Summer Party Essentials Shopping List

Summer is the perfect time to host a party. We can make it an indoor party, an outdoor party, or even a pool party. No matter what type of party we host, we will need the same supplies. However, planning can get messy, which is why a summer party essentials shopping list helps.

This summer party essentials shopping list can help you host the perfect summer party, regardless of the theme or location. Most summer parties end up becoming outdoor gatherings. Celebrating outdoors is a great way to enjoy the season.

We can use things like string lights to keep the outdoor parties going well after the sun goes down. In fact, we could even wait until then to avoid hot summer days. We could also use hot summer days as an excuse to get some fun pool floats and spend the day with friends either in the pool or poolside in lounge chairs.

We can clearly see that summer is the best time to throw a party, and the type of party we throw doesn’t matter much. The goal is always the same: to have fun and make memories with our party guests.

There is no shortage of summer party ideas, just like there is no shortage of supplies we need. We will need food, dinnerware, citronella candles if we’re outside, a BBQ pit if we want to BBQ, the list goes on and on.

An easy way to keep everything straight is with a list, a summer party essentials shopping list to be exact. This list is just the basics; expanding into BBQs and pool parties may require more supplies.

However, you can be sure that your summer nights will be a lot easier when you are even partially prepared.

Summer Party Essentials Shopping List

The first step to planning a party is not the guest list or the food; it is the venue. Finding the location can determine how many people we can invite and what amenities may be available at that location.

For example, outdoor entertaining essentials include things like shade, seating, lighting, and bug control. Some locations may have all of those waiting for you, so there’s no need to spend any money on them.

Instead, we can use that money to buy the rest of the party essentials we will need in our outdoor space. We should also pick out a theme for the rest of the supplies. Those things should be done before we start shopping for the July cookout, if that’s what it will become.

Finger Food and a Main Course

We can’t host a party without giving our party guests something to munch on. Usually, this comes in the form of finger food like chips, dips, and wings. That is not to say that the only food at your party should be finger food.

We can keep things simple and utilize appetizers, but we can take things to the next level with a main dish or dishes. Outdoor party season gives us the perfect excuse to break out the BBQ and grill up a hot dog for each kid and burgers for the adults.

Of course, serving a main dish means we may need to add some things to our summer party essentials shopping list.

Outdoor Dishes

Every party should have food and drinks, so we need plates and cups. We can use simple paper plates if the party is going to remain indoors. However, we may want some disposable plates that are a bit firmer for outdoor dining.

We will also need things like napkins, utensils, and garbage bags for everything to go into after the party is done. We don’t need to risk our favorite dining set or dive into our own paper towels for any kind of party.

Instead, buy specifically for the party and then use any leftover supplies for future parties or at home. We can’t forget the plastic cups and wine glasses if you plan on serving wine, of course.

Summer Party Decorations

Decorations are not technically part of the summer party essentials shopping list. This is because you don’t have to use decorations at your event. However, they do elevate the party, even at backyard barbecues.

The summer sun might even ruin some party decorations, but that’s just the great outdoors. We should keep our party area in mind when picking out decorations. Easy options include balloons, streamers, and tablecloths.

In fact, the tablecloths are a fun way to incorporate decoration into an outdoor party. We’ve got the venue, the food, the drinks, the dishes, and the decor. Now, all we need are some fun games to make it a great party filled with summer fun, all thanks to a simple summer party essentials shopping list.

Citronella Candles

Throwing a summer party means being outside, where you’ll find bugs. Citronella candles are a great way to combat those bugs. Place these candles all around your yard to create an invisible shield. That shield will keep the bugs out of your party.

Lawn Chairs

Seating is an essential part of a party, no matter when it is thrown. But when your party is outdoors, you can use lawn chairs as seating. Lawn chairs come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles.

Just make sure you have enough to scatter around your yard.

Umbrella with Stand

This one is a bit tricky. Umbrellas are a great way to create shade in your yard during a summer party. But it is important to make sure you either get an umbrella with a stand or buy the stand separately. Either way, a stand is necessary as well.

Canopy tent

Another great way to add shade to your yard is with a canopy tent. These tents don’t have walls, making them perfect for your party. Canopy tents come in many different sizes, so you can control the amount of shade you provide.

Best of all, you can use these in so many different ways and for different occasions. 

Portable Speakers

What is a party without a little music? Portable speakers are perfect for your party, and you can connect them to your phone. Once your phone is connected, you can make a special playlist for your party.

After your party, you can continue to use the speakers whenever and wherever you want, minus a library, of course.

Sunscreen

Many parties have favors, but summer parties should have sunscreen. Having sunscreen on hand is not only nice but very helpful. If your guests are swimming or just forgot to put sunscreen on, having some available will help.

You won’t need much, though you could always keep the leftovers stocked in your home for yourself.

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