Dollar Tree storefront with customers entering.

Summer Bash on a Budget

Love throwing summer get-togethers? Dollar Tree is your one-stop shop for budget-friendly brilliance. Dollar Tree is packed with surprisingly cute, festive, and functional finds that can take your summer gathering from basic to brilliant that too without burning through your wallet.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a beach bash, or a simple front porch hang, these must-haves will help you party like a pro for less. Let’s dive into the budget-friendly gems you’ll want in your cart this season.

A dining table with a colorful patterned tablecloth, candle, plates, and colored napkins.

Bright & Bold Tableware

Start your party planning with a splash of color. Dollar Tree offers vibrant plates, tablecloths, napkins, cutlery, and cups in tropical hues and fun summer prints. Think flamingos, pineapples, and lemons, which are perfect for setting a cheerful tone.

Plus, cleanup is a breeze with disposable options. Grab matching sets or mix and match for a quirky, eclectic vibe. For $1.25 a pack, it’s easy to stock up for a crowd without second-guessing your budget.

A set of different vintage glassware on a white surface.

Festive Drinkware

Skip the boring red cups and grab reusable drinkware that feels like a party upgrade. From colorful mason jar mugs to tiki tumblers and plastic wine glasses, Dollar Tree has drinkware that looks way more expensive than it is.

Add some paper umbrellas or swirly straws, and you’ve got instant summer flair. Bonus: guests can write their names on the cups with a marker, no more “whose drink is this?” confusion.

Series Colorful Fruit Infused Water Dispensers Flanked Pineapples Coconuts Creating — Stock Photo, Image Save Share Sample AI Editor A series of colorful, fruit-infused water dispensers, flanked by pineapples and coconuts, creating a tropical refreshment scene — Photo S 1000 × 667JPG 8.47 × 5.65cm L 2000 × 1333JPG 16.93 × 11.29cm XL 7008 × 4672JPG Standard License 59.33 × 39.56 cm 300 dpi super 14016 × 9344JPG 118.67 × 79.11cm EL 7008 × 4672JPG 59.33 × 39.56cm Download Image A series of colorful, fruit-infused water dispensers, flanked by pineapples and coconuts, creating a tropical refreshment scene.

Serving Trays and Drink Dispensers

You don’t need a catering budget to serve like a pro. Dollar Tree’s plastic serving trays, chip bowls, and drink dispensers help you organize snacks and beverages beautifully.

Use tiered trays for fruit and cookies, or turn a drink dispenser into a lemonade station with floating citrus slices. These lightweight pieces are durable, reusable, and easy to pack up post-party.

A party stage setup with white. brown, and beige balloon clusters and a warm arched backdrop.

Balloon Arches and Streamers

Want that Pinterest-worthy backdrop for selfies and group shots? Balloon garlands are surprisingly easy to DIY with Dollar Tree balloons, garland tape, and some patience.

Add crepe paper streamers or metallic fringe curtains for extra drama. Hang it by the patio or behind the snack table for a party focal point that looks way more expensive than it is.

A beautiful patio with outdoor furniture, woven lantern, floor lamp, throw pillows, and edison bulbs illuminating the space.

LED Lights

As the sun sets, keep the energy up with string lights, battery-operated lanterns, or LED tealights from Dollar Tree. Wrap fairy lights around railings or trees for a soft glow, or line the path with solar lights for a safe (and cute) touch.

These tiny lights make a big difference when it comes to creating that cozy summer night ambiance. A few warm glows here and there can turn your backyard into a mini oasis.

Affordable Outdoor Games

No need to rent lawn games when Dollar Tree has ready-to-go fun like beach balls, mini frisbees, water guns, jump ropes, and bubble wands. Set up a DIY game station for kids or fun-loving adults.

You can even get creative: use hula hoops for a ring toss or pool noodles for limbo. Simple fun often makes the best memories. And if something breaks or goes missing? No stress, it was only a buck.

Bottles of soda in a cooler filled with ice outdoors.

Ice Buckets and Cooler Hacks

Keep drinks icy and guests happy with plastic bins or tubs from Dollar Tree, perfect for DIY coolers. Just fill with ice and pop in cans or bottles. Add a scoop or small tongs for easy grabbing.

Pro tip: line them with a plastic tablecloth for extra insulation and easier cleanup later. These budget bins also double as storage for party supplies when not in use, so you get extra bang for your buck.

A beautiful dessert table setting with fresh flowers arranged in a vase, candles and sweet treats.

DIY Centerpieces

Create summery centerpieces with items like faux flowers, glass vases, and decorative sand, all from Dollar Tree. Arrange sunflowers with seashells or fill jars with citrus slices and tea lights.

These small touches bring the theme together and give your table a polished look without any floral shop fees. You can even invite guests to take one home as a sweet party memento they’ll remember.

Two women swimming in a pool with pool noodles.

Pool Noodles

Sure, they’re great for pool time, but Dollar Tree pool noodles are also the unsung heroes of DIY decor. Use them to build arches, signs, or even floating beverage holders. Cut them up and wrap with duct tape to make colorful, soft swords for backyard battles.

The creative options are endless and budget-friendly. With just a few tools and imagination, noodles become a DIY superstar.

Party favors with a small thank you note arranged in a wooden tray with flowers.

Themed Party Favors

Send guests home with a little something, without spending a lot. Pick up mini bubbles, sunglasses, fun socks, or lip balm packs.

Dollar Tree often carries themed sets like luau leis or glow sticks. Pop them in colorful gift bags, tie with ribbon, and voilà: instant party favors that feel thoughtful but cost next to nothing. It’s a fun way to say thanks without breaking your budget.

Cupcakes for kids. Rainbow-themed birthday party with confetti, gifts, ribbons, and rainbow hats. A teddy wearing a rainbow hat in the background.

Snacks, Candy, and Treats Galore

Don’t sleep on the snack aisle! Dollar Tree has name-brand chips, cookies, popcorn, and more. Create a candy bar with clear jars, scoops, and a mix of gummy treats and mints. For kids’ parties, grab individual snack packs, great for little hands and minimal mess.

And yep, you can even score marshmallows for that post-party s’mores sesh. You’ll be surprised at how many crowd-pleasers you can find in one quick visit.

Woman holding a watermelon-shaped photo prop at an outdoor event.

Cute Summer Theme Decor Accents

Dollar Tree’s seasonal section is bursting with summer-ready decor that instantly adds personality and fun to any party space.

You’ll find all kinds of themed props, from wooden “Beach Vibes” signs and tropical garlands to watermelon-print banners, flamingo figurines, and pineapple decor that practically scream summer. There are even matching t-shirts, drinkware, and napkins if you want to go all in on the theme.

Woman spraying lotion or sanitizer on her arm outdoors.

Sunscreen and Bug Spray on the Cheap

Don’t forget the essentials. Dollar Tree carries name-brand and generic sunblock, aloe gel, and bug repellent so your guests can party without burns or bites.

Set up a “Summer Survival Station” near the entrance with all the necessities. It’s a thoughtful detail that everyone appreciates, especially when the bugs start biting. Trust us your guests will thank you later.

Outdoor BBQ setup with a chalkboard sign that says "The best BBQ of this summer."

Mini Chalkboard Signs

Use these adorable signs to label drinks, food stations, or even guide guests (“Photo Booth This Way!” or “Refill Station Ahead”). They’re reusable, lightweight, and add a charming, personal touch to your setup, like something you’d see on a Pinterest board.

Whether you’re organizing a taco bar, dessert table, or craft corner for the kids, these signs help guests know what’s what without constantly answering questions. You can also use them to note dietary info, allergy warnings, or just write a silly message to keep the vibe playful and fun.

Condiment and Utensil Organizers

Keep your buffet table clean and clutter-free with Dollar Tree storage baskets and caddies. Use divided bins to separate ketchup, mustard, and relish packets, or neatly stack utensils and napkins.

These little helpers keep things organized and save guests from hunting down the mustard mid-burger. Plus, they’re reusable, so you’ll be glad to have them for future events too.

Grab your Dollar Tree storage gems today and bring that same clutter-free magic into your bedroom and beyond.

Cleaning supplies and tools placed on the wooden floor next to potted plant

Cleaning Supplies

After the last guest leaves, it’s clean-up time, but Dollar Tree’s got your back. Stock up on trash bags, disinfecting wipes, gloves, and dish soap to make the end-of-night sweep a little easier.

Toss a laundry basket under the buffet to collect tableware as people finish. Keeping a roll of paper towels handy also helps tackle spills fast without fuss. Check out these easy hacks to clean up after a party that are quick, simple, and stress-free.

Got a favorite Dollar Tree party hack of your own? Drop it in the comments, we’d love to steal, share your genius ideas.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Jessica Xavier
I’m Jess, here to share practical design advice and budget-friendly hacks, blending your favorite fandoms seamlessly into your decor. Let’s connect and create your dream space together!

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