Costco Summer Hosting Essentials To Make Every Gathering A Breeze

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There is a lot that you need to do to prepare your home to host summer parties. Beyond making sure that your landscaping and outdoor decor give that warm and welcoming vibe to your guests, you also have to get everything clean, and make sure you're prepared with plenty of food, games, and entertainment. It's so easy to get caught up in making sure your home is ready that you can forget something (or someone) very important: yourself. While hosting summer gatherings will require some work on your part, there are also ways to streamline things to make sure you're able to actually enjoy the parties you throw.

Costco is one of the best places to find many of these hosting essentials to help keep you from running around like a headless chicken as you try to keep up with everything you need to do. We've pulled together a list of some of the Costco products that you might want to consider to help you decrease your stress levels and make hosting as simple — and fun — as possible. As we selected the products to feature on this list, we looked at the number of features, including time-saving features, ease of use, value to you and your guests, and customer reviews. All of the products featured below have a minimum rating of 4.0 stars. They've also been reviewed by at least 70 customers, giving us greater confidence in the overall accuracy of each rating. We'll share a more detailed explanation of our methodology at the end of this piece.

When you're looking to simplify your job as a host — while also ensuring that your guests are comfortable and able to enjoy themselves — you can't go wrong with the SunVilla Diego Modular Outdoor Patio Bar Set. With it, you'll be able to set up a cozy nook on your deck or patio where guests can sip on their favorite beverage and chat with one another. Since they'll be entertained, you can calmly focus on other tasks, like finishing grilling or rotating out the appetizers. As the host, you'll love the bar's modular design, which allows you to customize the layout to match the setup of your entertaining space. Even the shelving and cabinet doors on the bar back are customizable, ensuring you can place essentials in such a way that they are convenient for you. Plus, with this integrated storage space, you won't find yourself running back into the house to grab a glass or a new bottle of wine for your guests, which will help you streamline your serving. A few other notable features of this set include the two fire towers, the four barstools (each with a back for added comfort), and the all-weather design with a synthetic wicker material and rust-resistant aluminum frame.

Most customers have very positive things to say about this modular patio bar set. Over 70 reviewers have given it a 4.8-star rating. Additionally, 93% of reviewers were so satisfied with their decision to give it a try that they awarded it with a 5-star rating. One of these happy reviewers shared, "Looks great and versatile. Can be put into many configurations or just placed into separate places. Looking forward to this for our next party."

As a host, one of your top priorities is keeping your guests comfortable. So, when the sun beats down over the patio or is at an angle that you can tell is getting in your guests' eyes, feeling like there is nothing you can do is very frustrating. Take a look at this Koolspot Outdoor Sun Shade for times such as these. Its motorized design means that you'll be able to open and close it easily using the included remote. Mount it on the side of your outdoor pergola or covered deck where the setting sun can be problematic, and then you can open or close it when necessary without interrupting the festivities. The shade comes in four sizes — with widths ranging from 4 feet to 10 feet — helping you choose the ideal fit for your setup.

More than 200 customers have taken the time to review this sun shade, giving it an average rating of 4.6 stars. Moreover, 91% of those reviewers deemed it worthy of a 4- or 5-star rating (81% gave it 5 stars, with an additional 10% giving it 4 stars). "Works great for shading patio. Easy to operate with preset low and high height," wrote one reviewer.

Ever found yourself in this situation? You're hosting a summer gathering, and each time a guest arrives, you take their drink order and run back into the house to get the chilled beverage from the fridge. Or, you're ready to fire up the grill and need to make three or four trips in and out to get all the meats and condiments you need for cooking — only to realize a few minutes later that you forgot to grab a bottle or tray that you can't finish without. Save yourself the frustration and hassle of all of these incidents by using an appliance like Urban Islands 4.9-Cubic-Foot Outdoor Refrigerator. The fridge features three wire shelves, which are adjustable to help you find the right layout for the types of items you need to store in it. You can also adjust the temperature between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A few other features of this model include the sealed door, the reversible handle, and the 304 stainless interior and exterior finish.

This outdoor refrigerator holds a 4.6-star rating, which is based on more than 230 reviews. 4 out of 5 reviewers even gave it a 4- or 5-star rating (78% awarded it with 5 stars, and 12% gave it 4 stars). One customer said, "This was a great addition to our outdoor kitchen. Very spacious."

If you're looking to transform your backyard into a party space while also keeping your stress levels down, then you should take a look at the Solo Stove Yukon 1.0 Stainless Steel Fire Pit. It will enable you to create an inviting and cozy environment for your guests while keeping them warm if temperatures drop. Moreover, you'll also be able to offer creative dessert options, such as s'mores, to satisfy each guest's sweet tooth. One frustrating thing about many fire pits is how the wind can blow the smoke into the eyes of your guests. When that happens, there's not much you can do to keep them comfortable other than suggesting to shift out of the smoke. This fire pit can help you avoid these frustrations thanks to its low smoke levels (customers even say that it is practically smokeless). The pit is made from 304 stainless steel, has a 27-inch diameter, and comes with a stand.

Most reviewers have a very high opinion of this fire pit from Solo Stove. With nearly 900 reviews, it maintains a 4.6-star rating. Additionally, 79% of reviewers gave it 5 stars, and 10% more gave it 4 stars. "In summer, this is a terrific fire pit that performs to what is promised. 90% smokeless and provides wonderful ambiance and warmth," wrote one customer who was glad they gave it a try.

Keep your guests' cups filled with their preferred beverage with these Takeya 2-Quart Beverage Pitchers from Costco. Since two pitchers come with the set, you can offer two different drink options to your friends and family. The pitchers are also shatterproof, allowing you to bring them outside without worrying about them breaking — you also won't need to run back in and out every time a guest needs a refill. Finally, because of the tight seal on the lid, you can even store these on their side in your fridge. As you probably know, the fridge always seems to get overfilled before a big barbecue, so you'll be able to squeeze these in between all the foods you've prepped to ensure your beverages are cool and ready.

With their 4.7-star rating based on 600 reviews, these pitchers are a customer favorite. Moreover, they have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of customers and a 4-star rating from another 10% of reviewers. One person wrote, "They are great and easy to use, and it's nice to be able to lay them on their sides. I have had no problem with them leaking."

Take a look at this 36-inch Blackstone Griddle if you're looking for an upgraded experience — both for you as the host and for your guests. Its flat, 36-inch griddle surface makes it possible to cook a range of items (including those that would fall through the grates of a grill), so you'll be able to stay outside with your guests as you prepare their meals. The griddle is also well-equipped to help you keep tools and platters within easy reach. It features dual folding shelves on the sides, tool hooks, a magnetic tool holder, a paper roll holder, an integrated bottle opener, and swivel casters so you can move it with ease. A few additional features of this model include the four independent heat zones, the electric push-button ignition, and the included protective cover. Keep some baking soda near the Blackstone for a rust-free griddle all summer, and you'll be good to go.

According to customer reviews, this Blackstone Griddle is a good pick. It has over 500 reviews, with a 4.5-average-star rating. Additionally, 81% of reviewers have given it a 5-star rating, with 6% more giving it 4 stars. "We cook delicious dinners all in one place now. There is no more running in and out to cook vegetables or letting vegetables fry and burn in the grill pan," shared one satisfied customer.

The last thing you want as a host is for your guests to get bored during your gathering. Keep them entertained by playing some fun tunes through this JBL PartyBox 120 Portable Party Speaker with Wireless Microphone. Thanks to the Bluetooth design, you can take just a few seconds to pull out your phone to get the music going. Plus, it even has a microphone, which you could use to make announcements for large gatherings or to engage your guests in karaoke or other exciting games. A few other notable features include the 12 hour battery, the "Futuristic Lightshow" feature, and the splash-proof construction, which lets you use it near the pool or during a light summer rain.

Customers are, overall, very happy with this speaker. Nearly 100 reviewers have given it a 4.6-star rating. Of those 100 customers, 82% decided it deserved a 5-star rating, with an additional 4% giving it 4 stars. In their write-up, one reviewer said, "This is great for parties! The sound quality and Bluetooth syncing is awesome. The bonus is that it can be wireless for several hours."

Consider the Trinity Stainless Steel Cooler to provide you with a convenient way to keep drinks cool and easily accessible for guests — while also saving you from going back inside for refills. The rolling design also means that you'll be able to easily move it around your deck or patio to keep it close to where guests are gathering. Plus, after the party's over, you can tuck it in a corner or wheel it into the garage or shed. The cooler is made from durable 304 stainless steel, comes with a UV- and water-resistant cover, and features an integrated bottle opener to erase the frustrations that come with misplacing that essential. It also has a bottom shelf, where you can keep additional drinks, plates, cups, and other staples.

Most reviewers are happy with this wheeled cooler. It has a 4.4-star rating, which is based on nearly 1,400 reviews. 71% of reviewers gave it 5 stars, and 14% more gave it 4 stars. "We needed a portable cooler to use for parties. This is nice looking and has an extra shelf below for placing needed items during a gathering. It is roomy enough to fill with drinks for a large group of people," one reviewer shared.

Your job as a host isn't going to be any easier if you need to lug folding tables out of the garage for your event. Not only that, but you'll likely worry about your guests' comfort levels if you have them sitting on the accompanying folding chairs all day long. Fortunately, Costco offers everything you need for a complete patio makeover and an easier job as a host, including this SunVilla Nichols 7-Piece Sling Outdoor Patio Dining Set. The table comes with four dining chairs and two swivel rocker captain chairs. The aluminum frames are powder coated for durability and rust resistance, while the tabletop is made from Permastone Scratch-Resistant Sintered Stone.

This patio set has more than 100 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. In fact, 95% of guests were so pleased that they gave it a 4- or 5-star rating. 91% gave it 5 stars, and 4% more gave it 4 stars. One satisfied customer wrote, "We ordered the SunVilla outdoor set without seeing it and we are so happy with this set. The slate table top is great for entertaining and the quality far exceeded our expectations."

Spend more time partying with your guests and less time stressing over the meal with the Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven. Not only will it help keep you from toiling in front of the stove in the kitchen, but it will also prevent you from darting around trying to take care of the needs of each guest. Your guests can have fun customizing a personal pizza to their specific liking, and you'll have more time to enjoy everyone's company. Because it cooks at such a high temperature (up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit), each pizza can be ready in as little as 60 seconds, keeping the line moving. This pizza oven truly is one of those essential outdoor kitchen appliances that create the ultimate entertaining space.

Most customers are happy with this outdoor appliance. It has a 4.1-star rating, which is based on nearly 90 reviews. 65% of reviewers gave it 5 stars, with 11% more giving it 4 stars. "Love this! So easy to use. Fun for entertaining. Great purchase," said one customer in their write-up.

The evening temperatures during the spring and summer months are often quite lower than they are during the day. This can dampen your plans when you want to keep a party going but notice your guests are getting cold and uncomfortable. Alleviate these concerns — and unlock the joys of outdoor entertaining even during the colder months — with the Fire Sense Matte Black Patio Heater. The 46,000-BTU heater features an electronic ignition system to allow you to switch it on quickly and easily. Its powder-coated steel construction will help protect it from the elements when stored outside.

Overall, reviewers are happy with their decision to purchase this product. Based on the 4.3-star rating from more than 70 customers, most agree that the patio heater was worth the money. In fact, more than 4 out of every 5 reviewers gave it a 4- or 5-star rating (72% gave it 5 stars, and 11% gave it 4 stars). One individual shared, "The heater generates plenty of warmth, making it perfect for cool evenings outdoors. We've used it a couple of times already, and it delivers consistent heat, even in open spaces ... Highly recommend this heater if you're looking to extend your outdoor entertaining season!"

Curating this list took some time. First, we wanted to present a range of options that would help with various steps in the hosting process — from preparing for guests to arrive to cooking and serving food to keeping friends and family entertained and happy during the party.

We also wanted to make sure that the products we recommended were highly reviewed by real customers, so we closely evaluated customer ratings and reviews. To do this, we looked not only at the average rating but also at the number of customers who had reviewed each pick. We used this information to assess whether the average star rating should be a good reflection of the product's quality and value. All of our recommendations have a minimum rating of 4.0 stars and have been reviewed by at least 70 customers. Additionally, we also took a more fine-tuned look at the breakdown of reviews to ensure that the vast majority of customers were satisfied enough to give each product a rating of 4 or 5 stars. At least three-quarters of reviewers gave each of these picks such a high rating.