23 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials for the Best Backyard Ever

By Megan Soll
Updated: June 11, 2019
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.com
Tumbling Timbers, $80 at amazon.com

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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

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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

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    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.com
    Vintage Backyard Patio Lights, $29 at amazon.com

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    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.com
    Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit, $160 at amazon.com

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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