12 Summer Hosting Essentials to Buy From Amazon

I may be biased, but when it comes to entertaining, nobody does it better than my grandparents. Ever since I can remember, my grandparents have loved hosting, a passion that has been passed down to my mom and now to me. Naturally, I couldn’t think of anyone better to tap for recommending entertaining essentials than them, my Memere and Papa. 

Unsurprisingly, their recommendations did not disappoint. Even better? All their tried-and-true picks can be found at Amazon, including their secret for hosting a group outdoors during the hot summertime. They swear by glassware alternatives and shared a simple yet effective hack for keeping bugs away from food, plus 10 other must-haves for entertaining, starting at $10. 

Grandparent-Loved Summer Hosting Essentials

• OurMaio 22 Inch Acacia Wood Serving Tray, $55
• Tossware Plastic Wine Glasses, $13 (was $16)
• Homkula Food Covers, $25
• CreativeWare Beverage Dispenser with Ice Cylinder and Fruit Infuser, $45
• Pasamic 2-Pack Hanging Solar Lanterns, $44
• Seven Moons Hand-Poured Unscented Candles, $22
• Tangkula Propane Patio Heater with Tempered Glass Tube, $330
• East Oak Outdoor Trash Can, $72 
• Allpop 4-Pack Resin Folding Chairs, $74
• Naisi Tablecloth Weights, $12
• Gnollko 16-Piece Wine Glass Charms, $10
• MalloMe S’mores Sticks for Fire Pit, $10 (was $11)

OurMaio 22 Inch Acacia Wood Serving Tray

My grandparents told me that having a serving tray to carry tableware, snacks, and drinks outside makes outdoor entertaining a breeze. My grandmother recommends this extra-large serving tray, which has ample room to carry everything you need at once, along with convenient side handles. Additionally, the durable acacia wood adds an elegant touch that’s both functional and chic, as opposed to a flimsy plastic tray.  

Tossware Plastic Wine Glasses

If my grandparents are hosting a large group, glassware outside is a no-go. Instead, they keep the house stocked with plastic glasses, which won’t crack or break, so no need to worry about cleaning up shards of glass. They are loyal to Tossware, a 100 percent recyclable plastic drinkware brand that can be hand-washed and reused multiple times. Plus, the bottom of the stemless wine glasses stack or “pop” on top of one another for easy, organized storage and easy carrying. 

Homkula Food Covers

With outdoor entertaining, pesky bugs that fly into your food are inevitable. That’s why my grandparents opt for these mesh food covers, which come in multiple sizes, to protect appetizers, snacks, or any food that will be out for a while. Plus, the collapsible tent design slips into a carrying case that’s easy to pull out when needed. 

CreativeWare Beverage Dispenser with Ice Cylinder and Fruit Infuser

Having easy-to-use beverage dispensers is essential for entertaining outside on a hot summer day, my grandparents tell me. This 3-gallon dispenser has a built-in ice cylinder that’s easy to fill, keeping drinks ice cold without diluting them. It also features an infuser that can be filled with berries or your favorite fruits to flavor water, iced tea, or lemonade. 

Continue reading for more of my grandparents’ favorite summertime hosting essentials from Amazon, including a sleek-looking outdoor heater, elegant white candles, wind-resistant tablecloth weights, and more. 

Pasamic 2-Pack Hanging Solar Lanterns

Seven Moons Hand-Poured Unscented Candles

Tangkula Propane Patio Heater with Tempered Glass Tube

East Oak Outdoor Trash Can

Allpop 4-Pack Resin Folding Chairs

Naisi Tablecloth Weights

Gnollko 16-Piece Wine Glass Charms

MalloMe S’mores Sticks for Fire Pit