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Good vibes, indeed.
Shop & Tell is our shopping series, featuring thoughtfully curated home finds from House Beautiful editors. Every week we'll take you inside our carts and dish on what we're buying—and why you should be reaching for your wallet too.
The sun is shining brighter, the UV index is getting higher, and our group chats are starting to buzz with the words “pool day” and “who’s hosting?” That can only mean one thing: Summer is knocking on the door with a tote bag full of SPF and Aperol. The call to action is clear: get outside and make it gorgeous: picnics in the park, sunset spritzes on the terrace, lawn games that get surprisingly competitive, and alfresco dinner tables that look like they belong in a lifestyle shoot.
Outdoor entertaining has its own checklist: think chic-but-durable drinkware you won’t cry over if someone drops it, citronella that doesn’t smell like a camping trip, and LED lanterns that turn your backyard into a vibe. Because let’s be honest—nothing kills the mood faster than a shattered wine glass or a swarm of mosquitoes. To help you host like a design pro, I tapped my favorite design creatives—the House Beautiful editors, of course—to share their must-have items worth stocking up on this season. From elevated serveware and stylish coolers to breezy linens and brilliant bug repellents, this edit is your shortcut to effortless summer style.
Whether you’re hosting a full-blown garden party or just want to zhuzh up a Tuesday night hang, consider this your seasonal starter pack. These picks are equal parts beautiful and functional, with thoughtful design details that punch above their weight. Scroll on for the summer entertaining essentials that will keep your parties stylish, seamless, and yes, maybe even a little envy-inducing. Let’s make this the summer of doing the most with the least amount of stress.
"I bought these when I hosted my book club a few months ago, and of all the beautiful wine glasses, linen napkins, and silverware on display, these paper plates got the most compliments by far! I went with paper (as opposed to the ceramic ones in my cupboard) because I am too lazy to wash 15 plates, but I didn't want to buy regular (ugly) paper alternatives. After hours of searching, I found this set from Meri Meri. They're quite thick, which makes them even more stylish at an al fresco bash."
—Jessica Cherner, Associate Shopping Editor
"There's nothing quite like an ice-cold beer on a summer's day. I personally prefer bottles and glass over drinking from cans, which can cause a problem with so many outdoor spaces restricting glass. These unbreakable tritan glasses are the perfect solve. Now I can enjoy a pint poolside without any worries."
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
"I've honestly been thinking about this side table since the first time I saw it go viral. It made the perfect work-from-home setup, giving a stylish place to work and keeping a crisp Diet Coke close at hand. Plus, the fluted exterior helps it blend in with other furniture."
—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor
"I absolutely do not mess around when it comes to mosquitos. I love spending summer outdoors but man could I do without the bugs! So when it comes down to bug repellent, I want the best I can get. This option from Thermacell checks all the boxes: wide area coverage, long-lasting, air, not skin protection, and most importantly, no scent."
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
"I noticed a lot of Michelin star restaurants used these wine glasses and quickly looked up the brand so I could get my own set. I love how airy and delicate the glasses feel, almost as if you were holding nothing in your hand. The Universal set is great because it works with all wine types, including a crisp rosé for summer, and though I know they could easily break around tipsy friends, I am not precious with them and do like to let my guests use them. Every time I bring them out, my friends are shocked by how lightweight they are and comment that they feel 'fancy.'"
—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor
"This rattan pitcher definitely makes a statement on any summer tablescape and looks much better than having my Brita out on the table. When it's filled with water or juice, it's definitely a little heavy to lift and pour, but I just love the look of it!"
—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor
"Summer and melamine go together like peanut butter and jelly, or rooftop dining and spritzes. So many brands are making beautiful melamine dinnerware that could easily be mistaken for fine china. I love this floral pattern from Juliska."
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
"A handy (and chic) tray will vastly improve your hosting experience. Instead of spending your evening running back and forth from the kitchen, you'll be able to transport your snacks and drinks in one trip, and in turn, spend more time with your guests. I also love throwing some parchment paper in the bottom of a tray like this and filling it with charcuterie."
—Maggie Haddad, Contributing Social Media Editor
"My family uses these mosquito repellent coils everytime we do a backyard barbecue and they work decently well! I still sometimes get a bite or two, but compared to what it's like without the coils, I'll take it! I plan to get some for myself when I host this summer and dangle these around my railing to ward off the flying insects. I'd like to keep my guests happy and red bump free as we sip and snack on my deck."
—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor
"My friends and I used to love playing bocce ball on summer breaks. This set is cute, preppy set is perfect for bringing the fun wherever your summer hangs take you—the beach, the park, or simply your backyard."
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
"Even if you're entertaining in your backyard, it makes sense to have a cooler on hand to keep drinks and perishable snacks chilled. A room-temperature charcuterie selection is one thing, but no one is going to touch it after it's been sitting in the sun. This Sunnylife picnic basket is the perfect incognito cooler—it's fully insulated and it won't look out of place at the beach or out on the back deck."
—Melanie Yates, Senior Digital Editor
"This darling enamel bowl is my ideal outdoor centerpiece. The footed structure helps it sit just above our dining spread, and I can easily fill the bowl with fruit, bread, or another appetizer to tide over hungry guests. It doesn't hurt that the abstract colors are so darn cute."
—Janae McKenzie, Associate Shopping Editor
"I love that the home industry is making food covers cute. There are adorable mesh and woven options in fun colorways and even with embellishments like flowers or little bees. While this Zara Home option is more plain, I like that it folds. It's perfect for alfresco dining on the go. You can set up your picnic blanket-scape without fear of bugs on the charcuterie, then fold this up in your tote when the day is done."
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
"My husband is very protective of our dining table, and I always laugh at him for it, but respect his feelings. So, I got this neutral-colored tablecloth when I hosted brunch for my friends and couldn't trust them not to spill (to which someone ended up dropping a knife with cream cheese on my dining area rug). I actually think this is a great option for my outdoor dining table as well, which is the same size as my indoor one, so I plan to use it as a blank canvas for all my colorful summer glassware and plates. I've also been seeing silver used in tablescapes a lot, which I want to try this season, and think this is the perfect backdrop for that elegant, refined look!"
—Marina Liao, Senior Commerce Editor
"No outdoor space is complete without lighting. There are plenty of options in this category now, especially with the introduction of rechargeable table lamps. But solar powered lanterns still reign supreme for me because I don't have to worry about forgetting to charge them. Mother Nature's got my back! Plus how gorgeous is the cast on this perforated option from Terrain!?"
—Catherine DiPersico, Assistant Market Editor
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