Summer Entertaining Made Easy: Four Essentials for BBQs, Watch Parties, and Backyard Gatherings

Discover four summer entertaining must-haves that simplify party prep, keep guests comfortable, boosts energy, and help keep pesky bugs away all season long

From the LifeMinute.tv Team

June 22, 2026

Summer entertaining season is officially here, and whether you're planning a backyard BBQ, hosting a game-day watch party, or gathering friends for a casual get-together, a few smart essentials can make all the difference. LifeMinute's Editor-in-Chief Joann Butler shares four of her favorite summer hosting hacks to help make entertaining easier, more enjoyable, and stress-free.

Simplify party planning
When it comes to entertaining, Butler says she can't imagine hosting without Shipt. "They're my one-stop shop for everything I need with same-day delivery," she says. This summer, Shipt is making party prep even easier with its new Shipt Kits—curated themed bundles packed with entertaining essentials. 

Whether you're gearing up for a soccer watch party, firing up the grill with a BBQ Kit, or setting up a crowd-pleasing Sandwich Station complete with toppings and fixings, the kits take the guesswork out of planning. Simply add a kit to your cart and have everything delivered the same day. 

Even better, through July 5, shoppers can get 50% off a Shipt annual membership ($49, regularly $99), along with seasonal savings including buy one, get one 35% off ice cream, 10% off summer travel essentials, and a special Spend $45, Save $15 offer. Visit Shipt.com or the Shipt app for details.

Stay energized
Summer schedules can be nonstop, which is why Butler keeps V8 Energy Zero Sugar on hand. The new line from the iconic V8 brand delivers a boost with 80 milligrams of caffeine sourced from black and green tea, while containing zero sugar and only five calories per can. Available flavors include Cherry Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Raspberry, and a limited-edition Yuzu Lemon flavor for summer. 

Select varieties also contain potassium and magnesium electrolytes, making them a refreshing option for busy days, road trips, and summer activities. Look for V8 Energy Zero Sugar at retailers nationwide and follow @V8Energy on Instagram and TikTok for updates.

Freshen up your watch party space
Every soccer fan has their World Cup ritual, but while lucky jerseys may stay unwashed until the tournament ends, your home doesn't have to. Think about all the fabrics guests interact with during a watch party—from throw blankets and decorative pillows to couch cushions and linens. 

That's where Downy Intense Pureza comes in. This bold, fruity fabric softener scent is designed to leave fabrics smelling fresh and feeling soft, helping create a more inviting atmosphere for guests. Whether the game is calm or comes down to the final seconds, your space will stay fresh throughout the action. Priced at $3.97 and up, available at retailers nationwide.

Keep bugs away 
Nothing can derail a summer gathering faster than unwanted insects. To help keep flying pests under control, Butler recommends Zevo Flying Insect Traps. Ideal for kitchens, pantries, garages, and other high-traffic areas, the plug-in traps use blue and UV light technology to attract and trap common flying insects, including house flies, fruit flies, and gnats. 

The traps provide continuous 24/7 protection and work discreetly in the background, allowing hosts to focus on their guests instead of chasing bugs around the house. Zevo Flying Insect Traps are available at Amazon, Target, Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot, and other major retailers. Starter kits begin at $19.99. 

With these simple hosting essentials, you'll spend less time stressing over the details and more time enjoying everything summer entertaining has to offer.