Home Decor & Styling

40+ Decor and Entertaining Items We Love for Outdoor Hosting

written by THE EVERYMOM EDITORS

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: @alainakaz
Source: @alainakaz

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 aesthetic 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.

melamine printed plates
Williams Sonoma
Melamine Dinnerware Collection

Perfect for meals and everything in between, these dining plates are an editor favorite.

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Target | Threshold
Plastic Beverage Dispenser

Whip up a refreshing cocktail and serve it in this gorgeous beverage dispenser.

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West Elm
Fluted Acrylic Glassware

These glasses are a fun and unique shape, plus they are durable for outdoor use.

4 colors available

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chip and dip bowl
Williams Sonoma
Chip & Dip Bowl

Whether it's tailgates, parties, or barbecues, you can level up your hosting game with this nifty 2-in-1 chip and dip bowl.

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tonal melamine salad plates
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Tonal Bamboo-Melamine Salad Plates

These neutral plates are good to use year after year, and offer a subtle option for all your meals.

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woven table runner
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Woven Table Runner

This neutral table runner is the perfect touch to add to any dining table.

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rattan placemat
Target | Threshold
Hyacinth Charger Placemat

These placemats are a classic style and perfect for summer gatherings.

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printed napkin
World Market
Floral Block Print Napkin

For entertaining the grown-ups, swap in these delicate bright napkins with floral detailing.

2 patterns available

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melamine platter
Pottery Barn
Medina Melamine Platter

Upgrade your serving dishes with this stunning and timeless melamine platter.

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wicker matching dining set
Mark & Graham
Hand-Woven Cane Wine Glasses

Coastal lovers, this woven glass set is perfect for you and your hosting needs.

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Crate & Barrel
Stacking Acrylic Margarita Glass

Warmer days call for a frozen cocktail or mocktail. These glasses take the presentation up a notch.

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personalized drink bucket
Mark & Graham
Scalloped Party Bucket

This customizable party bucket is ideal for chilling all your beverages and is durable for the outdoors.

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lemon printed apron
Target | Threshold
Cotton Lemon Apron

Keep your clothes protected from stains and splatters with this adorable lemon-printed apron.

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glass water pitcher
Anthropologie
Bistro Garden Tile Pitcher

This detailed garden-inspired pitcher will be a hit with your family and friends!

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rattan placemat
west elm
Handwoven Rattan Placemat

Add a rustic finish to any table setting with these boho beaded placemats.

3 colors available

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personalized food platter
Mark & Graham
Scalloped Serving Tray

Designed with sleek scalloped edges, this serving tray will be a hosting staple. Plus, you can add a name or monogram for a personal touch.

5 colors available

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glass water pitcher
Target | JoyJolt
Glass Fluted Drink Dispenser

Great for parties or any event, this dispenser comes with removable tubes for ice and fruit infusing!

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food tent
Food52
Collapsible Woven Food Tent

These handmade food tents are practical and aesthetically pleasing for all your outdoor dining. Plus, they're collapsible for easy storage.

2 colors available

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outdoor dinnerware
Food52
Planta Organic Outdoor Dinnerware

Elevate your dining set with this neutral-toned organic outdoor dinnerware.

3 colors available

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outdoor ice buckets
west elm
Streamline Outdoor Ice Buckets

We love a beverage tub that's both functional and chic. Plus, there are two shape options to choose from.

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goblet wine glasses
Anthropologie
Acrylic Goblet Wine Glasses

Ideal for poolside or the patio, these acrylic wine glasses are durable for outdoors and indoors.

4 colors available

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gingham table cover
Target | Threshold
Gingham Table Cloth

Add a classic picnic look to your tablescape with this machine-washable, gingham-patterned tablecloth.

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water pitcher clear
West Elm
Fluted Acrylic Pitcher

Serve your drinks in style with this acrylic pitcher that's great for indoors or outdoors.

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acrylic dinnerware
west elm
Organic Shaped Outdoor Acrylic Dinnerware

Acrylic dinnerware is a must-have for outdoor dining. The plates are sturdy and still dishwasher safe, plus they look nice.

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outdoor tablescape
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell

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.

outdoor seating
Wayfair | Ivy Bronx
4-Person Outdoor Seating Group

This affordable sofa seating set is stylish and ideal for hosting guests for an outdoor drink. What's better than being both comfortable and chic?

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woven beige rug
Wayfair
Khaki Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Designed for indoors and outdoors, this rug will pair well with any decor or furniture.

2 colors and 4 sizes available

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outdoor entertaining
Walmart
Folding Patio Cart

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

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woven lanterns
Pottery Barn
Handwoven Outdoor Lantern

Lanterns are the perfect way to upgrade your outdoor space in a subtle way.

3 colors and 3 sizes available

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Bed, Bath & Beyond | Permasteel
80 Qt. Patio Cooler

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

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Wayfair
Stackable Metal Chairs

Have extra seating easily on hand with these stackable patio chairs.

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Target | Brightech
Edison Bulb Outdoor String Lights

A set of outdoor string lights is the easiest way to add a bit of ambience to any backyard.

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coral themed rug
Pottery Barn
Coral Outdoor Rug

Crafted with high-quality fibers that are made to resist fading and stains, this coral-printed rug will be a great addition to your space.

3 colors and 5 sizes available

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outside friendly cushions
Anthropologie
Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Add a pop of color to your outdoor furniture with these bright and weather-resistant pillows.

4 colors available

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ceramic fire place
Wayfair | Royal Garden
Outdoor Fire Pit

This concrete-like fire pit will be a hit during chillier nights and comes with a custom-fit cover to protect it when not in use.

3 colors available

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outdoor side table
Anthropologie
Rattan-Wrapped Side Table

Add a boho touch to your outdoor space with this hand-finished, rattan-wrapped side table.

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outdoor seating set
Target | Costway
Rattan Patio Dining Set

Treat yourself to a new outdoor patio set that will surely be used for all your family dinners, parties, and family get-togethers.

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outdoor heater
Wayfair
Propane Outdoor Heater

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

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outdoor light up umbrella
Wayfair
Lighted Market Umbrella

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

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summer outdoor entertaining
Source: @luckyandi

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.

Pottery Barn
Outdoor Movie Screen

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.

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inflatable pool
Maisonette
Luxe Inflatable Pool

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.

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giant wooden yard dice
Target | Hey! Play!
Giant Wooden Yard Dice

This giant wooden dice game is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, this neutral colorway will pair well with any outdoor decor.

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lawn bowling set
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Lawn Bowling Set

Become the ultimate host with this lawn bowling set that everyone will love. You can even bring the fun anywhere, because it also comes with a convenient travel bag.

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corn hole
Mark & Graham
Customizable Bean Bag Toss

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.

8 designs available

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Bocce ball lawn game
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Bocce Ball Lawn Game Set

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.

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giant jenga lawn game
Amazon | Sport Beats
Large Wooden Tower Lawn 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

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tic tac toe lawn game
Amazon | SWOOC Games
Tic Tac Toe Outdoor Game

Get some fresh air outside while playing giant lawn tic tac toe. This classic interactive game will be a guest favorite!

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