Planning a barbecue, picnic, or outdoor cocktail party? Instead of paper plates, try recyclable and reusable stuff — in the long run, it can save you money. Plus, it just looks better and adds a little bit of class to your soiree. Here are some of our go-to sources for quality entertaining supplies and outdoor decor on a budget.

• House 8810: This webshop stocks cheerful retro oilcloth, melamine dishes, and the 'Urban Picnic Box' (shown above) — a cardboard boombox that comes with compostable napkins, trays, bowls, utensils, and cups.
  • Shown: Urban Picnic Box, $25
• Preserve Products: Their reusable plates and utensils are made with recycled and recylable plastic that's stronger and better looking than the average stuff you find at the grocery store.
  • Shown: On the Go Cutlery, $5.50/set
• World Market: This chain store carries inexpensive wine and specialty foods, as well as barware and serving supplies. They also have a nice selection of string lights and outdoor decorations.
  • Shown: Clear String Lights, on sale for $13.50
• TubTrugs.us: These started out in England as garden buckets, but they've found their way into the American market as multi-purpose pieces that can be used as ice buckets and party pails.
  • Shown: Tub Trugs, $11 - $23
• Fabric.com: Located in Georgia, this site is a well-known resource for discounted fabrics, and they carry lots of oilcloths that would work for an outdoor table covering.
  • Shown: Red Gingham Oilcloth, on sale for $6/yard
• IKEA: They debut a new summer collection each year, and it's usually a good source for budget umbrellas, outdoor fabrics, tea lights, and folding outdoor furniture.
  • Shown: Ramso Umbrellas, $15 each
• Target: Their outdoor collection includes some simple metal bistro table-and-chair sets that come in basic brights and clock in under $100. They also carry outdoor decor, string lights, and picnic supplies.
  • Shown: Outdoor Patio Folding Bistro Set, $89
• SaveOnCrafts: This website specializes in wedding and event supplies, so they have a lot of inexpensive hurricane vases, votives, string lights, and outdoor decorations that you can buy in bulk.
  • Shown: Hurricane Vase, 4 for $30
• Amazon.com: Weber's Smokey Joe is a portable tabletop grill that's small enough for a beach or a balcony. For more grill shopping tips and options, see this post.
  • Shown: Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill, $35
• Seltzer Studios: Online shop Seltzer Studios specializes in tabletop and home decor that's super-bright and not too serious. They carry lots of melamine and plastic servingware.
  • Shown: Two Tone Melamine Salad/Chip Bowl, $24
• Alice Supply Co.: This webshop specializes in bright, colorful versions of everyday stuff. Their 13-gallon trash bags, for instance, are decorated with stripes, so they're pretty enough to keep on display.
  • Shown: Trash Bags, $12

Photo: Urban Picnic Box at House 8810