Taking the right beach accessories to the beach or pool helps ensure that a great time will be had by all. A roomy bag to store the all important sunscreen, beach cover-up, and more, is important. So is the right type of item to lie on, such as a beach blanket.

Beach towels are what typically come to mind when people start packing up for the beach or pool. A towel such as this is great for drying off as well as lying down on when it is time to get a bit of sun. With a beach blanket, however, it is much easier to have a dedicated space onto which several people can easily lie down and share.

A beach blanket from the Martha Stewart collection offers the perfect companion for any trip to the pool or the beach. Similar in function to a cotton beach towel but armed with a convenient large carrying handle, its material allows for a comfortable spot to lie down in the sand. The included ties mean this beach or pool necessity is easy to roll up before leaving home for the beach or pool as well as when it is time to come home.

Measuring a generous size, this alternative to a beach towel is easy to care for as well. These blankets can be made of a cotton blend material that is machine washable. For this reason, it is simply a matter of throwing it, along with the bathing suits, in the washing machine after a long day out enjoying the sun.

When an alternative to a regular sized beach towel is chosen, it is easy to cut down on the amount of beach gear that must be packed up and carried to the pool or beach. Since this large towel-like accessory is quite big, it can easily replace two, or even more, beach towels.

Looking for a beach blanket? Find a great selection the next time you shop at Macy's.