One of my favorite parts of summer is hosting backyard cookouts for friends and family. There’s nothing better than firing up my kamado grill and trying new grilling recipes like Filipino BBQ pork skewers. Hosting outdoors comes with its own challenges—bugs, heat, and finding ways to keep guests comfortable and entertained—so I always keep a few tried-and-true outdoor entertaining essentials on hand to make gatherings run smoothly.
If you’re planning a patio party, be sure to have unbreakable dinnerware and glassware, food covers to protect dishes from insects, a reliable cooler for drinks, and a couple of activities for guests. Comfortable patio seating is also essential for gathering and conversation. Below is a curated list of my favorite outdoor entertaining items—practical, stylish, and built to make your next summer event easier and more enjoyable.
My Favorite Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
1. Best Outdoor Dinnerware: Kaloh Outdoor Melamine Dinnerware Collection
For outdoor meals I prefer melamine or durable plastic plates that won’t shatter if dropped. The Kaloh collection is designed for outdoor use and offers a modern look while remaining lightweight and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Sets typically include dinner and salad plates plus bowls, and multiple color options help coordinate with your patio decor.
2. Best Utensil Caddy: Mind Reader Utensil Holder
A utensil caddy keeps forks, knives, spoons, napkins, and condiments organized and easy to transport between the kitchen and the patio table. Mesh or compartmentalized holders with a handle are ideal because they’re easy to clean and come in colors that can match your entertaining style.
3. Best Outdoor Glassware: Jupiter Beaded Drinking Glasses
Stylish, lead-free glassware elevates drinks served outdoors. Beaded glasses work for everything from soda and iced tea to cocktails and mocktails. Choose tempered or lead-free glass in clear or tinted options for a fresh, put-together table setting.
4. Best Serving Bowl: Cabana Melamine Oval Serving Bowl
An oval melamine serving bowl is ideal for big salads or side dishes. It looks like ceramic but is much more durable for outdoor use, and the shape fits well on crowded patio tables. Look for bowls with generous capacity that are dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.
5. Best Cooler: Permasteel Rolling Patio Cooler
A good cooler keeps drinks cold and accessible. A rolling patio cooler with an 80-quart capacity and a split lid makes entertaining effortless, while features like a built-in bottle opener and removable lid simplify service and cleanup.
6. Best Pizza Oven: Ooni Koda 12
A backyard pizza oven brings a fun, interactive element to parties. Propane-powered models heat up quickly and can reach very high temperatures for fast, crispy pizzas. It’s a great way to let guests customize pies and enjoy a hands-on meal experience.
7. Best Bluetooth Speaker: Anker Soundcore 2
Music sets the mood. A waterproof, portable Bluetooth speaker with long battery life and stable range lets you stream playlists from your phone for hours without worrying about weather or power.
8. Best Insect Repellent: Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle
Citronella or botanical oil candles are a simple, natural way to reduce mosquitoes around a seating area. Choose long-burning candles or multiple small candles to create a bug-free zone without overpowering scent.
9. Best Seafood Serving Tray: DEAYOU Ice Serving Tray
When serving chilled seafood or cold appetizers, a tray with an ice chamber beneath keeps food safely chilled without becoming soggy. Look for models with lids or stackable designs for easy transport.
10. Best Lawn Game: GoSports Classic Cornhole Set
A lawn game like cornhole is simple to learn and fun for all ages. Portable sets with beanbags and a carrying case make it easy to move the party between backyards or parks.
11. Best Food Domes: Hearth & Hand Metal Food Dome
Sturdy metal food domes are a reliable option for keeping flies and other insects off dishes. They’re heavier than fabric covers, resist blowing away, and lift easily with a wooden or metal handle.
12. Best Stand: Galvanized Metal Three-Tiered Stand
If table space is limited, a tiered stand helps display snacks, fruits, and appetizers without crowding the table. Choose a galvanized finish for rustic durability and easy outdoor use.
13. Best Serving Tray: Reluctant Entertainer Big Board
A sturdy wooden serving board with raised edges and recessed handles is perfect for transporting charcuterie, veggie trays, or a fruit platter from the kitchen to the patio. The raised lip helps keep items contained while carrying.
14. Best Fire Pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
A compact, low-smoke wood-burning fire pit creates a cozy focal point for evening gatherings. It’s ideal for roasting marshmallows or sitting around for conversation and adds warmth and ambiance to late-night get-togethers.
15. Best Drink Dispenser: Optima Chill Cell Beverage Dispenser
A beverage dispenser with an internal ice chamber cools large batches of drinks without diluting them. An elevated stand and a reliable spigot help guests serve themselves easily, making it a smart choice for self-serve parties.
16. Best Prep Trays: Williams Sonoma Grill Prep Trays
Prep trays make it simple to move food to and from the grill while keeping raw juices contained. Look for BPA-free, color-coded melamine trays that are durable, odor-resistant, and easy to wash.
About Me
Hi, I’m Gina, creator of Skinnytaste, where I share lighter, fresh recipes that are family-friendly and full of flavor. I love cooking outdoors during the warmer months, and over the years I’ve learned which tools and accessories consistently make hosting easier and more enjoyable. This list blends products I’ve used and trusted with top-rated finds that readers consistently recommend.
I prioritize items that are functional, easy to clean, and built to last. Before recommending any product, I read multiple user reviews and consider how each piece performs for real backyard gatherings—so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the company of your guests.
The Best Recipes for Serving Outdoors
When I host outside, I usually fire up the grill and choose recipes that are simple to prepare and serve. Classics like burgers and hot dogs are always crowd-pleasers, but you can also try lighter or more creative options such as grilled shrimp, turkey burgers with zucchini, or seasonal grilled vegetables. Grilling brings out remarkable flavor in zucchini and corn on the cob—two easy side dishes that pair well with almost any main course.
- Veggie Kabobs
- Blackened Grilled Salmon Skewers
- Grilled Pollo Sabroso
- Lemon-Parsley Foil Packet Potatoes
- BBQ Chicken
Prices were accurate at time of publication.