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  3. 23 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for the Best Backyard Ever

23 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for the Best Backyard Ever

Megan Soll
By Megan Soll Updated June 11, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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picnic knife
Credit: Williams Sonoma

Add a pop of color and style to your outdoor entertaining setup with everything from unbreakable glasses to bottle openers, outdoor seating and ice buckets. Whether you're having a huge summertime bash or just spending time with family, take full advantage of your own backyard this summer with these outdoor entertaining ideas. Read on for some of our favorite items for the coolest backyard on the block.

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Unbreakable Glasses

duraclear glasses
Credit: Williams Sonoma

These highball glasses are the perfect casual drinkware for indoor/outdoor gatherings. They won't shatter, crack, cloud or discolor, and they're dishwasher safe. (Also available in classic margarita and wine styles)DuraClear® Tritan High Ball Glasses, Set of 6, $62 at williams-sonoma.com

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Bistro Table

bistro table
Credit: Wayfair

The ideal outdoor nook is never without a good bistro table. It's weather resistant, no-assembly required and easily folds away when it's not needed.Truett Metal Dining Table, $66 at wayfair.com

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Drink Dispenser

drink dispensers
Credit: Amazon

Each of these glass dispensers hold a gallon of liquid, and putting two side by side allows for both a lemonade and a batch cocktail offering.Glass Mason Jar Double Beverage Drink Dispenser, $20 at amazon.com

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Bistro Chairs

bistro chairs
Credit: Pottery Barn

What's a good café style table without the right chairs? This set comes in 22 colors, to fit any design scheme you like.Fermob Bistro Chair, Set of 2, $232 at potterybarn.com

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Waterproof Speaker

bose speaker
Credit: Amazon

A good speaker can set the mood for a party, and luckily Bose makes several options that play your tunes loud and clear outside. This speaker is completely waterproof, and can brave both the pool and the elements.Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker, $99 at amazon.com

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Garden Drink Holders

drink holders for outdoor parties
Credit: Wayfair

Far from a table surface but need to finish that round of cornhole or croquet? Plant these drink holders nearby so your cold one is never out of reach.Drink Party Garden Stake, Set of 4, $37 at wayfair.com

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Mounted Bottle Opener

bottle opener wall fastened
Credit: Amazon

Never wander around looking for that bottle opener again. Fasten this piece to the wall outside and only eve need one hand to crack open a new bottle (it'll catch the caps too).Vintage Wall Mounted Wooden Bottle Opener with Cap Catcher, $21 at amazon.com

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Bright Dinner Plates

melamine plates
Credit: Crate & Barrel

This melamine dinnerware is lightweight but has the look of ceramic, with a pop of color to boot. Use these indoors or outdoors all summer long.Caprice Mod Medallion Melamine Dinner Plate, $5.37 at crateandbarrel.com

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Giant Jenga

giant jenga
Credit: Amazon

There's no better patio game than a giant version of Jenga, at 22 inches high there's plenty of room for the whole party. Want to go even bigger? Tumbling Timbers can grow to over 5 feet while playing.Jenga GIANT Hardwood Game, $112 at amazon.comTumbling Timbers, $80 at amazon.com

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Elevated Ice Bucket

ice bucket
Credit: Pottery Barn

As we like to say, keep your friends close and your chilled rosé closer. This ice bucket also comes with a bottle opener attached.Galvanized Metal Party Bucket, $41 at potterybarn.com

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Watermelon Cutter

watermelon cutter
Credit: Williams Sonoma

If you wondered what to do with that whole watermelon you so ambitiously bought, this tool makes it easy. Same with this pineapple slicer and mango pitter.Kuhn Rikon Watermelon Slicer, $20 at williams-sonoma.com

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String Lights

string lights
Credit: West Elm

The obvious key to magical backyard parties, string lights give major decor points to any outdoor situation. Go for the LED or the vintage filament version.LED String Lights, $39 at westelm.comVintage Backyard Patio Lights, $29 at amazon.com

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Modern Fire Pit

modern fire pit
Credit: Terrain

Nothing draws a crowd more than a good fire pit setup. This version is rustic and practical, yet attractive. (There's always a budget option as well).Square Bowl Fire Pit, $498 at terrain.comLandmann Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit, $160 at amazon.com

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Wooden Serving Cart

wooden serving cart
Credit: Wayfair

This wooden bar cart is resilient against the elements and perfect for relaxing poolside with family or friends.Bucksport Bar Serving Cart, $81 (originally $219) at wayfair.com

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Chilling Tray

ice tray
Credit: Crate & Barrel

Keep your fruit salad or perishables cool with this innovative ice tray, lightweight made to look like recycled glass. There are also lids to keep the pests away.Vaso Grey On-Ice Divided Serving Tray, $18 (originally $30) at crateandbarrel.com

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Cooler Cart

cooler cart
Credit: Amazon

This rolling bar holds a steady supply of drinks for your guests, and is easy to clean with rear drain and powder coated steel finish.Giantex 80-Quart Beverage Cooler Cart, $135 at amazon.com

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Bamboo Lanterns

lanterns
Credit: Terrain

A great natural touch to a porch or patio, these lanterns look lovely by outdoor seating or beside the doorstep.Bamboo + Glass Lantern, $48 at terrain.com

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Serving Tray and Bowl

melamine serveware
Credit: West Elm

This melamine set looks classy yet weighs almost nothing, an ideal way to serve your guests.Modern Melamine Tray, $14 at westelm.com

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Side Table

side tables
Credit: Anthropologie

Add a pop of brightness to your backyard with this glazed ceramic side table.Twill Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Side Table, $148 at anthropologie.com

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Napkin Rings

napkin rings
Credit: West Elm

Keep your napkins from flying wild in the breeze (and set a very stunning dinner table) with proper napkin rings.Rattan Napkin Rings, Set Of 4, $18 at westelm.com

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Lounge Chair

lounge chair
Credit: Anthropologie

A good lounge chair can make for the perfect afternoon or evening, and this rattan version looks great on a lawn or a patio.Canyon Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Chair, $250 (originally $398) at anthropologie.com

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Garden Torches

garden torch
Credit: Terrain

If you've grown beyond tiki torches, this version is the new way to go. The LED lights mimic actual flames, and the batteries it operates on are rechargeable.Wildfire Flame Effect LED Torch Stand + Lantern, $128 at terrain.com

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Picnic Knife

picnic knife
Credit: Williams Sonoma

A staple for any outdoor meal, this tool is great to keep on hand for all cutting (and bottle opening) needs.Picnic Knife, $30 (originally $40) at williams-sonoma.com

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 23 Unbreakable Glasses
    2 of 23 Bistro Table
    3 of 23 Drink Dispenser
    4 of 23 Bistro Chairs
    5 of 23 Waterproof Speaker
    6 of 23 Garden Drink Holders
    7 of 23 Mounted Bottle Opener
    8 of 23 Bright Dinner Plates
    9 of 23 Giant Jenga
    10 of 23 Elevated Ice Bucket
    11 of 23 Watermelon Cutter
    12 of 23 String Lights
    13 of 23 Modern Fire Pit
    14 of 23 Wooden Serving Cart
    15 of 23 Chilling Tray
    16 of 23 Cooler Cart
    17 of 23 Bamboo Lanterns
    18 of 23 Serving Tray and Bowl
    19 of 23 Side Table
    20 of 23 Napkin Rings
    21 of 23 Lounge Chair
    22 of 23 Garden Torches
    23 of 23 Picnic Knife

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    23 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for the Best Backyard Ever
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