"If I could describe my perfect weekend to you, it would involve catching up on sleep (a girl can dream!), time spent outdoors, and hosting at least one backyard hangout with family or friends. I know I’m not the only one that always likes to be prepared for outdoor entertaining when the weather is nice so that I can send out a mass text to my nearby friends and get them over for an impromptu casual hangout in our yard or on our porch.
Just a few months ago, my husband and I bought our first home, meaning we now have our first backyard and we intend to use it to the fullest. I personally prefer hosting people and having them come to us instead of figuring out the logistics of getting our family out of the house and back. Because of that, I often invite everyone to our place.
To keep everyone happy and coming back, I’ve been sprucing up our outdoor space and making sure our get-togethers are comfortable and fun for everyone. If you’re working on becoming the go-to hosting house or just want to have a few things on standby for when guests pop in, we’re here to help. Here are 40+ outdoor decor and entertainment items we love for hosting.
Dining & Drinking
One of the best parts of hosting is getting to show off all your cute dinnerware. From beautiful serving plates to matching dinner bowls and glasses, we searched for the best dinner and drinkware that will take your hosting game to a whole other level. With lots of plastic and acrylic options (that are still chic, of course), you don’t have to worry about anything breaking mid-party.
Perfect for meals and everything in between, these dining plates are an editor favorite.
Whip up a refreshing cocktail and serve it in this gorgeous beverage dispenser.
These glasses are a fun and unique shape, plus they are durable for outdoor use.
4 colors available
Whether it’s tailgates, parties, or barbecues, you can level up your hosting game with this nifty 2-in-1 chip and dip bowl.
These neutral plates are good to use year after year, and offer a subtle option for all your meals.
This patterned floral table runner is the perfect touch to add to any dining table.
These placemats are a classic style and perfect for summer gatherings.
For entertaining the grown-ups, swap in these delicate bright napkins with floral detailing.
4 colors available
Upgrade your serving dishes with this stunning melamine platter that’s perfect for spring and summer.
For those that love a pop of color, these acrylic coupe glasses will be a great addition to your outdoor dining collection.
6 colors available
Warmer days call for a refreshing drink, whether that be a cocktail or mocktail. These glasses take the presentation up a notch.
3 colors available
This chic rattan beverage tub is ideal for chilling all your beverages and is durable for the outdoors.
Keep your clothes protected from stains and splatters with this adorable floral-printed apron.
This detailed garden-inspired pitcher will be a hit with your family and friends!
Add a rustic finish to any table setting with these boho beaded placemats.
3 colors available
Designed with a beautiful Sicily-inspired pattern, this serving tray will be a hosting staple.
Great for parties or any event, this dispenser comes with removable tubes for ice and fruit infusing!
These handmade food tents are practical and aesthetically pleasing for all your outdoor dining. Plus, they’re collapsible for easy storage.
2 colors available
Elevate your dining set with this neutral-toned outdoor dinnerware, that’s great for everyday use.
2 colors available
We love a beverage tub that’s both functional and chic. Plus, there are two shape options to choose from.
Ideal for poolside or the patio, these acrylic wine glasses are durable for outdoors and indoors.
7 colors available
Add a classic picnic look to your tablescape with this machine-washable, gingham-patterned tablecloth.
Serve your drinks in style with this acrylic pitcher that’s great for indoors or outdoors.
Melamine dinnerware is a must-have for outdoor dining. The plates are sturdy and still dishwasher safe, plus they look nice.
5 colors available
General Outdoor Decor
Liven up your outdoor space with comfortable seating, lights, and more. Regardless of whether you’re a bigger fan of warm days or chillier (yet cozy!) nights, you won’t want to leave your outside space at all once you’ve upgraded to our favorite outdoor decor. We’ve gathered picks that you’ll love whether you’re on a budget or wanting to splurge.
This boho sofa seating set is stylish and ideal for hosting guests for an outdoor drink. What’s better than being both comfortable and chic?
Designed for the outdoors, this neutral rug will pair well with any decor or furniture.
5 colors available
This bar cart is perfect for having drinkware or appetizers at the ready for adult hangouts. It collapses for easy storage, too!
2 colors available
Lanterns are the perfect way to upgrade your outdoor space in a subtle way.
3 colors & 2 sizes available
Perhaps a bit pricier than other drink coolers, this one is so fun and bright that it might just be worth the splurge.
5 colors available
Have extra seating easily on hand with these stackable patio chairs.
4 colors available
A set of outdoor string lights is the easiest way to add a bit of ambience to any backyard.
Crafted with high-quality fibers and a soothing color palette, this printed rug will be a great addition to your space.
2 colors available
Add a burst of color to your outdoor furniture with these bright and weather-resistant pillows.
4 colors available
This sleek fire pit will be a hit during chillier nights, and is also designed to withstand water and sun damage.
2 colors available
Add a garden-inspired touch to your outdoor space with this mosaic tile side table.
Treat yourself to a new outdoor patio set that will surely be used for all your family dinners, parties, and family get-togethers.
Keep you and your guests nice and toasty on chillier nights with this outdoor heater. Plus, its versatile design is great for any patio or deck.
5 finishes available
Enjoy sunnier days and nights outside with this LED patio umbrella that has a rechargeable battery pack. And at under $100, this is a steal.
3 colors available
Outdoor Entertainment
Nothing beats those days spent playing games outdoors with the family. We’ve rounded up some editor-favorite outdoor games and entertainment that can be used year-round. Plus, you’ll definitely get some hosting bonus points by having a few of these on hand.
How fun are at-home, big-screen movie nights? You’ll definitely be the favorite family on the block with one of these in your yard.
Cool off in style with this trendy inflatable pool. It’s quick to inflate and will be an easy way to keep the whole family entertained.
This giant wooden dice game is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, this neutral colorway will pair well with any outdoor decor.
Become the ultimate host with this pickleball set that everyone will love. You can even bring the fun anywhere, because it also comes with a convenient travel bag.
Playing bags (or cornhole!) is a classic outdoor activity that you don’t want to miss out on. Plus, this customizable set is designed with handles and foldable legs for easy transportation.
6 designs available
Have some fun in the sun with this bocce ball lawn game. This set comes with everything you’ll need for a light-hearted game.
Your outdoor entertainment wouldn’t be complete without a giant Jenga set. This will make for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family.
3 colors available
Get some fresh air outside while playing giant lawn tic tac toe. This classic interactive game will be a guest favorite!
Get ready for a day full of fun with this flying disc game that is a must-have accessory for gatherings on summer days.
Take advantage of days spent outside with this croquet set that comes with mallets, balls, wickets, and stakes. Plus, it even includes with a zippered carry case!
