Springtime usually brings the desire to trot out your new glasses or dishware, test a new recipe, or entertain. You may want to host a spring soiree or casual backyard party, throw a simple early evening dinner, or have a barbecue.

What do you need to entertain like a pro? For the most part, you just need a warm welcome and a little food and drink. But here's how to take it up a notch and show off your own personal style.

1. A Cool Tablecloth. It can transform a table into a festive decorative piece for your party. You can easily snag a tablecloth at Bed Bath & Beyond or Target, but there are also Web retailers with festive and stylish designs, such as vintagetable.net, with its assortments of unusual and fun table coverings.
2. Serving Bowl. This item is essential for entertaining. You'll want a large serving bowl for salad, pastas, or vegetables. Williams-Sonoma has a great selection of classy and simple serving bowls. Amazon also carries several fun sets of party bowls. Crate and Barrel and West Elm offer economical but beautiful pieces that'll do the job.
3. Kitschy Ice Cubes. Classify this under the "Just for Fun" heading. Food Network hosts Sunny Anderson and Marc Istook recommend the "Cool Jewels" ice cube tray from perpetualkid.com that actually makes ice in jewel shapes. "Take any drink to the next level with something as small as entertaining ice cubes. These can add spunk and flavor to any drink because there is room in each ice tray for a fruit slice," they say. Also try lighted ice cubes from Glow Products to add a little flash to your nighttime gatherings (http://glowproducts.com/catalogs/lightedicecubes/).
4. Wireless Speakers. No party is complete without music. So take your tunes outside with a set of wireless speakers that will route your music to wherever the action is. Listen in the yard, on the porch, or in another room. Go to Amazon.com and search for "wireless indoor/outdoor speakers" and you'll find options to transmit your songs.
5. Fondue Pot. Fondue is trendy again. And it's a conversation starter. So check out Target.com for fondue sets. You should also pay a visit to crateandbarrel.com, which boasts a wide range of fondue sets, from the expensive to the economical. You can use a fondue pot for desserts, chocolate, cheese, or other food items. This is one entertaining must-have that is sure to keep your guests entertained.