Kick Off Summer Right With These Hosting Must-Haves

You only get one shot to kick off summer right, and let’s be honest, no one wants to be the host with lukewarm drinks, mismatched paper plates, or a vibe that falls flat before sunset. Now is the time to stock up on the hosting heroes that make your backyard, patio, or picnic blanket the place everyone wants to be. Whether you’re planning a full-on grill fest or a chill hang with just the besties, these must-haves are what take your weekend from “cute” to “can we do this every weekend?” Don’t wait until everything’s sold out or your group chat starts roasting your setup. Scroll now, prep like a pro, and let summer start with a bang.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Clip This Mosquito Repellent On Now and Thank Yourself Later
Amazon
Skip the citronella cloud and clip on this mosquito repellent instead. It’s silent, scent-free, and creates a personal barrier that keeps the bugs away for up to 12 hours. Attach it to your waistband or picnic chair and enjoy a night free of bites, no spraying required, just peaceful lounging under the stars.
See it on AmazonA Waterproof UNO Game You Can Play Poolside or by the Grill
Amazon
Don’t let a splash ruin game night. This waterproof card set keeps the fun flowing poolside, lakeside, or even in the hot tub. The plastic cards are durable, wipeable, and impossible to crumple. Play UNO with wet hands, drop them in the grass, and keep going like nothing happened. It’s summer-proof entertainment, in your bag and ready to deal.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartMake Grilled Veggies the Main Event With This Vegetable Grill Basket
Amazon
This vegetable grill basket is your secret weapon for cookout variety. Toss in shrimp, peppers, squash, and anything else you’d usually skewer, no sticks required. It keeps small ingredients from falling through the grill while still letting the smoke do its work. Guests will think you spent hours prepping, but it’s just the basket doing the heavy lifting.
See it on AmazonThis Giant Jenga Set Gets Competitive Fast — in the Best Way
Amazon
The giant wooden blocks are more than a game, they’re a spectacle. Stack them high, watch the tension build, and get ready for full-on shrieking when the tower finally tips. It’s an easy icebreaker that brings together kids, cousins, and cocktail-holding adults. Trust us, your lawn will become a tournament arena by sunset.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartThe Portable Cornhole Set That Turns Any Patch of Grass Into a Good Time
Amazon
The portable cornhole set is lightweight, easy to carry, and always in the trunk for a reason. Pop it open at the barbecue, on the beach, or at a picnic in the park. The beanbags fly, the competition heats up, and suddenly your chill afternoon has turned into a full-blown cheering section. It’s a classic that brings out everyone’s playful side.
See it on AmazonUpgrade Lemonade With This Fruit Infusion Pitcher That Feels Like Summer
Amazon
Infuse your drinks with summer flavor using this fruit infusion pitcher. Add lemons, strawberries, cucumbers, whatever’s fresh and let them steep into your water, tea, or wine. It’s visually stunning on the table and adds a spa-like touch to every pour. Hydration suddenly feels like an event.
See it on AmazonThe LED Flag Net Lights That’ll Make Your Backyard Look Legendary at Dusk
Amazon
The flag net lights might be the easiest way to glow-up your yard. Just drape this LED net across a fence or shrub and watch it light up like a star-spangled showstopper. It’s lightweight, flexible, and totally plug-and-play, perfect for adding magic once the sun goes down and the sparklers come out.
See it on AmazonDon’t Run Out of Disposable Plates and Cups When the Line for Food Gets Real
Amazon
Bring the red, white, and blue straight to your snack table with these patriotic party plates and cups. Made from thick, food-safe paper with a festive stars-and-stripes design, they’re sturdy enough for burgers and watermelon, and cute enough for your holiday flat lay.
See it on AmazonThese Silicone Popsicle Molds Were Made for Sweet Nostalgic Moments
Amazon
The silicone popsicle molds are made for sunny day nostalgia and social-media-worthy snacks. Shaped like cacti, pineapples, and watermelon slices, they freeze juice or smoothie blends into adorable summer treats. Pull them out during golden hour and pass them around for a sweet, shareable moment that screams summer kickoff.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartLet These Solar Lantern Lights Flicker as the Sun Goes Down
Amazon
These solar lantern string lights create the perfect after-dark ambiance. Each one flickers like a candle, casting cozy, golden light along fences or trees. Let them charge by day and glow by night, no wires, just instant enchantment.
See it on AmazonThis Waffle Maker Is the Loudest and Most Delicious Way to Say “America”
Amazon
Start the day with a bang by serving breakfast from this patriotic waffle maker. It presses giant waffles shaped like the USA, giving your guests a sweet start to a long day of grilling and chilling. Kids will love it, adults will secretly want one, and everyone will be asking where you got it.
See it on AmazonThese Stemmed Wine Glasses Make Every Backyard Toast Feel a Little More Chic
Amazon
Serve up your sips without the stress using these stemmed wine glasses. Made from ultra-durable, shatterproof material, they’re stylish enough for poolside pours and sturdy enough for backyard cheers. They look classic but can handle a rowdy round of charades.
See it on AmazonNo One Wants to Leave the Pool When the Floating Drink Tray Comes Out
Amazon
The pool drink float tray keeps the party floating, literally. Load it up with solo cups, mini snack bowls, and maybe a sunscreen bottle or two, and it becomes your group’s favorite water companion. No more climbing out for a refill; just float, sip, and pass the chips.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartLine the Fence With Mason Jar Solar Lights for Instant Backyard Magic
Amazon
Turn any mason jar into a soft-glow lantern with these solar fairy light lids. Just screw them on, place your jar where the sun can hit it, and wait for twilight to turn your backyard into a DIY firefly garden. They bring handmade magic to your evening setup, no outlets required.
See it on AmazonThis Insulated Cooler Keeps Drinks Cold and Compliments Flowing
Amazon
This insulated cube cooler combines retro flair with serious chill. It’s lightweight, strap-equipped, and surprisingly spacious, fitting a dozen cans while looking like a vintage accessory. Your drinks stay icy, your vibe stays cool.
See it on AmazonDon’t Be the House Without Mini American Flags This Weekend
Amazon
Hand out these mini American flags at the start of your party and suddenly the whole crew is in full celebration mode. Made of tear-resistant polyester, they hold up to breezy backyard games and splashy poolside fun. They also make the cutest centerpiece additions when tucked into mason jars or bouquets.
See it on AmazonThe Waterproof Picnic Blanket That Everyone Ends Up Sitting On
Amazon
Unfold the waterproof picnic blanket and claim your perfect chill spot. With a soft top for lounging and a protective underside that keeps grass and moisture out, it’s the MVP of the fireworks show. When it’s time to go, it folds into its own pouch for easy pack-up.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartSet the Mood With These Summer Blooms Napkins That Feel Like a Garden Party
Amazon
Brighten your setup with these floral napkins that look like they were plucked from a summer garden. With soft pastels and cheerful daisy prints, they’re the perfect mix of practical and pretty ideal for brunches, barbecues, and everything in between.
See it on AmazonSlide These Ice Packs Into the Cooler and Keep the Mood Chilled All Day
Amazon
The ice packs in your cooler might not get noticed, but they’re doing all the heavy lifting. These Arctic-style gel packs freeze hard, stay cold for hours, and keep your drinks icy without turning the bottom of your cooler into a water park. Stack them flat and forget about soggy snacks forever.
See it on AmazonThis Grill Frypan Is for the Friend Who Thinks Grilling Is an Art Form
Amazon
Grill veggies like a boss with this carbon-steel frypan that sits right on your grill grates. No more losing mushrooms to the flames or chasing rolling tomatoes. The slotted design gives everything a perfect char without the mess, and cleanup takes seconds. If you’re the designated chef, this is your new MVP.
See it on AmazonStack Your Snacks and Style Points With This 3-Tier Snack Tray
Amazon
Hosting snack hour? This 3-tier snack tray makes it feel instantly elevated. Crafted from rustic wood, it turns your spread of chips, dips, and cookies into a centerpiece that feels thoughtful and photo-worthy. Fewer plates, more compliments.
See it on AmazonFind it on WalmartThese Color-Changing String Lights Turn Your Backyard Into the After-Party
Amazon
Take your setup from laid-back to electric with these color-changing string lights. Controlled by app or synced to your playlist, they let you shift the vibe from chill dinner to full-on backyard rave. Light scenes, rainbows, and party mode await.
See it on AmazonThese Patriotic Tablecloths Turn Any Folding Table Into a Festive Moment
Amazon
Cover every surface in stars and stripes with this patriotic plastic tablecloth set. Each one’s decked out in red, white, and blue and made to catch spills without soaking through. Lay them across food tables, wrap them around picnic benches, or toss one on the lawn for a makeshift game zone, cleanup’s a breeze, too.
See it on AmazonSet the Vibe With These Smart Flameless Candles That Glow All Night
Amazon
The flameless LED candles turn any table into a cozy centerpiece, no fire risk required. Set them to flicker like real flames or glow steadily as the sun sets. They’re remote-controlled, windproof, and add the kind of ambiance that turns a casual evening into something worth remembering.
See it on AmazonKeep the Bugs Away With This Citronella Candle That Actually Looks Cute
Amazon
This citronella candle earns a permanent spot on your patio table. It’s poured into a pretty reusable tin and filled with lemongrass and plant-based oils that actually smell good. Light it up at dusk to keep bugs away without killing the vibe. Guests will compliment the glow, and you’ll quietly know it’s the reason no one’s swatting all evening.
See it on AmazonCrack One Open With This Patriotic Bottle Opener That Doubles as a Magnet
Amazon
These patriotic fridge magnets are more than decoration, they’re funny, functional, and double as bottle openers. Pop open a cold one, hang a Polaroid, or just smile at the stripes-and-stars boot design every time you open the fridge. Little details like this make a cookout feel like a party.
See it on AmazonKeep It All Together With This Condiment Caddy That’s Surprisingly Stylish
Amazon
The condiment caddy saves you from the usual BBQ chaos. With five chilled compartments and a lid, it keeps sauces, toppings, and garnishes cold and contained. No more ketchup bottles tipping over or soggy lettuce wilting in the sun. Whether you’re serving tacos or burgers, it’s a tidy upgrade your guests will actually notice.
See it on AmazonThe Fire Pit Speaker That Plays Music and Sets the Vibe at Once
Amazon
The fire pit speaker might be the ultimate flex. It brings crackling fire and booming sound together in one tabletop-sized marvel. Gather ‘round, roast marshmallows, cue the playlist, it’s a vibe built to last way past sunset.
See it on AmazonThis Portable Speaker Gets Passed Around Like the AUX It Deserves
Amazon
Small but mighty, the portable speaker bumps crystal-clear sound whether it’s poolside playlists or karaoke hour in the backyard. It’s shockproof, waterproof, and made to live in your beach bag all summer long. Clip it on, turn it up, and let the vibe set itself.
See it on AmazonThe Pink Daisy Napkins That’ll Make Your Table Feel Like a Pinterest Board
Amazon
When your party leans playful, these pink daisy napkins add the right touch of whimsy. Toss them into picnic baskets or layer them under cocktails for that little detail guests will remember.
See it on AmazonThis Collapsible Ice Bucket Fits in Your Bag but Acts Like a Party Cooler
Amazon
The collapsible ice bucket might be the most stylish way to keep drinks cold. Made of flexible silicone, it holds bottles and cans like a pro, then folds down flat when the party’s over. Lightweight, rinseable, and surprisingly cute on a tabletop, it’s the kind of functional design that makes summer feel easier.
See it on AmazonBreak Out the Karaoke Speaker When the Sun Sets and the Chaos Starts
Amazon
This karaoke speaker set is your unofficial DJ, hype man, and dance-floor starter. With two wireless mics and disco lighting, it transforms your backyard into a mini concert venue. The sound is loud enough to carry over grill sizzles and laughter, and the playlist possibilities? Endless. Let your shyest friend go first, they'll be a headliner by round two.
See it on AmazonThe Cold Brew Pitcher That’ll Keep Everyone Caffeinated Until Sunset
Amazon
The cold brew pitcher makes it easy to prep big-batch drinks for the whole crew. Whether you're brewing sun tea, fruity sangria, or lemony cold brew, this 3-liter carafe chills like a dream and pours without a mess. Pop it in the fridge before guests arrive and pull it out when the good vibes call for a refill.
See it on AmazonThe Umbrella Fan That Solves the “Too Hot to Function” Problem
Amazon
This umbrella fan is the upgrade you didn’t know your patio umbrella needed. Rechargeable and designed to clip right on, it pushes out breezes from every direction and keeps things cool while you grill, game, or catch up with friends. Shade and wind? That’s outdoor hosting perfection.
See it on AmazonThe Wooden Patio Cooler That Looks Like Decor and Works Like a Charm
Amazon
Set out this wooden patio cooler and watch it steal the spotlight. With a rustic crate look, a built-in bottle opener, and tons of drink space inside, it doubles as functional decor. Perfect for keeping the good times flowing, no ice run needed.
See it on AmazonEveryone Notices the Flag Party Cups — Especially When You Run Out
Amazon
Pour your drinks with extra pride into these recyclable flag party cups. With bold red and blue color blocking and a solid hand-feel, they’re the rare party cups that look chic and don’t end up in a landfill. Cheers to cold drinks, less waste, and a picnic setup that’s both practical and patriotic.
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