37 Hosting Essentials For Backyard Gatherings
While backyard get-togethers can be a great way to celebrate the warm weather, skipping details like sun protection, pest control, and shatterproof dishware can turn the party into a less-than-enjoyable experience. Luckily, we’ve compiled 37 hosting essentials to boost your outdoor entertaining experience, making it enjoyable for your guests and low-stress for you. Start scrolling now; we promise the summer entertaining season will be an absolute breeze.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.This Trash Can to Keep Your Party Clean and Classy
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This outdoor trash can is an essential item for outdoor gatherings. With its 33-gallon capacity, your guests won’t have to trek inside whenever they need to toss something. Plus, the rattan design adds surprising style to a useful product.
See it on AmazonThis Outdoor Speaker Is Compact, but Its Sound Is Massive
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The outdoor speaker is powerful enough to play tunes throughout your backyard yet compact enough to move from one room to another, whether you’re partying indoors or outdoors. Plus, it’s waterproof and has a 24-hour battery life, so the music never has to stop.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartMake Your Guests Feel Special With These Pillow Covers
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These outdoor pillow covers will make your guests feel right at home when they come over to enjoy your beautiful backyard. They’re made of thick, high-quality faux linen with a neutral design. “So inviting for any of our guests. Definitely recommend!” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Blanket Is Made for the Outdoors
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Sometimes, you only need a few cozy blankets instead of a fire pit. Keep this outdoor blanket on hand for guests to snuggle up with as the evening cools. Although designed for the outdoors, they’re so chic and comfy you’d never guess it. Buyers rave about their durability and how they hold up to the elements.
See it on AmazonThis Fujifilm Camera Is Retro, But Its Memories Are Instant
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Wouldn’t you love immortalizing your amazing summer events and showing off your hosting prowess with an instant camera? This beautiful, vintage-look Fujifilm Camera is your ideal summer party buddy with its smart selfie mode and quick printing features, meaning your guests can take home a piece of the fun.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Cards Stay Dry, Even When Your Party Gets Wet
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When the party starts to be a little bit dull, it’s a smart move to have a pack of these waterproof playing cards. No worries about drink spills, pool splashes, or unexpected rain — just wipe them down, and they’re as good as new. “These cards are great for these kinds of social gatherings. They aren’t destroyed when wet, and I can always wash them with dish soap when they get too sticky,” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Fire Pit Table Turns Into a Dining Table When the Fire Dies Down
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Temperatures can drop in the evening, even in the summer. The best solution? This fire pit table. Not only does it keep everyone warm, but it also provides a welcoming ambiance. Thanks to its removable lid, you can transform your fire pit into an elegant dining table in seconds.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Pitcher Has the Elegance of Glass and the Practicality of Acrylic
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In hot weather, you must keep your guests hydrated, so keep their glasses full with this pitcher. Its beautiful curved design is a bonus. Hosting a kids’ party? This pitcher is perfect because it’s made of acrylic. “Have had several guests think it’s glass until they pick it up. Nice to have a glass look without the weight of glass,” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Rolling Cooler Can Serve 110 Cans Without Breaking a Sweat
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If you plan to serve many canned beverages but can’t carry them all, grab this rolling cooler. It’s great for big gatherings, with enough space to store up to 110 cans or 50 bottles, plus extra room for ice. It also has some handy features like a built-in opener, a bottom shelf, and even a cap catcher.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Floral Tablecloth Is Stain-Resistant
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Regarding backyard barbecues, it’s probably not the time to whip out your finest table linens. Instead of worrying about red wine stains, go for this durable tablecloth with its vintage floral, stain-resistant design.
See it on AmazonThis Bottle of Grass Seed Transforms Your Patchy Lawn Into a Lush Green Retreat
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This bottle of grass seed will repair your lawn’s damage from pets and the sun. Sprinkle this mix of mulch, seed, and soil over your problem areas and let it work its magic. In just a few weeks, those bald spots will be history — just in time for greeting your guests.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Shatterproof Cups Keep Your Party in 1 Piece
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As guests move from the food table to the pool, they’ll likely have a drink in hand. Avoid the risk of broken glass with these shatterproof cups. You get 16 cups in various shades of blue.
See it on AmazonThese Trays Fit All Your Favorite Nibbles
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What’s a backyard gathering without some tasty bites? For that, you need some decent-sized serving trays. These trays, crafted from acacia wood, are 17 inches long to offer ample space for cheeses, dips, and any other treats you fancy. Plus, their raised lip prevents your snacks from sliding off.
See it on AmazonThese Solar String Lights Are Your Ticket to a Magical Event Outdoors
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These waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights are so charming that they create an intimate and inviting atmosphere. They’re an excellent option for draping over trees or outlining your outdoor living space. “This was a last-minute purchase for a family gathering. The lights provided the light needed for the space while giving a nice ambiance. It was a hit,” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThese LED Lanterns Safely Light Your Way
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Walking around the backyard at night can be a safety hazard without proper lighting. Help your guests move around your property safely, whether they’re taking a dip in the pool or grabbing a post-dinner drink, by setting out these LED lanterns. No outlets are needed — these two lights are solar-powered.
See it on AmazonThis Fan Is So Quiet You'll Forget It's Not an Island Breeze
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This outdoor ceiling fan adds a touch of tropical flair to your space while providing the cool island breeze your guests need during the hot days. Reviewers say it's useful and elegant, operates quietly, and is very easy to install.
See it on AmazonThis Garden Bench to Give Your Guests a Gorgeous Place to Relax
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You can’t overlook a pretty garden bench when your guests need a beautiful place to sit. Whether strategically placed on your porch or nestled in the middle of your garden, it’s bound to turn heads with its unique design and available colors.
See it on AmazonThis Porch Swing Offers Built-In Shade
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Outdoor furniture that serves a dual purpose is ideal for entertaining al fresco. This patio porch swing provides extra seating and a canopy to protect your guests from the sun. “It’s great quality, really sturdy, and helped make our backyard a nice place where we can sit and relax when the weather is nice (and even when it’s not as nice, thanks to the canopy),” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Lazy Susan Brings Everything to Your Guests
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Place dips or other small bites on this Lazy Susan so guests don’t have to stretch across the table for their favorite appetizers. They can just spin the rotating tray and grab what they want. “I absolutely love my lazy Susan! I get compliments every time it’s noticed,” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Cornhole Set Is the Main Attraction at Any Gathering
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Don’t forget a retro-style cornhole set to keep your guests entertained. This game will be the MVP when everyone’s waiting for their burgers to come off the grill. “Very sturdy boards. Good quality bean bags. Easy to transport and store. This is a great product to have for picnics, BBQs, and other backyard or park gatherings. It’s always a hit!” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Tray Set Makes Grilling Easier
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If you’re in charge of the grill, you need a convenient way to carry food from the grill to the table. This marinade and prep tray set is made of shatterproof melamine and designed to prevent food contamination. The marinade tray features a bottom tray with deep sides to hold raw food and liquids, while the top tray is for serving.
See it on AmazonThese Shatterproof Dishes Are Built For Outdoor Fun
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If you don’t want your guests to be scared of breaking your delicate dishes, it’s a smart move to use these shatterproof dishes. These colorful plates are made from melamine resin, so they won’t break if dropped. They are available in four sizes and three colors.
See it on AmazonThis Triangular Sail To Beat the Heat and UV Rays in Style
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This triangular sail is perfect for blocking harmful UV rays while providing the necessary shade. It’s one of the simplest ways to create a cool, relaxing area during these last hot spring and summer days. The sail’s corners have D rings so that you can choose the hardware or rope you’ll use.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Utensil Caddy to Keep Your Silverware Together
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Hosting a backyard gathering typically doesn’t involve a formal dinner. Give your guests a convenient, one-stop area to grab their silverware by using this sturdy utensil caddy. This caddy is made of eco-friendly fiber that gives a summer feel, and it has three slots that could also be used as tool storage.
See it on AmazonThis Rug Keeps Bare Feet Happy and Safe at Pool Parties
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Do you have a pool in your backyard? Then, everyone will want to take a dip, so chances are that many guests will be walking around barefoot. Keep their feet comfortable and safe with this rug. Reviewers love it because it’s waterproof, fade-resistant, and crease-free. Plus, there are 23 options — all equally gorgeous.
See it on AmazonThis Backyard Play Set Has Everything to Keep Kids Entertained
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Your guests will probably bring their children, and this cedar backyard play set is great for them or your kids. It’s packed with everything their imaginative minds can think of to keep the kids entertained for years. This set has everything — swings, a climbing wall, a picnic table, a slide, a sandbox, and more.
See it on AmazonThis Ice Bucket Is So Big, Your Drinks Stay Cold Till the Last Guest Leaves
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Keep drinks cold with this double-walled ice bucket so you won’t need to run inside for beverages. It features an antiqued silver finish that looks great on any bar cart or tablescape. Plus, it has a large 12-liter capacity for whatever you’re serving.
See it on AmazonThis Umbrella Will Make Your Backyard Cooler
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For a memorable gathering, you need to create some shade. Whether entertaining around a table or creating a shaded lounge area, this large and adjustable patio umbrella is the perfect way to keep your guests cool. Plus, it stretches over spaces, making it ideal for all scenarios.
See it on AmazonThis 120-Inch Movie Screen to Host the Biggest Blockbuster
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This portable 120-inch movie screen is perfect for hosting an outdoor movie night. Now that many movies premiere on streaming services instead of exclusively in theaters, you can have your own red-carpet event right at home. It’s made of reflective Oxford nylon for a fantastic viewing experience. Plus, it’s very lightweight and easy to set up.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Elevated Mesh Covers Keep Bugs at Bay
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Citronella candles can help deter pests, but they won’t eliminate them. So, consider these elevated mesh covers to keep your food protected when left unattended. They feature see-through netting, so guests won’t have to lift every cover to find their desired snacks.
See it on AmazonThis Rocking Chair Set Is About to Become Your Go-To For Chilling Out
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A sleek three-piece rocking chair set so you and your significant other can spend lazy days rocking away in your backyard. The set includes two rattan rocking chairs and one tempered glass coffee table — both weather- and UV-resistant. There are three colors to choose from: beige, blue, and red.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThis Versatile Salad Stand to Keep Your Table Uncluttered
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This rubberwood salad stand doesn’t take any tabletop space, leaving more room for other essentials or much-needed pitchers. Buyers love its versatility; you can use it for anything. The set includes two serving spoons you can hang on the side for easy access.
See it on AmazonThese Citronella Coils Is So Chic
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Keep pests away without ruining your backyard’s aesthetic. Hang these elegant citronella coils around your party to keep the bugs at bay. The compressed wood burns slowly, releasing the fragrances of essential oils as they smolder.
See it on AmazonThis Rolling Bar Cart Moves the Party Wherever You Want It
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Running in and out of during a gathering won’t let you enjoy it. This rolling bar cart is the perfect outdoor entertaining companion. It enables you to set it up so guests can help themselves or roll it around as the party moves. It features a removable ice bucket, storage compartments, and wine glass holders.
See it on AmazonSee it on WalmartThese Cotton Rope Coasters Come With a Seagrass Basket
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Everyone should have a cold drink in hand, but no one should leave water marks all over your wooden table, which is exactly why these cotton rope coasters are the perfect addition to your drinks table. The set even includes a seagrass basket holder.
See it on AmazonThis Soy Wax Candle Makes Your Backyard Smell Like a Tropical Paradise
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Make your backyard gatherings memorable with this soy wax candle. This one evokes images of island holidays in the Bahamas and sea breezes. “Fabulous fragrance! Floral, really nice,” said one reviewer.
See it on AmazonThis Cookbook Has 500 Recipes
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A copy of "The Complete Summer Cookbook: Beat the Heat with 500 Recipes that Make the Most of Summer's Bounty" is essential for anyone planning to entertain during the summer. This comprehensive guide has a recipe for every occasion and skill level, so you're covered no matter the type of gathering you're hosting.
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