How to create a luxe summer party for less

Second to finding the perfect Christmas gifts, hosting family and friends can also be a stressful and expensive exercise. Whether you're planning a feast on the back deck, by the pool or at the beach it's possible to make it a memorable event, all you need are these affordable buys.

From luxe lanterns, a handy holder for your wine glass and a vintage-looking sound system to the gazebo everyone will be buying for summer, get set for fun summer parties with the party essentials that will make your gathering tick all the boxes.

3m x 6m Aldi gazebo, $199

Christmas tree shaped bon bons, $20

Croquet set, $79.95

Drink dispenser with stand, $15

Wooden giant noughts and crosses game, $25

Drink peg (4 pack), $14.95

Flamingo large ice block, $5.95

Solar LED ball, $39.95

The Beach People picnic basket, POA

Picnic blanket duo, $69.95

'80s retro boombox with bluetooth, $99.99

Wood and rope lanterns, $51.70-$149.20