The weather’s getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and frosé is back on the menu. All that can only mean one thing: Summer’s here—and there’s no time like the present to turn your backyard into the perfect party destination. Whether you’re hoping to host a chic garden gathering or you just want to fire up the grill with some friends, we’ve got the perfect inexpensive accessories to make your summer soiree a hit.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | Woven Placemats
Anthropologie$18; buy now at Anthropologie
Outfit your table in style this summer with this woven placemat from Anthropologie. Not only will it add some color to your tablescape, it’ll keep pesky cup rings at bay.
2 | 10-Foot Solar LED String Lights
Wayfair$18; buy now at Wayfair
Don’t have great backyard lighting? No problem! With these solar LED string lights, you can keep the party going long after the sun goes down.
3 | Small Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Target$20; buy now at Target
Your perfectly-curated party playlist deserves to be heard on something more powerful than the tiny speakers in your phone. This year, treat yourself to this cheery portable Bluetooth speaker from Heyday, ideal for blasting those summer hits.
4 | Floating Lotus Light
Urban Outfitters$20$16; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Have a pool or other water feature on your property? Make your event even more magical by floating a few of these lotus lights, which can transform your space in seconds.
5 | “Hello Summer” Bunting
Etsy$14; buy now at Etsy
If you’re so glad to be bidding farewell to the cold weather, make your love for all things sunny known with this adorable handmade bunting welcoming the season.
6 | Tetherball Set
Bed Bath & Beyond$23; buy now at Bed Bath & Beyond
Need something other than your dazzling wit to keep your guests entertained? This tetherball set from Franklin will keep you and your partygoers busy for hours as you duke it out to determine who will become the one true tetherball champ.
7 | Glitter Confetti Balloons
Etsy$4 each; buy now at Etsy
Who says balloons are only for birthdays? These glitter confetti balloons can have even the barest backyard looking festive in no time.
8 | Copper Stainless Steel Champagne Bucket
Walmart$20; buy now at Walmart
Whether you’re popping a $250 bottle of Cristal or $7 one of Andre, this copper-hued champagne bucket will add a little sophistication to your backyard fête.
9 | Porcelain Platter
Anthropologie$24; buy now at Anthropologie
Give those crudités the glamorous backdrop they deserve this summer with this gorgeous porcelain platter from Anthropologie. It’s even dishwasher-safe, meaning you have one less thing to hand wash when the party’s done.
10 | Party Photo Prop Kit
Target$5; buy now at Target
If you throw a summer party and nobody posts about it on Instagram, did it even happen? Luckily, with this photo prop kit, you’ll have more digital reminders of that epic get-together than you'll know what to do with.
11 | Party Y’all Plastic Stemless Wine Glass
Party City$8 for 4; buy now at Party City
Combine bare feet and highly breakable glass, and you've got yourself a recipe for disaster. But that doesn't mean you can't sip in style—just pick up some of these plastic stemless wine glasses!
12 | Watermelon Tapping Kit
Bed Bath & Beyond$20; buy now at Bed Bath & Beyond
The only thing better than a refreshing glass of water on a hot day? Fresh watermelon juice, straight from the source—which you can get in seconds with this clever kit.
13 | Bean Bag Ring Toss
Wayfair$17; buy now at Wayfair
If tetherball's not their thing, you can still keep your guests entertained for hours with this bean bag ring toss kit. Not only is it a great way to pass the time at a party, it’s perfect practice for winning those big stuffed animals at local fairs later in the season.
14 | Decorative Vine Set
Urban Outfitters$14; buy now at Urban Outfitters
Even if the outside of your home isn’t exactly picturesque, you can turn it into a photo-ready backdrop in seconds with this cute set of vines, bound to make every one of your followers ask how they can get an invite to your next shindig.
15 | Rainbow Glitter Pool Float
Michaels$5; buy now at Michaels
Whether you just want to make your pool look like the set of a Taylor Swift music video or you could actually use a boost in the water, this rainbow glitter pool float has got you covered.
16 | Water Balloon Filler
DICK'S Sporting Goods$13$10; buy now at DICK’S Sporting Goods
The only thing better than a water balloon fight is a water balloon fight in which you don't have to fill the balloons individually beforehand. And with this easy-to-use water balloon filler, you’ll have time for more important things (like drenching your unsuspecting guests).
17 | Nautical Inflatable Cooler
Wayfair$21; buy now at Wayfair
Don’t want to store a bulky cooler in your house all year? Not a problem. This adorable nautical cooler can hold 50 cans, but flattens out in seconds and stores easily when you’re done with it.
18 | Pop Mold
Williams Sonoma$15; buy now at Williams Sonoma
Want an easy summer treat your guests will love? Snag a pack of these ice pop molds and fill them with your favorite fruit, some juice, or your preferred wine, pop them in the freezer, and wow your pals.
19 | Wine Tassel Charms
Etsy$4 for 6; buy now at Etsy
The only thing worse than misplacing your glass at a party? Realizing you’re drinking out of someone else’s. Those games of musical cups will be a thing of the past with these adorable wine tassels.
20 | Tropical Serving Bowl
Anthropologie$24; buy now at Anthropologie
Whether you load it with tortilla chips, fruit salad, or party favors, this tropical melamine bowl from Anthropologie is party-perfect.
21 | Sunshine Confetti
Etsy$7; buy now at Etsy
Give your table’s aesthetic a little oomph at your next gathering with this sunny confetti. Not only is it adorable, but it comes in large pieces, meaning it’s easy to clean and you won’t find it in everything from your garden to your car for the next six months.
22 | Multicolor Confetti Popper
Paper Source$7; buy now at Paper Source
Want to capture a great moment on camera at your next summer shindig? Give your guests these confetti poppers, set your phone on a timer, and rack up those likes.
23 | Palm Leaf Tablecloth
Target$5; buy now at Target
Who says picnic tables have to be outfitted in gingham? This adorable palm-leaf-print tablecloth will keep your furniture covered and looking cute.
24 | Wine Holder Pool Float Set
Urban Outfitters$14$8; buy now at Urban Outfitters
These floating wine holders are perfect for preventing any Cabernet casualties at your summer pool party.
25 | Fold-N-Go 10-Cup Game
Bed Bath & Beyond$18; buy now at Bed Bath & Beyond
Beer pong isn’t just for frat parties—it’s also a great way to liven up your summer soiree. And now that you’re a full-fledged adult, you can swap out that cheap beer for something more palate-pleasing—even if “sangria pong” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. And for more great summer buys, load up on these 20 Genius Gifts for the Independence Day Fans in Your Life.
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