Summer Entertaining Essentials for Fun in the Sun
Entertaining is one of our specialties, so we're likely as excited to create this list as you are to read it. And with summer finally here, it's time to focus our attention on the outdoors so we can soak up as much of the sun as possible. With that in mind, we've combed countless Amazon pages to bring you some of the top sunny-day hosting finds. We're talking floating coolers for the pool, tabletop lanterns to keep the bugs away, LED pool flamingos, and so much more. Plus, we've taken the liberty of looking through the reviews for you to make sure everything is legit — because we know firsthand how annoying it is to be drawn in by a cool picture and idea, only to see that almost everyone in the reviews is disappointed. So, scroll confidently and load your cart with everything that catches your eye; your friends will thank you.
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.This Inflatable Cooler to Keep Everyone’s Drinks Cold
Amazon
When you need a new drink, you don't have to get out of the pool — just have this inflatable cooler floating around. It can hold up to 24 cans on ice and has cupholders around the edge for drinks that are already open.
See it on AmazonRegulation Cornhole Boards Made From Real Wood
Amazon
We can personally attest to the sturdiness of these cornhole boards. The 100% real wood holds steady during play and has a stained finish that's weather-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Plus, because it comes to you plain, you can paint it however you like.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThe Ladder Toss Game Fit for a Tailgate
Amazon
You've likely seen this popular ladder toss game, so let this be your sign to join in on the fun. The game is simple and easy for all ages to play, with built-in scorekeeping right on the side. They even throw in a handy carrying case to take it wherever you go.
See it on AmazonThis Collapsible Water Bag That's Entirely Leakproof
Amazon
Backup water is nice, but we won't judge if you fill this bag up with something a little more fun. The food-grade plastic is reusable, freezable, and has a thick construction to keep its flat shape. This $13 pack comes with four bags that hold up to five liters each.
See it on AmazonA Rolling Grill Basket for Even Cooking
Amazon
Instead of flipping every individual skewer, use the rolling grill basket that makes the process quick and easy. Its large size fits huge quantities of meats and veggies, and when it's time to clean up, you can throw it in the dishwasher.
See it on AmazonStylish Tabletop Torches That Can Help Keep Bugs Away
Amazon
You can fill these stylish glass torches with citronella oil, creating an inviting ambiance that doubles as bug protection. They provide up to four hours of burn time with each fill, helping limit refills. The contemporary three-pack comes in white or black.
See it on AmazonThe Bubble Maker That's Topping the Amazon Charts
Amazon
Whether you're entertaining kids or adults doesn't matter; everyone will enjoy a good bubble machine. This one creates up to 18,000+ large bubbles per minute and has a high-powered fan to blow them around the entire space. You can plug it into the wall, move it around, and power it with batteries.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Magical Pouches That Change the Color of the Fire
Amazon
Each of these magical pouches will change the color of the flames for up to a full hour, making this 12-pack last for ages. Just toss in an unopened packet, and watch as the flames glow. Pro tip: if you throw multiple in at a time, you'll see a mesmerizing rainbow effect.
See it on AmazonThese Spandex Table Covers to Spruce Things Up
Amazon
Foldable tables are a summer essential, but they're kind of an eye-sore. Rather, use these stylish table covers to give your space a cleaner look. They have a high stretch and sewn-in corners to keep them neatly in place under the table feet.
See it on AmazonThis Giant Jenga Set That's Familiar and Fun
Amazon
When set up, this giant Jenga tower stands over 2 feet tall, and it will only stack higher from there! It's the world's largest Jenga set, bringing one of our favorite childhood games into adulthood — all made from real wood that withstands indoor and outdoor play.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Giant Beach Balls Filled With Glitter
Amazon
There are over a dozen choices for the color combo of these glitter beach balls, with our favorite being this clear ball with gorgeous blue sequins. The five-piece set comes with two large and three smaller balloons that are soft, sturdy, and buoyant.
See it on AmazonWaterproof Rope Lights That You Can Set and Forget
Amazon
There's no complicated wiring you have to deal with when installing these rope lights, as each one is connected to a solar panel that keeps it lit for up to 12 hours at a time. The 39-foot rope easily wraps around everything from patio railings to large trees, sensing when it's dark and turning on without you lifting a finger.
See it on AmazonTabletop Fans for Fly-Free Food
Amazon
Even the most extravagant outdoor parties can be ruined if flies find the food, making these tabletop fans a must-have. They gently fan bugs away with their soft-touch blades that won't hurt your hand if they come into contact. Plus, they're battery-powered so that you can place them virtually anywhere.
See it on AmazonA Folding Camping Cot to Step up Your Style
Amazon
This heavy-duty cot provides a comfortable extra spot to hang out, and its folding design means you can store it out of the elements. The sturdy frame holds up to 900 pounds, fitting multiple adults and kids. And with a water-resistant fabric on top, it's easy to wipe clean.
See it on AmazonLawn Darts That Are a Hit with the Kids
Amazon
Involving the kiddos in fun outdoor games like these lawn darts will keep them having fun and within earshot. This one is double-sided, with one side being a little easier, and the darts are weighted to fall head-down and stay in place.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartA Portable Bar You Can Roll to the Party
Amazon
There's no need to worry about a little rain in the forecast, as this bar can roll right back inside. The inner cooler can hold over 90 cans on ice, with plenty of space for all those mixers and chilled tequila you want to keep inside. The wheels lock in place to keep it steady if you need to use the top as a table, and there's even a bottle opener affixed to the side.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartA Value Pack of Citronella Candles
Amazon
These candles are priced right around $5 each in the multipack, which is one of the best deals we could find with this many high ratings. They're made of all-natural ingredients, including a cotton wick, for a safe and natural burn that helps keep you bite-free wherever summer takes you.
See it on AmazonInterlocking Deck Tiles for Your Patio or Yard
Amazon
You don't have to have an actual deck to take advantage of these interlocking tiles, as they have a sturdy and weather-proof build that many users say works just as well out in the yard. They're a quick and easy way to completely transform an entire space, easily breaking apart and storing compactly when the party's over.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartCup Holder Stakes to Keep Your Drink Close
Amazon
These cup holder stakes are a solid choice for backyard or beach parties where there's a lot of movement going on. You firmly press the base into the ground with your foot, and just as easy as that, you have a cupholder that can stay right by your side or be set up around play areas.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartA Splash Pad That's Safe for Kids and Pets
Amazon
In this day and age, people are just as likely to bring over their fur child as they are their human one, giving you all the more reason to invest in this $20 splash pad. It's made from a thick vinyl that fights against scratches and connects directly to the hose you likely already own.
See it on AmazonThis Frozen Drink Maker From a Famous Brand
Amazon
Not everyone wants to drink the same drink, and with this Margaritaville blender, they won't have to. It has four pre-programmed drink settings that blend the ice as it mixes your drink, creating a beautifully blended cocktail that tastes just like your favorite beach bar special.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Gorgeous Fire Pit With Modern Upgrades
Amazon
Never underestimate how big of a difference a nice fire pit can make. This one is currently in the social media spotlight because of its beautiful wicker and blue fire-glass, along with its slide-out tank storage that makes changing your propane a breeze.
See it on AmazonThis Hammock Chair That's Stand-Alone
Amazon
Because these hammock chairs don't need to be hung up on something sturdy, you can set up a cozy seat virtually anywhere you like. Their wide base keeps them steadier than most other stands on the market. Plus, there's built-in padding in the seat for added comfort without any bulky pillows.
See it on AmazonThis Piñata Built for Adults
Amazon
The tequila-bottle design isn't the only thing "adult" about this piñata — it's much harder to break open than the ones for kids. Reviewers constantly comment on the strength of the design, saying that full-grown adults get to have multiple turns before it's busted, making it way more fun when the mini bottles and electrolyte mixes are set free.
See it on AmazonThe Spikeball Game That's Going Viral on the Beach
Amazon
Spikeball is a lot like volleyball in that you and your partner have three contacts to hit the ball back down onto the net. If you hit it hard or skillfully enough, your opponents won't be able to return the ball. It really is that simple, and that's why it's taking the world by storm.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Cooler Light That Goes Down Into The Ice
Amazon
Lighting from under the ice makes the entire cooler glow, helping you save time and cold hands. Enter this cooler light. It's waterproof up to six feet deep and rechargeable for repeat use. You can set it for up to 60 hours of bright white light or 31 hours of intimate red.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Led Beach Balls That Are Remote Controlled
Amazon
Switch on these LED Beach Balls, and you won't have to head inside just because the sun is setting. Choose from 16 color choices you can control up to 100 feet away. Plus, they have five brightness settings and four light-changing modes.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartPatio Misters to Keep the Party Cool
Amazon
These patio misters likely twist onto the outdoor faucet you already own and provide 52 feet of misters to line everything from your fences and awnings to your umbrellas and chairs. The fine mist cools the air instantly, according to the reviews.
See it on AmazonA Sun Shade for Stylish Protection
Amazon
Whether your space is big or small, there's likely one of these sun shades available in a size that fits. Their durable design is highly weather-resistant, providing UV protection and some cooling shade to boot. And don't worry if it rains; the permeable fabric will keep you from having to drain off any pooling water.
See it on AmazonThis Extra Large Beach Mat That's Completely Sandproof
Amazon
Traditional beach towels never fully release all the sand, but that's not the case with this beach mat. The sand-proof material quickly flicks clean and is tightly folded into its compression bag for easy carrying. The large blanket comfortably accommodates up to eight people, and there are sand pockets in each corner and six stakes to hold it in place.
See it on AmazonThese LED Pool Floats That Look Like Flamingos
Amazon
If you like party decor that's full of personality, look no further than these LED Pool Flamingos. Their solar panel charges them during the day as they float around, and when the sun goes down, they'll automatically turn on.
See it on AmazonThis Serving Tray That Has Room for Ice
Amazon
Fruit, ranch, celery, and carrots — all things that can fit into this serving tray and are much better served cold. The four compartments are easy to pull out and refill, and the hinged lid helps keep the ice cold and the bugs at bay.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis 20-Foot Outdoor Projector Screen
Amazon
Only taking about five minutes to set up, this projector screen is as cool as it is convenient. The included blower is whisper-quiet, so you won't struggle to hear what's on the screen. It's perfect for everything from movie nights to music videos playing in the background.
See it on AmazonSkinny Cocktail Mixers That Come in a Tasty Variety Pack
Amazon
If you're unsure what everyone likes to drink, try these cocktail mixers. All your guests will need is sparkling water and their liquor of choice to go along with them. Each packet only has 25 calories and five grams of sugar, which has quickly made them a highly-rated and popular choice.
See it on AmazonSee it on Walmart