This post is in partnership with Christmas Tree Shops. As always, all opinions are my own.
Summer is in full swing, and what better way to spend time with friends and family than hanging out by the pool? The summers here in South Carolina are scorching hot, so I love being by the water as much as possible. Since this is our first year having a pool to use, I had to stock up on some essentials for entertaining. Christmas Tree Shops had everything that I needed (and then some!) I’m always impressed by their unique seasonal assortment and amazing prices. Here are 5 items that I always incorporate into a poolside get together:
- Cooler: A cooler is a summertime must-have, and Christmas Tree Shops had a huge variety of affordable coolers and insulated bags. I couldn’t resist this backpack cooler, which has already been so useful for transporting drinks and snacks to the pool hands-free. I love the style, too!
2. Towels: Extra towels are aways great to have on hand in case someone forgets to bring one. Christmas Tree Shops had dozens of different styles, and the prices were so good I was able to get several without breaking the bank. *Tip: Keep a few extra towels stored away specifically for gatherings – it will keep them fresher longer! I also grabbed a couple large plastic bins which are great for all kinds of storage, or you can fill them with ice and drinks. They had tons of fun colors to choose from!
3. Plastic plates, bowls & cups: No one wants to worry about broken glass by the pool, but that doesn’t mean you have to use boring paper plates for your table setup! Not only is it more sustainable, but it looks a lot nicer too. I wanted to get a variety of plates, bowls, cups, and serving trays that I can mix and match for any summer gathering, and Christmas Tree Shops had several affordable designs to choose from. I ended up going with a blue and yellow theme, and love how it turned out! Can you believe these glasses were under $2 each!? I’ll be using them on repeat!
*Tip: If you live in an area that gets mosquitos, set out a citronella candle or two to help keep them away. The evenings can get pretty buggy here in South Carolina, so I always like to be prepared. I grabbed a couple small candles that match with the rest of my table setup, but Christmas Tree Shops had all kinds of candle sizes and styles. Who knew bug protection could double as decor?!
4. Snacks & drinks: Beverage dispensers are a must, especially if you’re out in the sun all day! I found this shatter resistant plastic dispenser at Christmas Tree Shops and it’s a game changer – you can put ice in the base to keep it cool all day! I love adding citrus slices to water for a refreshing summer drink that will keep you hydrated, or you could make your favorite poolside cocktail 🙂 There were tons of different pitchers and serving options at Christmas Tree Shops so no matter what you’re looking for, you won’t go thirsty!
Snacks by the pool can be tricky, especially in the summer heat, but I found the coolest (literally) 😉 snack tray that sits over ice to keep your snacks fresh and chilled. It’s honestly genius! It comes with a lid which is great for transporting, and easy to store as well. *Tip: Prep the snacks ahead of time, so they are ready to go! You can keep this tray covered in the refrigerator until it’s time to set it outside. One of the things I love about shopping at Christmas Tree Shops is that I always find items that I didn’t know I needed, but am so glad to have found!
5. Pool floats: What’s a pool party without some fun floats!? I always like to have a variety of fun pool floats for guests to enjoy, and I found the jackpot of affordable options at Christmas Tree Shops. I’ve never understood why floats can be so pricey, but most of their selections were under $10 (including this one!!) You really can’t beat their prices.
No matter what type of entertaining you’ll be doing this summer, Christmas Tree Shops has everything you could need! I always love their unique seasonal assortments and each time I visit the store, there are new items on the shelves. It’s truly a one stop shop for every season, every reason! You can browse the site here and find a location near you!
Make sure to take advantage of their current promotion (click here!) and get a $10 off $50 coupon when you sign up for CTS emails!
