Best Outdoor Entertaining Essentials Summer 2022
15 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials to Stock Up On For Your Next Summer Soirée
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It's officially summertime — which means that the inexplainable urge to channel our inner-Martha Stewart through backyard barbecues, garden parties, and summer soirées galore, is very real. We can't quite pinpoint what it is about the season that makes us want to whip up an icebox cake and splurge on practically any lemon-adorned dish set ever — but it's a palpable feeling nonetheless. And one that, after the last few years of lockdowns and pandemic precautions, we really can't wait to embrace this summer.
As any veteran host or hostess will tell you though — outdoor entertaining is some serious business. Beyond sorting out the invite list and event menu, you also have to take into consideration all of the essential items that you'll need to ensure your next summer gathering goes off without a hitch. From ample outdoor seating and stylish lighting to dinnerware sets, coolers, serving platters, canopy coverings, backyard entertainment, and so much more, it can feel overwhelming trying to find hosting essentials that are equal parts functional, fun, and (perhaps most importantly) somewhat affordable, too.
Fortunately, some of our favourite retailers are meeting the moment with their own dedicated sections of outdoor furniture and hosting essentials — complete with everything you might need to give your backyard or patio space a stylish, guest-friendly retouch just in time for your next big outdoor gathering (we're looking at you Fourth of July weekend!).
Below, browse our picks for the best outdoor entertaining essentials to stock up on ahead of your next summer soirée.
Cheers To These: West Elm Fluted Acrylic Drinking Glasses
Elevate your next outdoor gathering with a colourful touch, provided by these West Elm Fluted Acrylic Drinking Glasses ($32), of course. With their durable acrylic make, these glasses are primed for outdoor use even in the season's warmest temperatures. Best of all, their summer-inspired colour palette will help to brighten up any table spread, regardless of the occasion.
A Hosting Must-Have: Mahoney Rectangular Long Dining Set
This summer, you'll definitely want to sit back and unwind at this Mahoney Rectangular Long Dining Set ($1,370). Crafted from a natural hardwood material, the 8-chair dining set can seamlessly host all of your guests in one convenient space. Plus, the furniture piece can also double as the perfect, rustic centrepiece in any outdoor area.
For Food Functionality: Teak + Mesh Food Cover
Summer entertaining is all fun and games until those pesky, seasonal bugs start to make an appearance. Fortunately with the help of this Teak + Mesh Food Cover ($104), you'll be able to put your best dishes on display without the fear of sacrificing your food in the process. Besides being super practical, this style is actually really cute, too.
To Set the Mood: Tobeape Citronella Candles
It's true: you really can't beat the smell of the great outdoors. But if you're looking to set a great ambience for your guests, you also can't go wrong with investing in a few Tobeape Citronella Candles ($22) to have on-hand. Bonus — they also help to repel certain bugs, too!
Rain or Shine: Ancheer Pop-Up Canopy
Summer weather has a reputation for being notoriously unpredictable. And if you're set on making sure your next outdoor soirée goes on as planned, then this Ancheer Pop-Up Canopy ($151) is definitely a must-have. Whether you're looking to give your guests a shaded break from the sun or you simply need some extra coverage for when an afternoon storm rolls in, this pop-up canopy can provide it all — rain or shine.
Most Practical Decor: Terrain Rattan Storage Caddy
This Terrain Rattan Storage Caddy ($81) will help you carry all of your outdoor hosting necessities around in style — straight from your kitchen to the backyard dining table and beyond. Plus, with its compartment structure, the storage caddy is also incredibly functional.
A Bright Spot: Terrain Geometric Lace Solar Lantern
For any evening affair, the Terrain Geometric Lace Solar Lantern ($52) will allow you to brighten up your backyard space with a warm, decorative touch. Bonus — the model is solar-powered and can provide up to seven hours of light, even long after the sun goes down. Eco-friendly and chic!
Dressy Dinenrware: West Elm Hand Painted Bowl Set
It doesn't get more quintessentially summer than a set of hand-painted bowls, wrapped in fruity and fun designs. The dishware set in question is the West Elm Hand Painted Bowl Set ($34), of course. And we're already dreaming up all of the ways that we can incorporate these dishes into our next summer spread.
Keep It Cool: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Portable Cooler
Make your next summer get-together a breeze with the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Portable Cooler ($130). Available in three colours and composed of an insulated design, this hefty cooler is as functional as it is totally stylish.
Warm Decor: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood Burning Outdoor Metal Fire Pit
While daytime temperatures might indicate otherwise, summer evenings can actually cool down pretty decently depending on where you live. If your next outdoor entertaining affair is likely to last long into the night, you might benefit from having a Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood Burning Outdoor Metal Fire Pit ($170) on-hand. Not only is the steel model super compact, it also boasts a cosy design touch that will make your backyard look all the more charming.
A Boho Touch: Tava Handwoven Rattan Square Placemat
Pottery Barn's Tava Handwoven Rattan Square Placemat ($15) is a best-seller for a reason. These boho-chic placemats will help dress up your outdoor dining table with a cosy touch and add a sturdy, rattan-centric base to your dinnerware setup. Plus, they're available in a wide variety of geometric shapes and colours — perfect for anyone's design preference!
An Outdoor Refresh: Estilo Glass Drink Dispenser
With these sweltering summer temperatures, you'll want to make sure that you're well-equipped with a proper hydration station at your next outdoor gathering. The Estilo Glass Drink Dispenser ($40) comes with two glass mason jar beverage dispensers that can hold up to a gallon each, so your guests can easily refill on drinks, as needed. Additionally, the model features embossed chalkboards on each dispenser, so you can incorporate your own personalized touch, too.
For Relaxing: Warrington Porch Swing
The more seating, the merrier! When your guests aren't busy gabbing with one another, they'll love getting to unwind in this Warrington Porch Swing ($460). Crafted from a durable polyester material, this free-standing porch swing is perfect for outdoor use — especially with its water-resistant qualities.
A Serving Essential: Uncommon Goods Sliding Cheese Snack Board
Whether it's a wine night with the girls, a proper outdoor gathering, or just your normal at-home snacking (hey, we don't judge), you can't go wrong with having a charcuterie board in your stock of kitchen goods — especially if it's anything like this Uncommon Goods Sliding Cheese Snack Board ($65). With its aesthetic structure, you won't have to exercise a ton of effort in making this acacia wood snack board look good. And best of all, it even comes with a surprise knife set tucked just beneath the wood. Talk about a full-service product!
Picturesque Party Gift: Fujifilm Mini 9 Instant Camera
There's nothing sweeter than spending quality time with the people you love — especially if it's within your own home. Make sure the memories of your summer party last forever with this coral-coloured Fujifilm Mini 9 Instant Camera ($80). Not only will you be able to take darling snaps on-the-go, but you'll also be able to guarantee your guests leave the event with a cute polaroid in tow, too (possibly the cutest party gift!).
