20 Essentials That Make Outdoor Entertaining More Comfortable for Your Guests
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Don't let factors like bad summer weather or mosquitoes ruin your next al fresco gathering.
Courtesy of West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Terrain
While entertaining al fresco is a hallmark of summer, it also requires a lot of forward planning. Not considering factors like protection from the sun, pest prevention, shatterproof dishware, and other important details can make the experience less than enjoyable for attendees.
“If your guests are not comfortable, they won’t stay long, no matter how meticulously your cheese and charcuterie board is prepared,” says Liz Curtis, entertaining expert and the founder of Table + Teaspoon. “If they do stay, all they will remember is being too cold or the number of mosquito bites they endured.”
Luckily, there are a handful of ways to elevate your outdoor entertaining experience into one that’s fun (and comfortable) for your guests and low-stress for you. For example, if your outdoor get-together falls on a day where it’s going to be exceptionally hot, you’ll want to create shade for guests by setting out umbrellas. Or perhaps your backyard is mosquito-prone—displaying a few citronella candles to keep pests at bay can elevate the experience tenfold.
To help ensure you have the necessities on hand, we’re sharing some outdoor entertaining essentials that will keep visitors comfortable from the start of the evening until the very end.
Related: 20 Shatterproof Dinnerware Sets for Outdoor Entertaining
Crate & Barrel Large Hanging Outdoor Citronella Mosquito Coil
Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Keep pests away without disrupting your backyard's aesthetic. "Hang these brilliant citronella coils around your party to keep bugs at bay," says Curtis. "The compressed wood burns slowly and elegantly, releasing the fragrances of essential oils as they smolder."
Price at time of publish: $40
Terrain Herringbone Bamboo Food Cover
Courtesy of Terrain
While citronella candles help deter pests, they won't eliminate them completely. Keep your food protected when it's left unattended by covering it with these elevated mesh covers. They have a see-through netting, so guests won't have to take off every cover to find the food they want to snack on.
Price at time of publish: $26
Pottery Barn Round Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Creating shade during outdoor summer parties is a must—especially when they're hosted during the day. "Whether you’re entertaining around a table or setting the scene for a shaded lounge area, Pottery Barn’s Cantilever Sunbrella Umbrella is the perfect tool to keep your guests cool," says Curtis. "The umbrella perches over spaces, making it ideal in all scenarios."
Price at time of publish: $1,199
West Elm Poolside Geo Outdoor Rug
Courtesy of West Elm
If you have a pool in your backyard, it's likely many guests will be walking around barefoot. Keep their feet comfortable by laying out a rug on your patio or deck. "Bring the indoors out and carve out an area of your yard or patio for lounging by placing an outdoor rug down near your umbrella, cabana, or shady tree," says Curtis.
Price at time of publish: $299
Ellen Merchant Melamine Side Plate
Courtesy of Anthropologie
No one wants to worry about breaking your fine china during a casual outdoor event. Prevent this by serving food on shatterproof dishes. These colorfully festive plates are made from bamboo fiber and melamine resin, so they wont break if accidentally dropped.
Price at time of publish: $8
Pottery Barn Barrel Top Lazy Susan
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Place dips, chips, crudité, and other small bites in this lazy susan, so guests don't have to reach across the table for their desired appetizers. They can simply spin the rotating tray and take what they want.
Price at time of publish: $199
Hampton Bay Metal Wicker Patio Daybed Swing
Courtesy of Home Depot
Outdoor furniture that's dual purpose is ideal for entertaining al fresco. This swinging daybed doesn't just provide additional seating for guests, it also has a canopy that will keep them protected from the sun.
Price at time of publish: $999
Ballard Designs Solar LED Lanterns
Courtesy of Ballard Designs
Walking around in the backyard at night without lighting poses a safety hazard. Make it easier for guests to navigate their way around your property, whether they're jumping in the pool for an evening swim or grabbing a post-dinner beverage, by setting out these LED lanterns. No outlets are needed—the lights are solar, so they just need 12 hours in the sun to fully charge.
Price at time of publish: $69.30
Pottery Barn Jupiter Beaded Outdoor Drinking Glasses
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
As guests walk from the food table to the pool to mingle with other partygoers, they will likely have a summer beverage in hand. Eliminate the risk of broken glass by opting for these shatterproof cups. "Even if your guests over-serve themselves, broken glasses will not be a problem at your party," sys Curtis.
Price at time of publish: $40
All Modern Permasteel Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler On Wheels
Courtesy of AllModern
If you want to bring canned beverages to pool goers or guests mingling on the patio instead, but don't have enough hands for a tall order, stock up on this rolling cooler. You can quickly and efficiently make the rounds—no juggling or multiple trips required.
Price at time of publish: $176
Real Flame Gray Anson Wood Burning Fire Pit
Courtesy of Wayfair
Even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the evening. If that happens, ensure you have a way to keep guests warm. One way, which also provides welcome ambience, is creating a small bonfire with this real wood burning fire pit.
Price at time of publish: $349.99
Boardwalk Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Throw
Courtesy of Ballard Designs
Instead of a fire pit, sometimes all you need are a few cozy blankets. "Keep a basket of blankets nearby for guests to snuggle up with at night fall," says Curtis. "These blankets by Sunbrella are made for the outdoors, but are so chic and comfortable, you would never know it." They're an investment, but you'll have them forever—and they hold up to the elements.
Price at time of publish: $320.99
Kinto Alfresco Outdoor Dinnerware
Courtesy of Food52
Not only are paper plates less sustainable than reusable ones, but you also risk them blowing away in the wind when entertaining outdoors. This sturdy melamine set is weather- and shatter-resistant, so you and guests can use it without worrying about the elements or accidents. The set includes four bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates.
Price at time of publish: $22
CB2 Somerset White Travertine Oil Lamp
Courtesy of CB2
If your soirée carries into the evening, it's important to have ambient lighting on hand. "These travertine oil lamps are the perfect way to illuminate your party without worrying about traditional candle holders blowing over in the wind or hurricanes shattering," says Curtis.
Price at time of publish: $199.50
Pottery Barn Benson Outdoor Wicker Trash Bin
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Although it's not the most aesthetically pleasing addition to your backyard, an outdoor trash can is a highly essential item—and you can do better than dragging one of your curb cans close to the action. "Save your guests from having to head inside to dispose of leftovers," says Laura Sotelo, co-founder of Olive Atelier. This discrete option from Pottery Barn is practical without being visually disruptive.
Price at time of publish: $229
House & Parties Beechwood Salad Stand
Courtesy of Houses and Parties
Overcrowding your table can quickly lead to spilled glasses and limited arm room for guests. "Summer is the season for family style dining, especially if you are taking food directly from the grill to the table," says Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of Houses & Parties. "These beechwood salad stands don't take any tabletop space, leaving room for pots of geranium or pitchers of margaritas. Place it by the host and he or she can toss the salad and serve it at the table, like an old fashioned steak house."
Price at time of publish: $198
StoneWon Designs Co. Solid Wood Table Organizer
Courtesy of West Elm
Keep napkins from blowing away in the wind by safely displaying them in this napkin holder. It has a sliding divider, so you can even place napkins in one end and condiments and shakers in the other.
Pottery Barn Bleecker Stainless Steel Party Bucket
Courtesy of Pottery Barn
Keep drinks cold in this party-size, double-walled ice bucket so you don't have to keep going inside for beverages. It has an antiqued-gold finish that will look great on any bar cart or tablescape.
Price at time of publish: $199
Williams SonomaLight Woven Utensil Caddy
Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
Entertaining al fresco typically doesn't involve a formal sit down dinner, meaning traditional place settings aren't necessary. Give partygoers a convenient, one-stop area to grab their silverware by displaying forks, knives, and spoons in this sturdy utensil caddy.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Williams Sonoma Grill Prep Tray & Marinade Tray Set
Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
The person manning the grill will need a convenient way to carry food from grill to tabletop. Make the process easier on them with this marinade and prep tray set, which is made of shatterproof melamine and designed to prevent food contamination. The marinade tray has a bottom tray with deep sides to contain raw food and liquids, while the top tray functions as a platform for serving.
Price at time of publish: $84.95
