33 Items You Absolutely Need for Summer Hosting
Not sure what items are actually essential for summer hosting? Here are 33 non-negotiable summer hosting items that will instantly make your life 10x easier.
There is nothing better than having friends and family over during the summer! Spending time with your loved ones is always fun, but there is something about being able to take the gathering outside and enjoying the warm weather that is unbeatable.
And as someone who has learned (through trial and error) what works and what doesn’t when it comes to summer hosting, I’m going to share with you the items that will make summer hosting a breeze!
Because once you have the right summer hosting essentials, everything else kind of just falls into place. Some of these items are obvious, and others will make you question why you never thought about them before.
Either way, all of these summer hosting items will make your life so much easier and more enjoyable when it comes to having people over! You can thank me later. 😉
You’ll also find some summer hosting tips below to help everything run smoothly when hosting this summer.
This post is about the items that will make summer hosting a breeze.
quick summer hosting tips
THIS IS HOW TO MAKE SURE THINGS RUN SMOOTHLY…
- Keep a stocked drink station ready to go. Having drinks easily accessible is one of the most underrated things you could do! Nothing will make people feel more welcomed!
- Prep as much as possible ahead of time. I always set everything out the morning of or the night before to make sure I’m not scrambling to set everything up right before guests arrive. This helps to take some of the pressure off and not feel so rushed.
- Create outdoor ambience with lighting. Lighting is your best friend when it comes to setting the mood! If more people used accent lighting in their backyard setup, it would instantly feel warmer and more inviting. Use this to your advantage!
- Have a designated spot for everything. For food, for drinks, a place to sit – keep everything straightforward and organized.
- Always have more ice than you think. Ice is always the first thing people run out of! And the lest thing you want to have to do is leave your own party to go get more.
Best Summer Hosting Items:
1. Cordless Table Lamp
You’re going to want some lighting options for when you’re hosting in your backyard so the party doesn’t have to end when it gets dark out.
These little lamps are great because they give off just enough light to actually be helpful without ruining the ambience. You can use them on your outdoor dining table, or sprinkle them on a couple of side tables. Either way, these are going to be your best friend for summer hosting!
2. Paddle Shot Set
This shot set is so cute and perfect for when you’re having the adults over for a little get together. Nothing kicks off summer quite like taking a shot from the paddle!
It’s also nice because it makes sure the shot glasses have a home so they don’t end up scattered across the backyard. Shots are also a lot easier to serve when you can just bring them out on the paddle.
3. Lumbar Scalloped Patio Pillow
If there is one thing you can do to increase the comfort factor of your outdoor area, it’s adding a couple of cute pillows to the chairs or sofas. You don’t need to go overboard, but even just adding one or two accent pillows will automatically make the space look more aesthetic.
Not to mention, guests absolutely love sitting where there are comfortable pillows to lean on. I mean, who doesn’t?!
4. Scalloped Throw Patio Pillow
This is the same style pillow but in a throw pillow form, perfect for styling your outdoor sofa, or adding some extra cushion to those dining chair seating.
Especially if you have outdoor dining chairs that are made of wood or any other hard material (which most of them tend to be), adding a pillow in between the back of the chair and table will make the seating so much more comfortable!
5. Portable Snack Tray
I love to keep some of these snack trays on hand while hosting, so if people have leftovers they want to take home, or if there’s quite a bit of food left, I can easily package it up and send them home with some yummy food.
And that way, you’re also not trying to get any glass Tupperware back from people (which feels near impossible!). It just makes life way easier!
6. Portable Projector
If you have the space, I highly suggest getting a projector for your backyard. It’s an absolute game changer! Backyard movie nights are one of the best, if not the best, ways to spend a warm summer night. And it’s even more fun when you can have people over to enjoy the outdoor movies with you.
And trust me, if you’re having summer movie screenings in your backyard, you will easily be the #1 host!
7. Inflatable Movie Screen
Talking about outdoor movie nights, along with a projector, you’re going to need something to project the movie on.
There are different size options depending on how much space you have available, but no matter what size you get, a big screen makes for the best movie nights. They’re also fairly easy to store when you’re not using them – which is an added bonus.
8. Portable Bar Cooler
An outdoor bar cart of some sorts is a summer hosting necessity! You’re definitely going to want somewhere that you can point people to grab a drink, instead of having them go through your fridge to find something.
This bar cart in particular is more suited for outdoor gatherings since you can just keep a bunch of bottled drinks cold in the ice chest for people to help themselves too.
9. Outdoor Beanbag Chair
I think these bean bag chairs are such a fun seating option, especially if you’re trying to set up a comfortable spot for the outdoor movie nights.
They’re also a more affordable arm chair option if you want to set up a few extra seats in the backyard without spending a fortune!
10. Frozen Yogurt/Ice Cream Maker
The holy grail of all summer gatherings! Homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt is easily the best sweet treat to enjoy during summer. It also tastes better than anything you’ll find at the store. Part of that might be because you get to customize the flavors and toppings, but I’ll leave that up to you to decide!
11. Utensil Caddy
A utensil caddy is one of those things that will make it super easy to stay organized when having guests over. Instead of grabbing loose plastic utensils from a drawer and hoping you have enough, you’ll have a dedicated station for all things plastic silverware (which is the way to go when you’re having a lot of people, especially kids, over).
It’s also a lot easier for guests to find things like utensils when they’re already set out on the table and have a designated spot. This is just one less thing guests will come to you asking where they can find them.
12. Glass Beverage Dispensers
I can’t even begin to tell you how often I use these glass beverage dispensers! Every time I have guests over, I’m pulling these out. Because one of the worst feelings, is not having beverages to offer guests while they’re trying to fight the summer heat.
I always like to make one of them infused water (lemon and mint is my go-to combo) and the other some kind of lemonade, juice, or tea. Both are the kinds of drinks you’d want to sip on during a hot day.
13. Woven Rattan Glass
I recommend getting an extra set of glasses for outdoor dining. These ones in particular are nice because the rattan around the sides keeps the glass a little more protected. It’s also super fitting for the outdoor/coastal summer aesthetic.
These glasses alone with tie everything together in your summer tablescape!
14. Screened Food Dome
We all know how annoying the bugs can be. They somehow single-handedly make you never want to eat outside again. Especially with the amount of times you have to swat them away from the food on the table.
At least if you have some sort of screen, you won’t have to worry about them landing on any of your food. This, in combination with a citronella candle will have you set!
15. Ice Mold Chiller
This might just be the cutest glass chiller for summer! I’ve seen so many people use this specific one and use different fruit and herbs to make it decorative, and it always turns out so well.
You’re probably going to want a chiller anyways to make sure your bottles stay cold (especially with the summer heat), so this one just adds a fun touch to a hosting must-have. This would also make the perfect accessory for your outdoor bar cart!
16. Divided Snack Platter
No hosting is complete without a snack plate. I’m telling you, it’s the difference between people being famished at dinner. Plus, it’s just nice to have something to snack on before the actual meal.
It’s also a good way to make sure no one is still hungry after dinner. A lot of people worry about not having enough food, so snacks are a great filler to keep everyone satisfied.
17. Frozen Drink and Sushi Machine
If you have a Ninja CREAMi, this is very similar, only it’s for frozen drinks. Just imagine sitting by the pool with a frozen Pina Colada or a blended margarita. Nothing sounds more refreshing and fitting for a summer gathering!
People will absolutely go crazy over this. And it’s not something that you’ll pull out once when friends are over, and then never use again. Whether you’re hosting or not, you will be reaching for this gadget non-stop!
18. Stripe Tube Pool Float
If you have a pool, you’re going to want a couple of pool floats that people can use. It’s super easy to have one or two tubes already floating in the pool, waiting for people to use. Because if there is one thing that people love, it’s laying out on a pool float, soaking up the sun!
This is another item that you’ll end up using a lot even when people aren’t coming over, so you know you’re going to get a lot of use out of it.
19. Sauce Serving Dish
This is such a helpful holder for when you’re serving condiments, salsa, or dips. It’s always good to have a couple of staple dishes and trays specifically for hosting.
20. Can Cooler
No one wants to drink a lukewarm beverage. It might start out cold, but if it’s sitting outside in the heat, it’s not going to stay cold for very long – which either forces people to chug their drinks or deal with the room temp drink.
It’s always a good idea to have a few of these can coolers on hand, for guests but also for yourself. You’ve got to love a drink that actually stays cold!
21. Woven Coasters
Just like you would inside, it’s a good idea to have a set of coasters for your furniture outside. I feel like if people see coasters, they know they’re not just there for decor and that they should actually be using them.
It’s like giving your guests a hint. And if you have a couple of coasters on your side tables and dining room table, they’ll get the gist!
The woven material makes these ones feel extra appropriate for summer. Yes, they’re cute, but they also serve a very important purpose!
22. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
I don’t think you can say a summer gathering is complete without some toons. And because it’s outside, you’re going to want to make sure the speaker you’re using is waterproof (better safe than sorry).
The quality of this one is surprisingly good for how affordable it is, which also makes you feel better about using it outside with the elements. 😉
23. Portable Fly Fans
I know I’m not the only one who didn’t know these were a thing. But I have to say, they’re actually pretty convenient!
I know they’re not the most attractive hosting gadget, but I think you’ll be glad they’re there to keep the bugs away. And honestly, if it’s between having a few of these fans or dealing with the persistent flies, I would choose these any day!
24. Tassel Patio Umbrella
Guests are going to want a way to escape the summer heat. And depending on how much sun your backyard gets, you might need a little bit of help creating your own shade spots.
I love umbrellas that are both cute and practical – it’s the best of both worlds! Yes it serves a purpose, but it also doubles as backyard decor that makes you feel like you’re at a boutique hotel. It’s a win-win!
25. Linen Stripe Napkins
Stripes are the pattern of the year! And striped linen material in particular is hard to resist. So while it’s not practical to switch out furniture, adding a few striped linen accents, like cloth napkins, will do the trick!
And if you plan on having people over this summer, you’re going to want a set of cloth napkins that you can reuse. Paper napkins tend to look cheap, and cloth napkins are efficient without taking away from your summer tablescape.
26. Cheese Knives Set
These might not be at the top of the essentials list, but they were just so cute that I had to include them in this post! And when it comes to charcuterie boards or cheese platters (yum!), a set of cheese knives is actually a really good idea.
That way guests can help themselves, and you don’t have to spend a ton of time pre-cutting the cheeses (not as aesthetic either).
27. Stone Serving Board
And in order to create a charcuterie platter or set out some appetizers for your guests, you’re going to want a couple of good platters on hand. It’s always a good idea to go for more versatile options that you can use for a bunch of different occasions!
28. Large Citronella Candle
Citronella candles will never not be a summer hosting essential! Trying to survive summer entertaining without them tends to be pretty miserable. Those bugs are determined, so you’re going to need something to make sure they stay away from you, the guests, and the food.
I absolutely love this candle from H&M because it’s pretty big and not super expensive considering how long it lasts!
29. Oversized Beach Towel
If you have a beach towel, you’re going to want to have a couple of extra towels designated for guests. Even if you tell people to bring their own towels, I guarantee you that some will forget. And it’s always nice to be able to provide some extras.
30. Stemless Margarita Glasses
Margaritas are one of the best summer drinks… for the adults of course! 😉 I always like to have a matching set of glasses for when guests come over that aren’t super fancy, so if something happens to one it’s not the end of he world.
They still look nice, but they’re pretty easy to replace.
31. Margarita Salt Rimmer
No margarita is complete without a salt rim! I swear it’s everyone’s favorite part (including mine haha). This is the thing that takes homemade margaritas to the next level. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes people feel like they’re at a fancy restaurant. It also just adds to the experience!
32. Cooler Side Table
This is so clever! Coolers tend to be pretty bulky and can get in the way (especially if you don’t have a lot of space). So having a cooler that doubles as a side table is a game changer! From the outside, it looks like a normal, cute side table. But open it up and you have ice cold drinks ready to be enjoyed! It honestly feels kind of like a party trick haha.
33. Food Warming Mat
Between not having enough cooking space, and the timing not working out exactly how you thought it would (story of my life), you’re probably going to have some dishes that are cold by the time everyone sits down.
But if you have some sort of warming mat, all of your dishes might not be hot out of the oven, but they will taste so much better when they’re actually warm! This is seriously one of the best hosting hacks, and I think everyone should know about it.
The amount of times this warming mat has saved my butt is crazy! 😂
This post was about the items that will make summer hosting a breeze.
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