8 Super Fun Accessories For Summer Entertaining

May is flying by, and Memorial Day Weekend—which is also pretty much the official start of summer entertaining—is in just a few days. Time to get the group chat going and plan a #MDW barbecue, park picnic, or rooftop happy hour, stat.

Getting together with friends shouldn’t be high stress, but hosting involves more than setting out a pack of paper plates from the grocery store and calling it a day. Thankfully it’s easy to spice things up with colorful dishware, patterned placemats, and even printed napkins. Need some inspo? Check out some of our favorite cute, budget-friendly party essentials below. Your soirée will be one for the books (or at the very least, the ‘gram!).

This tropical hand-painted dinner plate screams summer, and at just $9, it’s a total steal, too. Grab a few, and you’re all set for even the most impromptu outdoor parties.

These woven placemats are peak Anthro: colorful, quirky, and bursting with whimsy charm. Choose from two color options, or get a mix of both to really create the textured, vibrant table setting of your dreams.

This bamboo serving tray is luxe yet super functional. I rely on large trays to transport plates of food up to my roof deck (because making multiple trips up and down the stairs gets old super fast) and I’m tempted to add this one to my collection.

Looking to create an outdoor focal point on the cheap? Plop a pretty plant into this adorable pot, and you’re good to go. The clean white finish is so perfect for this time of year.

These gingham napkins are oh-so-darling and eco-friendly to boot! Use them all season long for everything from parties and picnics to everyday dinners.

I own a pack of similar stemless plastic wine glasses, and they’re so much less of a hassle to use than stemmed glasses. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, which makes for easy cleanup after the guests leave.

If you and your friends are going to be lounging outside for hours, comfort is key. These chair cushions are ideal for sprucing up patio furniture, and the vibrant colors help hide pesky sangria spills.

Keep drinks cold while you lay outside with this super fun, fruity cooler (it’s also featured on our Best Coolers guide). No need to run to and from the fridge mid-party—and honestly, it’s so cute you can use it as a tote bag when not holding drinks.