Top 10 Summertime Entertaining Accessories

1. Copper Firepit

Now you can have it all - the romance of a campfire without the nastiness of a porta potty. Place one of these in your yard and you can have intimate conversations, campfire songs, and roasted marshmallows all within steps of indoor plumbing.

2. Butter Boy

I met this cheerful fellow one year at the Fancy Food Show, and have been smitten with him ever since! Butter Boy is the mess-free way for guests to butter their corn at your next barbecue.

3. Solar Path Lights

I don't know about you, but I hate stumbling around in the dark outside while carrying a drink and trying to maintain a coherent conversation. That's why solar path lights are such a nice idea. You just stick them in the ground and they magically turn themselves on just when the footing gets tricky at dusk. This may help to avoid a lot of spilled cocktails or distracted conversations.

4. Portable Ice Maker

I know some people would put this on the top of their list, but I'm just not much of an ice person. But since most people are, you really want to have one of these by your outside bar in the summer. Just think of all those annoying trips back into the house to get another measly bucket of ice. One of these babies will produce 35 pounds of ice just waiting for the next summertime cocktail.

5. Hammered Copper Beverage Tub

I just love the elegant, rustic look (sounds like an oxymoron, no?) of this tub. It rests on a wrought iron base with carry handles and it can hold 8-10 large wine bottles.

6. Umbrella Oilcloth Tablecloth

You probably won't use these for your sophisticated summer gathering, but for most other casual get togethers, you'll want to have one of these. I mean, why let the kids spill grape juice, or adults tip their glass of red all over your beautiful teak table? An easy velcro closure makes this a cinch to wrap around your umbrella patio table.

7. Salsa 5-Piece Margarita Set

This 5-piece set includes clear glass pitcher and four margarita glasses. Base, stems and handle all have colorful glass accents.

8. Pottery Barn Acrylic Drink Dispenser

These drink dispensers come in two sizes and two styles - blue and clear. They're perfect for guests who want to top off their cold iced tea as your party progresses.

9. Melamine Dinnerware Set - Red

No one wants to lug heavy, breakable china outside for summer parties. Instead, purchase a supply of casual, festive melamine for summer parties. Buy a set of red plates and decorate with white and blue linens and other accents if your party has a patriotic theme.

10. Orla Kiely Serving Bowls

I love the cheerful, retro designs of these new melamine serving bowls, designed by Orla Kiely for Target. Bring them outside for all your summer parties.