Summer is in full swing, and my inner Martha Stewart is itching to throw a party. I don’t care what kind of gathering I throw, but I want a summer bash. Whether you are partial to rooftop hangs with a good speaker and good drinks, or a picnic complete with place cards and wicker baskets, summer brings out the inner host in all of us.
Throwing a good party takes more than just sending out some invites and hoping someone comes. It takes planning, prep, and lots of supplies. The good thing is, once you have them, you can use and reuse them for any get-together. But this means it’s crucial to choose the right ones. For party props that are durable, versatile, and classy, look no further. Our highly-trusted reviewers have narrowed down the best party essentials you can buy to be the host with the most at your upcoming gathering.
A Set of Plates for Any Occasion (23% off!)
These plastic plates don’t look like the average disposable plates; they’ve got far more class and fun. Plus, you can get them in this fun, bright pink color!
This Eclectic Cocktail Kit
Impress your guests with this eclectic cocktail kit. With everything you need to make an impressive cocktail, this easy kit is a party in a box all by itself.
A Cocktail Shaker Set
Calling everyone who likes their cocktails shaken, not stirred: this mixology kit brings the drinks and the drama. Serve up everyone’s favorite cocktails exactly how they like them.
A Portable Wine Chiller Set
You deserve the best-kept wine, no matter where you’re drinking it. For those who don’t have wine cellars, this wine chiller set perfectly preserves your wine while being easy to carry without breaking!
Rustic Drink Dispensers
Get the drinks flowing with these farmhouse-chic, rustic drink dispensers. The clear mason jar design lets you add aesthetic garnishes and see what you’re serving. Plus, the impressive size means you’ll have enough for everyone.
Oversized Wine Glasses
Sometimes it’s that kind of party. Bring out the big glasses to keep from running around giving refills. A good party means your glass is always full.
Sparkly Champagne Glasses
These golden, speckled champagne flutes are a treat on any tablescape. Add some elegance and excitement to your drink just by bringing out the gold.
A Golden Plastic Silverware Set
Match your flatware to your glasses with this simple but elegant silverware set. Add some sparkle to every bite and wow your guests with your attention to detail.
Gold Rimmed Plastic Cups
Skip the flimsy water cooler cups with these sturdy and stylish cups. The gold rim is a stunning detail that will instantly impress your guests. Plus, they’ll last all day without falling apart.
Portable Cooler Packs
Don’t leave your party to run out for ice. Always be prepared with these gel cooler packs that keep everything cool without the hassle of melting ice. Plus, they’re reusable!
These Versatile Hot-and-Cold Packs
These dynamic, reusable packs do it all. Throw them in the freezer for instant ice packs, and keep them in your bags for leak-proof cooling. Plus, they come in fun prints to align with your party vibe.
These Innovative Ice Buffets
Instead of lugging around coolers trays, this inflatable ice buffet is a lightweight, sleek way to serve up all your chilled goods.
A Hot Dog on a Stick Maker
Fun food is essential at parties. Nothing says party like novelty food items. Enter: this hot dog on a stick maker. Whip up some indulgent treats for your guests with this deceptively easy tool for a memorable food experience.
These Microfiber Towels
The worst part of any party is cleaning up. These towels get the job done with minimal hassle. Clean up your messes or wipe down your belongings at the pool or beach easily and quickly.
A Good Set of Reusable Food Storage Containers
Too much food is better than not enough food at a party. This set of glass food containers will keep your leftovers fresh in durable, heavy-duty storage.
An Impressive Cheese Board Set
Even if you can’t pronounce charcuterie, you can make your own impressive spread with this kit. This cheese board kit makes it easy to craft a cheese board that will impress all your friends.
A Home Popcorn Maker
Stock up on snacks with this at-home popcorn maker. Make as many servings of popcorn as your guests desire with this easy kitchen accessory.
A Multi-Functional Pool Float
Some guests like to lounge in the pool. Some guests want to play games. Please them all with this versatile p0ol essential. It turns from a pool game to a giant float for partying any way you want.
A Unicorn Pool Float for Kids
This gorgeous, whimsical kiddie pool is the summer party accessory of your little one’s dreams. Help them beat the heat by paddling in this cute party essential.
A Fun-Ready Banana Float
Relax or play on this hilarious party favorite. Novelty pool floats are dime a dozen, but this one is sturdy and silly at the same time. Bring it out for every party every summer for a guaranteed good time.
These Pool Balls
Spice up your pool games with this watermelon-themed pool ball. Whatever your game of choice, this bright pool toy will be a hit at your party — on water or on land.
An LED Soccer Ball
Take the party indoors with this perfect indoor soccer ball. With LED lights and a hoverboard base, you can have a fun-filled party no matter what the weather is out there.
A Rope Swing
Kids will flock to this easy-to-install rope swing. Just tie it to a sturdy tree, and voila — instant party attraction! For any gathering, little ones can entertain themselves for hours with this fun contraption.
A Fun Ring Toss Game
Get out the backyard games — this ring toss set will bring out the competitive spirit in anyone for an afternoon of fun. With a simple set-up and flexible rules, you, your little ones, and your guests can toss rings to your heart’s content.
A Floor Dart Game
This game turns the classic pastime of darts on its head. A kid-friendly game, whip it out for an instant party activity that will keep you entertained for hours.
A Set of Plastic Food Toys
If your little one demands a party, give them a party with all the Fixins. Supplement their party feast with these toys, or put them out to play with. Either way, this plastic spread is sure to impress and entertain.
A Water Float Game
When lounging in the water gets old, bring out this pool toy to spice things up. Test your athleticism and swimming prowess with this in-water activity for all ages.
A Popsicle Pool Float
You shouldn’t swim right after eating … but you sure can float. This popsicle pool float will guarantee you a sweet, sweet time in the water.
A 1000-Piece Puzzle
Bring out the board games as you wind down for a chill get-together. This beautiful rendering of the earth makes for a challenging and exciting puzzle to do with friends. Whether it’s a rainy day activity or a post-dinner party conversation starter, you’ll want to do this puzzle over and over again.
A Convenient Fanny Pack
Whether you’re throwing parties or attending them, this optimized fanny pack will be your best friend all summer. Carry everything you need right beside you, so you can enjoy your gatherings and play the perfect host.
A Bubble Machine
Throwing parties for your little ones? Or for yourself? Bubbles are a must. Inspire childlike wonder with this simple contraption. Low-cost entertainment and decor are right at your fingertips.
A Pre-Made Balloon Arch
Bring the drama with this balloon garland arch. Throw your loved ones a special celebration with this easy-to-inflate arch of balloons. It makes for an instantly eye-catching space that says you decorated with care (but not too much effort).
Number Balloons
What’s a party without balloon numbers? These gold accents bring a little well-earned drama into your party decor. They’ll be the focal point of the night, so make sure to take lots of pictures!
A Set of Party Lights
Turn any room into an instant disco with this set of party strobe lights. Sync them to your music or use the remote control to easily set the mood and upgrade any basic bash to a must-attend event.
A Glow-in-the-Dark Party Set
Give your guests these party favors to take a daytime party through the night. These fun glow-in-the-dark accessories are a silly touch that makes your party memorable.
Glow-in-the-Dark Pool Balls
Night swimming just got more fun. Toss around these color-changing, glow-in-the-dark pool balls and control the colors with a remote.
A Water Games Set
Take your athletic talents to the pool with this volleyball and basketball set. Inflate the portable set and instantly enjoy a versatile game set for all players and pool lovers.
Underwater Pool Lights
Set the mood with these captivating underwater pool lights. Even if no one is in the pool, make it the main attraction with underwater lights you can change to fit the ambiance.