Summer is officially here and barbecue season is in full swing. From pretty paper lanterns to grill-friendly gear, we’ve rounded up all the trimmings for a warm weather celebration. With a palette of red, white and blue these cute accessories will do double-duty for summer’s patriotic holidays, as well.
Here are eleven backyard accessories to get the party started:
Photo: Pier 1
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Paper Party Lanterns
Your hubby won’t need to run any wires to these handy battery-operated lanterns, which are available in six festive hues.
Blue and Red Battery Paper Lanterns, $6.95 each, Pier 1
Photo: Kikkerland
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Sip In Style
You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the fun of these dotty straws -- everything from summer cocktails to sugary sodas will go down easily.
Polka Dot Paper Straws Red White, $8, Kikkerland.com
Photo: Broadway Panhandler
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Stick 'Em Up
Who can resist the fun of this? A condiment gun that lets you "shoot" your hot dogs and hamburgers with ketchup and mustard.
Condiment Gun Dispenser, $16, BroadwayPanhandler.com
Photo: C Wonder
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Anchors Away!
Put your drink down with coastal style with these nautical-chic coasters. Sadly, the Dark and Stormies are not included.
Nautical Coasters (set of 12). $14, CWonder.com
Photo: MoMA Design Store
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A Whale's Tale
Party guests are sure to have a whale of a good time serving salads and sides with these clever tongs.
Whale Tongs, $25, MoMAStore.org
Photo: Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
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Cake Toppers
Your dessert table will set sail with these nautically themed cupcake liners and toppers.
All Aboard! Cupcake Set (24 liners and 24 toppers), $14, BlueRibbonGeneralStore.com
Photo: CB2
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Cool Cool Water
This elegant glass and cork vessel provides a chic way to keep your guests hydrated at your next backyard fete. Glass Beverage Dispenser, $50, CB2.com
Photo: West Elm
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Patriotic Plates
Pick up these red, white and blue melamine plates by Brooklyn illustrator Claudia Pearson now before they get snatched up for Fourth of July parties.
Claudia Pearson Summer Plates, $1.95 each, West Elm
Photo: Crate & Barrel
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Mark Your Meat
Eliminate any barbecue buffet confusion with these handy picks designate your meat’s level of doneness from rare to well-done.
Meat Markers (set of 160), $4, CrateandBarrel.com
Photo: Fred Flare
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Play the Name Game
Name Tags
Put an end to the usual “whose glass is that?” confusion with these cheeky dry-erase wine charms.
Wine Glass Name Tags (set of 6), $9, FredFlare.com
Photo: UncommonGoods.com
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BBQ Salt and Pepper Shakers
You can avoid the heat of the barbecue while seasoning your grilled goodies with this pair of long-reaching BBQ salt and pepper shakers. $20, UncommonGoods
Photo: Pier 1
Photo: Kikkerland
Photo: Broadway Panhandler
Photo: C Wonder
Photo: MoMA Design Store
Photo: Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Photo: CB2
Photo: West Elm
Photo: Crate & Barrel
Photo: Fred Flare
Photo: UncommonGoods.com
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These can also be great as Christmas decorations.