One of my favorite things to do in the summer is cooking in the backyard with friends and family. There's nothing better than firing up the kamado grill and cooking up the latest grill recipes like Filipino BBQ Pork Skewers. However, outdoor hosting comes with some challenges, including insects, hot weather, and keeping everyone entertained. That's why I'm always on hand with my favorite outdoor entertainment essentials to ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
If you're planning an outdoor party, here are a few key items I recommend: unbreakable outdoor crockery and glassware, a food dome to keep bugs out of your food, a cooler to store drinks, and activities to keep everyone entertained. . . Don’t forget the great patio seating for gathering together! To help you prepare for your next summer party, we've put together a list of must-have outdoor essentials to keep the day running smoothly and everyone having a good time.
My top picks
- Best serving trays: Reluctant Entertainer Big Board – $199 at House of Hyacinth
- Best outdoor dinnerware: Kaloh Outdoor Dinnerware Collection – From $27.20 at West Elm
- Best outdoor glassware: Happy Hour Acrylic Drinkware Collection – Starting at $8 at Pottery Barn
- Best serving bowls: Cabana Outdoor Melamine Oval Serving Bowl – $29 at Pottery Barn.
- Best Coolers: Permasteel Rolling Patio Cooler – $199.99 on Amazon.
My Favorite Outdoor Entertainment Essentials
1. Best serving tray: Reluctant Entertainer Big Board
If you want to prepare food inside and then take it outside to eat, you need a sturdy serving tray. The product I chose is the Reluctant Entertainer Big Board. I often use it as a vegetable tray, but you can also use the wooden board to hold charcuterie platters, fruit salads, or other culinary delights. I like that it has a raised edge to hold food, and the two recessed handles make it easy to carry from the kitchen to the patio for serving.
2. Best Outdoor Dinnerware: Kaloh Outdoor Dinnerware Collection
When hosting outdoors, I prefer plates made of plastic or melamine that won't break if dropped. This dinnerware collection is designed specifically for the outdoors and we love that it's stylish and modern, yet lightweight and durable. Includes a variety of items including dinner and salad plates, pasta and cereal bowls, and more, with four colors to choose from. Plus, the dishes are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup once everyone gets home.
3. Best outdoor glassware: Jupiter bead glasses.
Cute glassware is another must-have for outdoor activities. This collection of beaded glasses includes cup styles for all your favorite beverages, from soda and wine to gourmet cocktails and mocktails. my Boozy Watermelon Lime Granita is a cool, refreshing choice for warm summer days. night! Available in clear or blue colors, the glasses are made from lead-free and latex lead-free glass and look very stylish and refreshing.
4. Best Serving Bowl: Melamine Oval Serving Bowl for Cabana Outdoor.
This large serving bowl is perfect for serving a delicious Mediterranean Quinoa Salad to a crowd. The oval shape better fits plates and other serving dishes on crowded patio tables and can hold up to 3.25 quarts of food. I like that it looks like ceramic, but it's actually made of melamine, so it's a bit more durable if dropped or scratched. It also comes in 3 colors!
5. Best Cooler: Permasteel Rolling Patio Cooler
A cooler is a must for any outdoor entertainment area. This cooler is particularly stylish and convenient to use thanks to its rolling stand. The retro design is made of sturdy metal and comes in a variety of pretty colors, and the 80-quart capacity holds enough beverages to keep people hydrated even on hot days. The split lid makes it easy to access the interior, and there's also a built-in bottle opener with a cap catcher on the side so no one in your party has to fumble for it.
7. Best Food Dome: Stove and Hand Food Dome
If you plan to serve food outdoors, consider setting up a food dome to cover the dishes and keep bugs out. Inexpensive fabric domes are often a bit flimsy and can blow away on windy days. This is why I prefer these metal domes instead. At less than 16 inches in diameter, it provides enough room to cover most plates and serving trays, and it has a sturdy wooden handle on top for easy lifting.
8. Best stand: galvanized metal 3-tier stand
If you're short on serving space, this tiered metal stand will allow you to beautifully display a variety of snacks, drinks and fruits. It has a sturdy exterior and is made of steel with a galvanized finish, making it a durable option even if left overnight. You can also get matching pieces for the entire set from Pottery Barn!
9. Best Pizza Oven: Ooni Koda 12
Pizza night is a fun activity for all ages. The Ooni Pizza Oven makes your homemade pies even more delicious. This particular model runs on propane, making it quick and easy to ignite, and can accommodate pizzas up to 12 inches in diameter. The internal temperature goes up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and you can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds! Learning how to bake pizza in the oven will take some practice, but it's a fun learning process and the whole family will have fun making custom pies right in your backyard.
10. Best fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
For night parties, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 will be a crowd pleaser. The wood-burning fire pit is just the right size for 3-4 people to sit around, and the unique design minimizes smoke so you don't have to worry about it blowing in your face. Perfect for roasting marshmallows or just relaxing at the end of the day, the stove features a convenient ashtray at the bottom for easy cleaning after use.
11. Best Gag Caddy: Mind Reader Gag Holder
This handy cutlery holder helps you keep your cutlery and napkins neatly organized during gatherings. The mesh design is divided into four compartments, including three small compartments for forks, knives and spoons and a large compartment for napkins or condiments. The caddy has a handle so you can easily carry it around the house, and you can simply clean it with soap and water after use. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to match your patio décor.
12. Best Beverage Dispenser: Optima Chill Cell Beverage Dispenser
This convenient beverage dispenser lets you keep large quantities of drinks, like freshly brewed iced tea, cold throughout your party. An ice chamber inside the carafe keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature without watering, and it comes in three sizes depending on the number of people you're serving. The dispenser has a matching stand to keep it elevated above the table, and the stopper makes it easy for guests to fill their drinks.
13. Best Bluetooth Speaker: Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Every party needs background music. This affordable Bluetooth speaker is the perfect way to play music outdoors. The design is waterproof and connects easily to your phone so you can play music from up to 66 feet away. The speaker's battery lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, so you don't have to worry about it running out in the middle of a party.
14. Best insect repellent: Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candles
Nothing ruins an outdoor party faster than mosquitoes, so I always like to have a few citronella candles on hand to keep those pesky insects at bay. These mosquito repellent candles combine rosemary, peppermint, and lemongrass oils to create a bug-free space in your yard, and come in a pack of 2 so you can place them around your party space. Plus, despite their small size, each candle burns for about 30 hours, so you can use them all summer long.
15. Best prep tray: Williams Sonoma Grill Prep Tray
Use this grill prep tray with your favorite grilling tools to easily transport your food from the kitchen to the grill. These trays are made of lightweight BPA-free melamine that won't absorb odors or break if dropped, and the trays come in three sizes to fit all types of food. The sides are deep to prevent raw food and marinade liquid from dripping onto the floor, and the trays are also color-coded to help prevent food contamination when preparing for a party.
16. Best Seafood Serving Tray: DEAYOU Ice Serving Tray
Serving seafood dishes like Shrimp Ceviche can be tricky in the summer heat. This cool serving tray lets you cool your seafood with the ice underneath the tray, so you don't end up with a soggy shrimp cocktail when the ice melts. The bottom doubles as a lid, so you can use it to transport crudités or cheese platters to a potluck.
17. Best Lawn Game: GoSports Classic Cornhole Set
No outdoor party is complete without fun lawn games. Cornhole is easy to learn and is a fun option for all ages. This option from GoSports comes with eight bean bags and a travel case so you can take it to your friend's backyard or the park. There are also several designs to choose from to fit your party planning aesthetic.
about me
hi! I'm Gina, author and recipe developer at Skinnytaste. Here I share light recipes made with my favorite fresh ingredients. I love cooking outdoors for my family and friends during the summer. Over the years and through a lot of trial and error, I've figured out what works and what doesn't when it comes to having fun outdoors.
In addition to products I personally use and love, this list includes top-rated outdoor essentials from some of my favorite brands. I looked for options that were highly functional and easy to clean, and I read dozens of user reviews to help me find the best option for my next backyard party.
Best Recipes for Outdoor Serving
When I host outdoors, I like to fire up the grill and cook up some of my favorite recipes. You can stick to classics like burgers and hot dogs, or get creative with easy dishes like grilled shrimp or turkey burgers with zucchini. I also love cooking seasonal summer produce on the grill. You'll be impressed by how deep the flavor of Roasted Zucchini and Roasted Corn on the Cob is. Here are a few other recipes to try for your next summer party:
Prices were correct at time of publication.
