16 Summer Hosting Essentials For Outdoor Entertaining
Summer Hosting Essentials That Will Take Your Outdoor Parties Up a Notch
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Summertime is officially here which means lingering a little longer with friends and family after the sun goes down. It means 4th of July cookouts, pool parties and gathering together at the lake house to catch up and take a break from the Monday-Friday grind. To celebrate summer and all the goodness that’s to come, I have rounded up my favorite summer hosting essentials that will make entertaining easier and more beautiful, too. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion or having your neighbors over for a Friday night get-together, these items will make big or small gatherings a breeze. Here’s to long summer nights with the ones we love and laugh with most.
Amazon Summer Hosting Essentials
Ice mold wine chiller - This drink chiller makes the most fun centerpiece! You can use fresh flowers or petals, or opt for fresh fruit slices (like I did here) to dress up the mold. Tip: Make sure to take it out of the freezer about 30 minutes before serving to allow the ice to separate from the mold.
Disposable serving spoons - These little spoons are so handy for serving small appetizers or individually portioned desserts. They are disposable, but you can also wash to get more use out of them.
Hobnail drinking glasses - Vintage inspired glasses that are made of a heavy-duty glass. These are a great deal for a set of 6!
Clear ice bucket - The clear acrylic makes this a durable choice for outdoor use and the 4 liter size allows you to chill multiple beverages at once. The best part? The handles for easy transport!
Block print tablecloth - Opt for a cotton or linen table cloth rather than plastic to instantly elevate any backyard party. I love that this one is large enough for an 8 seat table and you can just throw it in the wash after using. Plus, the green block print pattern is beautiful and hides most stains.
Carafe set - If you don’t already have multiple carafes (with lids) - you should! Perfect for summer brunches and BBQs, but useful year-round.
Cheese board - A marble serving board is another instant upgrade that makes summer hosting more special without a lot of fuss. This is one of my favorite Amazon finds as the wood and marble make beautiful accents for any table.
Chilled condiment server - Keeping food and drinks cool is obviously one of the biggest challenges of summer hosting, so I’ll take all of the serving hacks I can get. This clear condiment container has space for ice underneath, acting as a little ice chest for toppings and garnishes.
Melamine tray - You can’t beat the price of this set of 2 large 17” serving platters and you’ll find yourself using them all summer long.
Charcuterie cups - Remember during the holidays when I shared this easy holiday appetizer idea? These cups made it happen. For summer, you can try other snacks like fresh fruit, popcorn, caprese bites, and more. Get creative!
Fondue set - I love this fondue set for a backyard movie night or serving up a post-BBQ dessert. Try it with s’mores!
Beverage dispenser - A must for keeping everyone hydrated during an outdoor party, this affordable 3 gallon dispenser is made of unbreakable acrylic and perfect for housing infused water with fresh fruits and herbs.
Reusable napkins - Give your dinner parties a thoughtful touch with these colorful, handcrafted napkins made of cotton. Several beautiful patterns available!
Tongs - Stainless steel serving tongs are a hosting must! These are great for any party, all year long.
Utensil caddy - This cutlery caddy is another way to elevate your party or picnic while keeping your supplies organized! The woven look is perfect for 4th of July and other summer occasions.
Serving bowls - Another break-resistant serving essential, this set of 4 nesting bowls will have you covered for gatherings of any size.