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.

outdoor decor"
outdoor decor
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 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.

melamine printed plates
Williams Sonoma
Sicily Blue Melamine Dinnerware Collection

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

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glass beverage dispenser
Target | Threshold
Plastic Beverage Dispenser

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

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fluted acrylic glasses
Food52
Mesa Acrylic Outdoor Drinkware

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

4 colors available

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bamboo chip and dip bowl
Pottery Barn
Bamboo Outdoor Melamine Chip and 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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melamine dinnerware 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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blue floral table runner
Target | Threshold
Cotton Floral Table Runner

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

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rattan charger place mat
Target | Threshold
Seagrass Black Border Charger

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

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patterned napkins
Pottery Barn
Block Print Organic Cotton Napkins

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

4 colors available

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floral tray
Sur La Table
Wildflower Melamine Platter

Upgrade your serving dishes with this stunning melamine platter that’s perfect for spring and summer.

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acrylic coupe glasses
Anthropologie
Lucia Acrylic Coupe Glasses

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

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acrylic textured glasses
Pottery Barn
Orbetto Outdoor Drinking Glasses

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

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rattan basket cooler
Crate & Barrel
Leland Rattan Beverage Tub

This chic rattan beverage tub is ideal for chilling all your beverages and is durable for the outdoors.

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floral apron
Anthropologie
Natalie Lete Helena Apron

Keep your clothes protected from stains and splatters with this adorable floral-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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siciliy pattern tray
Williams Sonoma
Sicily Outdoor Melamine Serving Tray

Designed with a beautiful Sicily-inspired pattern, this serving tray will be a hosting staple.

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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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melamine dinnerware
food52
Everyday Classic Melamine Dinnerware

Elevate your dining set with this neutral-toned outdoor dinnerware, that’s great for everyday use.

2 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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acrylic wine glasses
Anthropologie
Lucia Acrylic Goblet Wine Glasses

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

7 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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melamine dinnerware
Pottery Barn
Larkin Melamine Dinnerware Collection

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

5 colors available

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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.

rattan patio set
Wayfair | Wade Logan
Camesha 4-Person Outdoor Seating

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?

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jute outdoor rug
Pottery Barn
Kian Outdoor Performance Rug

Designed for the outdoors, this neutral rug will pair well with any decor or furniture.

5 colors available

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foldable bar cart
Amazon
Foldable Bar 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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rattan lanterns
Pottery Barn
Handwoven Outdoor Lantern

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

3 colors & 2 sizes available

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pink cooler
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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rattan stackable chairs
Wayfair | Red Barrel Studio
Anacely Stacking Patio Dining Armchair

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

4 colors available

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rattan lantern lights
Target | Threshold
Mini Woven Lantern 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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patterned outdoor rug
Pottery Barn
Vivane Outdoor Rug

Crafted with high-quality fibers and a soothing color palette, this printed rug will be a great addition to your space.

2 colors available

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outdoor pillows
Anthropologie
Maena Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

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

4 colors available

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outdoor fire pit
Wayfair | Wade Logan
Annaise Stainless Steel Outdoor Fire Pit

This sleek fire pit will be a hit during chillier nights, and is also designed to withstand water and sun damage.

2 colors available

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mosaic side table
Anthropologie
Mosaic Stool

Add a garden-inspired touch to your outdoor space with this mosaic tile side table.

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Target | Costaway
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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Wayfair | Latitude Run
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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WAYFAIR | Pure Garden
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.

outdoor movie theatre
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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beige kiddie pool
Target | MINNIDIP
Tufted 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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pickeball game set
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Pickleball Set

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.

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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.

6 designs available

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bocce ball set
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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frisbee lawn game
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Flying Disc Toss

Get ready for a day full of fun  with this flying disc game that is a must-have accessory for gatherings on summer days.

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croquet ball set
Target | Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Croquet Set

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!

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