These 10 outdoor dinner party essentials are easy to find, easy to use and easy on the budget:

1. String Lights or Paper Lanterns

You don’t have to deal with the mess of tiki torches to create a warm ambiance. Instead, frame your best outdoor views with string lights or paper lanterns that can range from whimsical to contemporary to sophisticated. They’re affordable and easy.

They also make a smooth transition from the indoors and help define the outdoor dining area, says Stephanie Grotta, lead designer for Target Corp.’s Smith & Hawken line.

“You really want to create that intimate environment,” she says.

You know, i feel like AT is sponsored by the beverage dispenser lobby, because it feels like every year there's a post like this on one of yr sites and every year i start wondering how i have lived without a beverage dispenser this long. will this be the year that i finally break down and buy one? they're just so pretty! so beverage industry lobby, if you are reading this: fine. it's working. yr products are lovely. and very functional. i hope someday one of them will be mine.

Curved Glass Drink Dispenser w/ Stand Details: Gather the neighbors, its time for a block party! This glass beverage dispenser holds a generous 1.2 gallons (154oz) of anything from lemonade to sangria, quenching the thirst of those guests at your next picnic, wedding, or shower. Sitting atop the included black wrought iron stand, this glass drink dispenser provides easy access to the newly upgraded spout with easy on/off markings for quick pouring and no mess, and also includes a handy glass lid. Measures 19" tall fully assembled and 6.25” from table to spout.