible Accessories
Ultra-Durable Portable Fire Pits
The Flamurs 'Kaleidoscope' Fire Pit is Made with Stainless Steel
Fruit-Forward Energy Beverages
V8 +ENERGY Unveils Limited-Edition Summer Flavors
Outdoor Dining Kits
Savour Helps Campers and Hikers Dehydrate Their Home-Cooked Meals
Grill-Inspired Beer Dispensers
The Miller Lite Big Green Kegg Holds a Quarter-Barrel of Beer
Fruity Mocktail Holiday Packs
Mingle Mocktails Launches a New Sparkler Pack for the Holidays
Portable Fire Pit Stands
The Portable Fire Pit Stand is Design-Forward and Easy to Assemble
At-Home Cocktail Smokers
The 'Smokpub' Electric Cocktail Smoker Has a Built-in Ignition
Seasonal Straw-Made Beer Coolers
Coors Light Presents its New Beer Bale Cooler Made from Straw
Multifunctional Outdoor Kitchens
The Ethimo x Gordon Guillaumier 'Phil' Has Three Main Functions
Drinker-Specific Sunscreens
Beavertown Brewery Made a Sun Care Product for Beer Drinkers
Real Fruit Juice Refreshers
Tropicana Refreshers Help Summer Lovers Sip the Essence of the Season
Cooling Beer Cubes
The Beer Cubes Tray by Miller Lite Cools Beer Without Watering It Down
Summer-Ready Outdoor Furniture Series
The New IKEA Collection Presents Products for the Outfoors
Lightweight Puffy Cooler Bags
Monti Coolers Have a 100% Leakproof Construction
Ready-to-Serve Canned Mocktails
Mocktails Uniquely Crafted Makes Convenient Cocktail Alternatives
New York-Inspired Picnic Series
Nik Bentel's New York Picnic Series is Whimsical & Eye-Catching
Insulated Cocktail Shakers
Yeti's Premium Cocktail Shaker Keeps Drinks Chilled to Perfection
Fruity Alcoholic Teas
Local Beverages Iced Tea Seltzers are Available in Five Distinct Flavors
Fruit-Infused Lemonade Popsicles
Trader Joe's Strawberry Lemonade Ice Bars are Summer on a Stick
Fun Insurance Policies
M&M's Ice Cream & Lemonade are Protecting Summer Parties with "Funsurance"
Playful Cafe Merch Collections
This Dunkin' Merch Celebrates the Summer Season
Cooking-Friendly Outdoor Fireplaces
The Rüegg SURPRISE Fireplace Works as a Tabletop Grill
Campsite Popcorn Makers
The Solo Stove Popcorn Maker Works with Any Fire Pit
Sharable Tiny Cheeseburgers
Trader Joe’s Mini Cheeseburgers are the Ultimate Summer Party Dish
Summer Smoothie Kegs
Smoothie King's Keg Has the Capacity to Hold Six Blended Beverages
Garlic Dip Kegs
The Pizza Pizza Dip Keg Gets Parties Going with Creamy Garlic Dip
Summer-Themed Energy Drinks
These New CELSIUS Flavors are Perfect for Beach and Poolside Enjoyment
Expansive Summertime Cafe Refreshments
The Tim Hortons Summer Drinks Menu Has Two New Drinks
Instant Campfire Cocktails
The Tincup x Alpine Start Cocktail Mixers Pair with Whiskey and Water
Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Party Packs
SMASHD's Party All Day & Party All Night Packs are Replenishing
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Festive Bridal Accessory Lines
Funky Junque Embraces the Most Exciting Parts of Wedding Planning
Grillable Cocktail Kits
The People’s Margarita “Grilled Edition" is Enhanced with Charred Fruit
App-Enabled Cocktail Makers
The Bartifier Cocktail Maker Offers Access to More Than 380 Recipes
Take-Anywhere Vacation Cocktails
These New Malibu RTS Cocktails Come in Portable Tetra Packs
Self-Contained Outdoor Kitchens
The Sunjoy Fleetwood Outdoor Grill Kitchen is Customizable
Festive Instant Cocktail Mixes
Craftmix's Holiday Variety Pack Activates with Alcohol, Water & Ice
Cordless Cocktail Makers
bev by BLACK+DECKER Creates a Party Atmosphere with Multicolored LEDs
Contemporary Home Party Trolley
Jagyeong Bark Designs the Diner Trolley with an Elegant Look
Old-Fashioned Toolbox Grills
The RETRO BLAZE Charcoal Grill is Stylish and Portable
Summer-Themed Gourmet Chocolates
Compartés Chocolate Launches Elevated Summertime Collection
Adventurous Outdoor Tool Concepts
Kazuya Washio Designs the Yamaha Outdoor Tools Concept
Garden-Fresh Bottled Cocktails
Gardenista is Made with Vodka, Tequila or Bourbon
Succulent Shandy-Flavored Sausages
The Johnsonville Summer Shandy Beer Brats are Arriving Now
Savory BBQ Sundaes
Smokey Bones Serves Savory Sundaes with Brisket and Barbecue Pork
Vibrant Canned Cocktail Brands
Lake Hour Draws Inspiration from Lakeside Gatherings
Fruity Summertime Colas
Pepsi Lime and Peach Were Inspired by Outdoor Eating
Variety Cider Beverage Packs
Angry Orchard Debuts the Limited-Edition Yard Party Pack Variety Pack
Premium Cheese Wine Pairings
Cracker Barrel Elevates Summer Wine and Cheese Pairings
Open-Air Summer Workstations
The Flipz On Summer Chair Supplies Shade and Supports Snacking
Elevated Tequila Cocktails
DeLeón Tequila's Summer Done Different Series Remixes Classic Recipes
Burger Cookout-Themed Pizzas
Hungry Howie's Backyard Burger Pizza Celebrates Barbecue Season
Patriotic Olympic Cocktail Menus
Bar Louie Just Launched Its 'Living the Ameri-Can Dream' Campaign
Artisan Campsite Cocktail Books
'Campfire Cocktails' by The Coastal Kitchen Features 100 Recipes
Light Show Party Speakers
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate Has Dolby Atmos and More
Refreshing Pre-Made Tequila Drinks
These Classic Lime Margaritas Have Arrived For Summer
Guac-Filled Margarita Glasses
Good Foods' GUAC-a-RITA Has a Compartment for Snacks and Drinks
Boozy Backyard Games
Beer Darts is an Engaging Spin on Traditional Backyard Games
Summer Bucket List Challenges
Teremana® Tequila Launched the Summer of Mana Bucket List Challenge
Collaborative Summertime Gin Cocktails
Niche Cocktails Summer Pudding Gin Fizz is Sweet and Fruity
Themed Party Generators
Drizly's Party Theme Generator 3000 Helps with Hosting Themed Parties
AI Party Planning Assistants
PartyKit Ensures The Little Details are Taken Care of
Brightly Colored Party Cups
The Hefty Party Cups Feature Embellished Conversation Starters
Elegant Snack Platter Sets
DBO Home's Hors D'oeuvres Set Includes Serving Trays, Knives and More
On-the-Go Wine Accessories
Out of the Woods Presents the Ultimate Wine Bundle
Nostalgic Lip Balm Collections
Camp Burt Introduces its '84 Summer Merch Collection
Elevated Pool Tools
Ledge Introduces the Groundbreaking Ledge PartyPad™
Whisky-Branded Summer Parties
Monkey Shoulder & DJ Skratch Bastid Bring Bacck Bastid’s Bbq Party
Hearty BBQ Lunch Platters
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que Just Added the New Tour of BBQ Special
Tropical Citrus Sparkling Waters
Trader Joe's Something Spritzy Pineapple & Orange is Summer Ready
BBQ Brisket-Topped Nachos
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Just Added New Hickory Brisket Nachos
Artist-Remixed Summertime Drinks
The Sonic Drink Remix Campaign Stars Four Musicians
Comprehensive Cocktail Smoker Kits
Bark & Barware Aims to Elevate the Mixology Experience
Campfire-Inspired Cocktails
The S’mores Old Fashioned Cocktail is Full of Comforting Flavors
Private Label Party Foods
These Lidl Party Foods and Cocktails are Arriving for the Holidays
Collaborative Curated Party Guides
Total Wine & More Partners with Alix Klineman
Summer Patio Pop-Ups
The Sol Patio+ Provides a Comfortable Place to Wait for a Table
Dependable Rustic Camping Utensils
The Opinel Grilling Set Has a Multipurpose Form
Bar-Quality Canned Cocktails
These Round Barn Distillery RTD Cocktails Come in Four Flavors
Sweet-Heat Restaurant Menus
The Cracker Barrel Summer Menu is Packed with Seasonal Flavor
Curated Wedding Gift Boxes
Confetë Party Box's Wedding Collection Simplifies Wedding Season
Outdoor Dining Canned Cocktails
Mixtons Canned Cocktails Now Come in Three New Flavors
Dual-Function Outdoor Kitchen Appliance
Zephyr Debuts Presrv™ Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler
Modular Fire Pits
TIKI Brand's Customizable Propane Gas Fire Pit Elevates Backyard Comfort
Outdoor Wine Experience Bundles
Josh Cellars Debuts a Limited-Edition Summer Sipper Bundle
Zero-Proof Catering Companies
Split Offers Alcohol-Free Catering, Education and Menu Consulting
Summer Pizza Offerings
&pizza Releases Hot Grill Summer Pizzas
BBQ-Style Charcuterie Kits
The BBQterie Kit Builds Smoky, Savory Grazing Boards
Wine-Catered Vibrant Artful Tables
Gustaf Westman Designs the Wine Table in a Bright Tone
Tart Key Lime Pies
Smokey Mo’s Bbq Has Introduced a New Key Lime Pie Offering
At-Home Cocktail Campaigns
Gordon's Many Evenings In Campaign Spotlights At-Home Drinking
Sparkling Tequila Cocktails
Suerte Tequila's Craft Tequila Cocktails Deliver Year-Round Enjoyment
Seasonal Watermelon Salads
Salata Salad Kitchen is Adding a New Baja Watermelon Salad for Summer
Ready-to-Pour Cocktail Gifts
The Deko Cocktails Gift Box Pairs Signature Serves with Garnishes
Communal Outdoor Cooking Tables
The AroundFire Portable Grill Table is Easy to Bring Anywhere
Festive Cocktail Concierges
The Cutwater Holiday Concierge Supports Seamless Seasonal Entertaining
Summer-Themed Subscription Boxes
Bokksu's Summer Collection Features Unique Japanese Snacks
Whimsical Chocolate-Inspired Experiences
Hershey's Chocolate World is Rolling Out Summer Offerings
Ready-to-Make Cocktail Kits
Camp Craft Cocktails Released the Fruit Cake Cocktail for the Holidays
Seasonal Street Food-Inspired Menus
Taco Cabana Street Food Fest Features Ample Food and Drink
Convenient Insulated Bottle Bags
Out of the Woods Boasts the Insulated Wine & Spirits Valet
Refreshing Summer Blends
Partners Coffee Celebrates Summer With Block Party
Summery Private Label Foods
Publix Summer Specials are Arriving to Help Consumers Celebrate
High-Capacity Rolling Coolers
Primo Water's 5-Gallon Rolling Cooler is a Roving Hydration Station
Premium QSR Picnic Kits
Shake Shack Added Veg Out Picnic Kits for National Picnic Month
Summertime Barbeque Menus
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-b-que is Adding a Bold & Stacked Menu
Regionally Inspired Cocktail Kits
This Summer Cocktail Kit Shares a Taste of San Diego
Dual-Fuel Backyard Barbecues
The Coleman Revolution Dual Fuel Grill Supports Charcoal and Gas
Game Day-Inspired Shots
Game On Shots Bottle the Fun of Stadium Snacks & Tailgating
Freeze-Dried Cocktail Garnishes
Mixologist’s Garden Offers Five Options for Elevating Cocktails
Cheese-Themed Entertaining Guides
'That Cheese Plate Wants to Party' Inspires Tasty Creations
Authentic BBQ-Themed Food Products
The Tesco Fire Pit Range Offers Great Flavors for Grillers
Bubbly Canned Sakes
SummerFall is a Sparkling Sake Designed for Drinking Outside
Propane-Powered Fire Pits
TIKI® Brand Launches the Customizable Propane Gas Fire Pit
Portable Folding Barbecue Tables
AroundFire Presents the Gather Table Seating Ten People
Lemon-Themed Bakery Menus
Paris Baguette's New Lemon-Inspired Menu is Perfect for Summer
Portable Freezer Integrated Backpacks
The Litheli FrozenPack Keeps Drinks Cold On the Go
Picnic-Inspired Ice Creams
Salt & Straw Has Unveiled Its Summer Picnic Series for August
Seasonal Watermelon-Themed Menus
CPKs New Summer Menu Includes the Fresh California Fields Salad
Gold Bartender Essentials Sets
The Crafthouse by Fortessa® Offers Access to Premium Tools
Craft Cocktail Infusion Kits
The Gin Bundle from Camp Features 3 Kits for DIY Drinks
Seasonal Summer Buffet Menus
Golden Corral's New Endless Summer Grill Menu Starts at 4 P.M.
Premium Summer Barbecue Menus
Ponderosa & Bonanza Steakhouses are Adding a Summer Barbecue Menu
Celebratory Pizza Promotions
Little Caesars Summer of Hot-N-Ready Giveaways & Getaways is Tasty
All-in-One Outdoor Island Grills
The Mont Alpi MABi400-BSS Outdoor Kitchen Grill is Feature-Rich
Party-Ready Restaurant Publications
The Chuck E. Cheese and Friends Party Cookbook is Delightful
Hearty Summer Sandwich Lineups
Denny's New Summer of Sandwiches Menu Features a Trio of New Dishes
Festive Restaurant Catering Menus
The Bar Louie Seasonal Catering Specials are Arriving Now
Whimsically Bright Napkin Holders
PELEG DESIGN Creates the Memorable Balloonapkins
Ready-to-Serve Snack Trays
The Hormel Gatherings Hard Salami & Pepperoni Tray is Easy to Serve
Summertime BBQ Catering Menus
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Catering Menu Now Has Three New Options
Liquid Cocktail Garnishes
Crafter’s Sensory Potions Elevate the Cocktail Drinking Experience
Basketball Tournament Barbecue Meals
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Party Packs Come in Four Varieties
Birthday Planning Guides
This Resource Helps You Organize the Perfect Celebration