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20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable

Shop these favorites now to prevent bad summer weather or mosquitoes from ruining your next outdoor gathering.

composite of outdoor furniture set and two products
Photo:

Courtesy of West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Wayfair

While entertaining al fresco is a hallmark of summer, it also requires a lot of planning. Not considering factors like protection from the sun, pest prevention, shatterproof dishware, and other important details can make the experience less than enjoyable for guests.

Luckily, there are a handful of ways to elevate your outdoor entertaining set-up so it's comfortable for your guests and low-stress for you. For example, if your get-together falls on an exceptionally hot day, you’ll want to create shade by setting out a few umbrellas. Or if your backyard is mosquito-prone, display a few citronella candles to keep pests at bay.

To ensure you have the necessities on hand, we’re sharing some outdoor entertaining essentials that will keep guests comfortable from the start of the evening until the very end.

01 of 20

Crate & Barrel Small Hanging Outdoor Citronella Mosquito Coil

hanging outdoor citronella mosquito coil on green background

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Keep mosquitoes away from your backyard without disrupting its aesthetic by hanging these brilliant citronella coils. "The compressed wood burns slowly and elegantly, releasing the fragrances of essential oils as they smolder," says Liz Curtis, entertaining expert and the founder of Table + Teaspoon.

02 of 20

West Elm Screened Food Dome

screened food dome on a purple background

Courtesy of West Elm

While citronella candles help deter pests, they won't eliminate them completely. Keep your food protected when it's left unattended by covering it with these elevated mesh covers. They have a see-through netting, so guests won't have to take off every cover to find the food they want to snack on.

03 of 20

Pottery Barn Round Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella

10' Round Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella - Rustproof Aluminum Frame with Base

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Creating shade during daytime summer gatherings is a must. "Whether you’re entertaining around a table or setting the scene for a shaded lounge area, Pottery Barn’s Cantilever Sunbrella Umbrella is the perfect tool to keep your guests cool," says Curtis. "The umbrella perches over spaces, making it ideal in all scenarios."

04 of 20

West Elm Poolside Geo Outdoor Rug

Poolside Geo Indoor/Outdoor Rug - Cobalt

Courtesy of West Elm

If you have a pool in your backyard, many guests will likely be walking around barefoot. Keep their feet comfortable by laying out a rug on your patio or deck. "Bring the indoors out and carve out an area of your yard or patio for lounging by placing an outdoor rug down near your umbrella, cabana, or shady tree," says Curtis.

05 of 20

Anthropologie Summer Garden Melamine Dinner Plate

colorful melamine dinner plate on a pink background

Courtesy of Anthropologie

No one wants to worry about breaking your fine china during a casual outdoor event. Prevent this by serving food on shatterproof dishes. These colorfully festive plates are made from melamine resin, so they wont break if accidentally dropped.

06 of 20

Pottery Barn Barrel Top Lazy Susan

Barrel Top Lazy Susan

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Place dips, chips, crudité, and other small bites in this lazy susan, so guests don't have to reach across the table for their desired appetizers. They can simply spin the rotating tray and take what they want.

07 of 20

Better Homes & Gardens Willow Springs 3-Seat Steel Canopy Porch Swing

beige porch swing on a light green background

Courtesy of Walmart

Outdoor furniture that's dual purpose is ideal for entertaining al fresco. This swinging daybed doesn't just provide additional seating for guests, it also has a canopy that will keep them protected from the sun.

08 of 20

9-Inch Solar Powered Integrated LED Outdoor Lantern

solar powered LED outdoor lantern on a pink background

Courtesy of Wayfair

Walking around in the backyard at night without lighting poses a safety hazard. Make it easier for guests to navigate your property by setting out these LED lanterns. No outlets are needed—the lights are solar, so they just need up to six hours in the sun to fully charge.

09 of 20

Pottery Barn Jupiter Beaded Outdoor Drinking Glasses

Jupiter Beaded Outdoor Drinking Glasses - Set of 4

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

As guests walk from the food table to the pool to mingle with other partygoers, they will likely have a summer beverage in hand. Eliminate the risk of broken glass by opting for these shatterproof cups.

10 of 20

All Modern Permasteel Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler On Wheels

 Permasteel 80-Qt Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler On Wheels

Courtesy of AllModern

A good host always makes sure their guests are well hydrated. But that doesn't mean you need to spend the whole party filling glasses. This rolling cooler allows you to efficiently make the rounds—no juggling cups or multiple trips required.

11 of 20

Real Flame Gray Anson Wood Burning Fire Pit

Gray Anson Wood Burning Fire Pit by Real Flame

Courtesy of Wayfair

Even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly in the evening. Keep guests warm on unseasonably chilly nights by creating a small bonfire with this real wood-burning fire pit, which also provides a welcome ambience,

12 of 20

Boardwalk Sunbrella Indoor/Outdoor Throw

stack of outdoor throw blankets on an orange background

Courtesy of Sunbrella

Instead of a fire pit, sometimes all you need is a few cozy blanket. "Keep a basket of blankets nearby for guests to snuggle up with at nightfall," says Curtis. "These blankets by Sunbrella are made for the outdoors but are so chic and comfortable, you would never know it." They're an investment, but you'll have them forever—and they hold up to the elements.

13 of 20

Kinto Alfresco Outdoor Dinnerware

Alfresco Outdoor Dinnerware

Courtesy of Food52

Not only are paper plates less sustainable than reusable ones, but they can also blow away on windy summer days if guests aren't paying close enough attention. This sturdy melamine set is weather- and shatter-resistant, so you and your guests can use the pieces without worrying about the elements or accidents. The set includes four bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates.

14 of 20

CB2 Somerset White Travertine Oil Lamp

Somerset White Travertine Oil Lamp

Courtesy of CB2

If your soirée carries into the evening, it's important to have ambient lighting ready to go. "These travertine oil lamps are the perfect way to illuminate your party without worrying about traditional candle holders blowing over in the wind or hurricanes shattering," says Curtis.

15 of 20

Pottery Barn Benson Outdoor Wicker Trash Bin

Benson Outdoor Wicker Trash Bin

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Although it's not the most aesthetically pleasing addition to your backyard, an outdoor trash can is essential—and you can do better than dragging one of your curb cans close to the action. "Save your guests from having to head inside to dispose of leftovers," says Laura Sotelo, co-founder of Olive Ateliers. This discrete option from Pottery Barn is practical without being visually disruptive.

16 of 20

House & Parties Beechwood Salad Stand

Beechwood Salad Stand

Courtesy of Houses and Parties

Overcrowding your table can quickly lead to spilled glasses and limited armroom for guests. "Summer is the season for family-style dining, especially if you are taking food directly from the grill to the table," says Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of Houses & Parties. "These beechwood salad stands don't take any tabletop space, leaving room for pots of geraniums or pitchers of margaritas. Place it by the host, and they can toss the salad and serve it at the table, like an old-fashioned steak house."

17 of 20

StoneWon Designs Co. Solid Wood Table Organizer

StoneWon Designs Co. Solid Wood Table Organizer

Courtesy of West Elm

Keep napkins from blowing away in the wind by safely displaying them in this napkin holder. It has a sliding divider, so you can even place napkins in one end and condiments and shakers in the other.

18 of 20

Pottery Barn Bleecker Stainless Steel Party Bucket

Bleecker Stainless Steel Party Bucket

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Keep drinks cold in this party-size, double-walled ice bucket so you don't have to keep going inside for beverages. It has an antiqued gold finish that will look great on any bar cart or tablescape.

19 of 20

Williams Sonoma Light Woven Utensil Caddy

Light Woven Utensil Caddy

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Entertaining al fresco often doesn't involve a formal sit-down dinner, meaning traditional place settings aren't necessary. Give partygoers a convenient, one-stop area to grab their silverware by displaying forks, knives, and spoons in this sturdy utensil caddy.

20 of 20

Williams Sonoma Grill Prep Tray & Marinade Tray Set

Grill Prep Tray & Marinade Tray Set, Rustic Melamine

Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

The person overseeing the grill will need a convenient way to carry food from grill to tabletop. Make the process easier on them with this marinade and prep tray set, which is made of shatterproof melamine and designed to prevent food contamination. The marinade tray has a bottom tray with deep sides to contain raw food and liquids, while the top tray functions as a platform for serving.

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