23 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for the Best Backyard Ever

By Megan Soll
Updated June 11, 2019
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.
Start Slideshow
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.

1 of 23

Unbreakable Glasses

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Bistro Table

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

3 of 23

Drink Dispenser

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

Advertisement

4 of 23

Bistro Chairs

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

5 of 23

Waterproof Speaker

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

6 of 23

Garden Drink Holders

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Mounted Bottle Opener

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

8 of 23

Bright Dinner Plates

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

9 of 23

Giant Jenga

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Elevated Ice Bucket

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

11 of 23

Watermelon Cutter

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

12 of 23

String Lights

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Modern Fire Pit

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

14 of 23

Wooden Serving Cart

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

15 of 23

Chilling Tray

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Cooler Cart

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

17 of 23

Bamboo Lanterns

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

18 of 23

Serving Tray and Bowl

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Side Table

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

20 of 23

Napkin Rings

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

21 of 23

Lounge Chair

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Garden Torches

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

23 of 23

Picnic Knife

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

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.foodandwine.com