Summer Entertaining Essentials

Infuse a smoky flavor into meats, fish, and veggies with these cedar planks and wrapping papers, developed by Athens, Georgia, cookbook author Gena Knox.

Buy It: $7.99 (eight 6-inch papers), $7.99 (two 15-inch planks); fireandflavor.com

These graphic melamine salad plates, available in 14 patterns and 18 colors, are great for indoor or outdoor dining. laplates.com; $74/set of 4

These clever branding irons, from the famous King Ranch Saddle Shop in Kingsville, Texas, allow you to make your mark on dinner.

Buy It: $11 each; krsaddleshop.com

This personalized plastic cup, made in North Venice, Florida, comes with a lifetime guarantee, plus it won't sweat or leave a ring on the table. tervis.com; $11 (16 oz.)

Greet your guests in a sassy apron made in Dallas, Texas. The practical terry cloth skirt is great for wiping wet hands, and the pretty ruffle gives the apron a fashionable edge. jenrosiedesigns.com; $36 each

Cook anything, from meat to veggies, year-round in the Big Green EGG, a genius combo of smoker, grill, and oven, designed in Tucker, Georgia. biggreenegg.com; $940 as shown

Set the table with colorful linen napkins, made by Louisville-based Daisy Hill. The prim picot edging lends a touch of elegance. available through Table Matters, Birmingham, Alabama, 205/879-0125; $75 each

Developed in Charleston, South Carolina, by Neita Wiese, these low-sugar and trans fat-free salad dressings are as healthy as they are tasty. neitasvinaigrettes.com; $10 each