"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 likes being prepared for outdoor entertaining when the weather is nice. I love sending out a mass text to my nearby friends to get them over for an impromptu casual hangout in our yard or on our porch.
My husband and I updated our back porch seating last year, and I can’t wait to spend all of our summer days on it while sipping on an ice-cold beverage. I personally prefer hosting people and having them over 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 50+ outdoor decor and entertainment items we love for hosting.
Outdoor Dinnerware, Serveware, and Drinkware
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.
This chic rattan beverage tub is ideal for chilling all your beverages and is durable for the outdoors.
Ideal for poolside or the patio, these acrylic wine glasses are durable for outdoors and indoors.
7 colors available
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.
4 colors available
Add a trendy set of dinner plates to your dinnerware hosting set this season.
Serve small appetizers, dessert, or garnishes on this elegant plate.
This minimalistic yet chic beverage tub is the perfect touch to your backyard dinner party.
Set all your essential silverware and napkins in a cute utensil caddy.
Whip up a refreshing cocktail and serve it in this gorgeous beverage dispenser.
Serve refreshing cocktails or an ice cold lemonade in this stylish glassware.
5 colors available
Whether it’s tailgates, parties, or barbecues, you can level up your hosting game with this nifty serving platter.
These neutral plates are good to use year after year, and offer a subtle option for all your meals.
8 colors available
This striped table runner is the perfect touch to add to any dining table.
10+ colors available
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.
3 colors available
Upgrade your serving dishes with this stunning platter that’s perfect for spring and summer.
For those that love a pop of color, these shatter-resistant glasses will be a great addition to your outdoor dining collection.
6 colors available
4 sizes
Warmer days call for a refreshing drink, whether that be a cocktail or mocktail. These glasses take the presentation up a notch.
6 colors available
2 sizes
Keep your clothes protected from stains and splatters with this adorable apron.
4 colors available
Add a rustic finish to any table setting with these boho beaded placemats.
3 colors available
Personalize this hand-painted serving tray, and it will be a hosting staple.
Because two is better than one! Give your guests more than one drink option. This two-piece drink dispenser is great for any event.
These food tents are practical and aesthetically pleasing for all your outdoor dining.
Elevate your dining set with this neutral-toned outdoor dinnerware, that’s great for everyday use.
5 colors available
Add a classic picnic look to your tablescape with this machine-washable, gingham-patterned tablecloth.
2 colors available
Whether you’re serving pie, cake, or pizza, every host needs a cake stand for the table.
This adorable glass pitcher with an orange detail at its center is perfect for fruit-infused drinks to serve at every summer gathering.
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.
Designed for the outdoors, this neutral rug will pair well with any decor or furniture.
5 colors available
10 sizes
This sleek fire pit will be a hit during chillier nights, and is also designed to withstand water and sun damage.
2 finishes available
2 sizes
Lanterns are the perfect way to upgrade your outdoor space in a subtle way.
2 sizes
Add a pop of color and comfort to your guest seating. This design is perfect for the summer!
This sofa seating set is stylish and ideal for hosting guests for an outdoor drink. What’s better than being both comfortable and chic?
3 finishes available
This sophisticated bar cart is perfect for having drinkware or appetizers at the ready for adult hangouts.
From adult beverages to kid drinks, this patio cooler is so fun and bright to add to the family hangout spot this summer.
7 finishes available
From herbs to flowers, elevate your outdoor space with a plant stand.
A simple way to add some charm to your backyard patio on summer nights. Just because it’s getting dark outside doesn’t mean you have to move back indoors.
Crafted with high-quality fibers and a soothing color palette, this printed rug will be a great addition to your space.
3 sizes
Cozy up to the fire on a cool summer night with a throw blanket.
30+ colors and patterns available
Add a chic touch to your outdoor space with this concrete side table. It’s perfect for snacks, drinks, and to rest your current summer time read.
2 finishes available
Treat yourself to a new outdoor patio set that will surely be used for all your family dinners, parties, and family get-togethers.
2 finishes available
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.
3 colors available
Outdoor Games and 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.
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 colors and patterns available
Your outdoor entertainment wouldn’t be complete without a giant Jenga set. This will make for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family.
2 finishes available
Get some fresh air outside while playing giant lawn tic tac toe. This classic interactive game will be a guest favorite!
This giant wooden dice game is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, this neutral color will pair well with any outdoor decor.
2 finishes 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.
For the golf lovers, set this fun lawn game out during your summer time gatherings. Golf clubs not included.
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!
2 sizes
Splurge on this large chess game set. It’s large enough for everyone to gather around as spectators, and it can easily fold up at the end of the night.
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Amanda Shapin Michelson, Former Editor
Amanda is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and motherhood. She recently wrote the book Pregnancy Hacks, sharing tips to comfortably get through the major ups and downs of pregnancy. She currently works for Babylist and lives in Maryland with her husband, kids Millie, Ezra, and Sloane, and pup Ollie.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.
Products included in graphics linked within the article.