Guest Picks: Outdoor Entertaining
I'm usually all about stemware, but it just doesn't make sense on a breezy summer night. These stemless glasses are the perfect substitute. And at such a reasonable price point, they can easily be replaced if they get dropped on the patio.
Trays are so helpful for outdoor parties. I use them to cart out drinks, snacks or even a stack of plates and napkins. They mean fewer trips to the kitchen, and this gorgeous one adds quite a style statement to a casual table.
I want my table to feel appropriately outdoorsy and rustic, but I also want to add some class. This charger does just that — and I love it! Stacked on a colorful placemat and under a white plate, the options are endless with this piece.
I like to keep a big pitcher of water on hand when outside. This dispenser is perfect because it's acrylic, so even a wayward game of fetch won't do much damage. Plus, it's covered, so no bugs or leaves can work their way in. The size and handle mean it's easy to tote in and out of the house, making after-party cleanup simple.
Grab-and-go beverages make entertaining simple and keep guests happy. This great tub would be stocked with sodas and beers on my patio. I'm really loving the iron and wood design.
Placemats are such a fun way to mix up your table setting with minimal effort. I love the nautical stripes on these, and the neutral gray leaves room for brightly colored napkins or accents.
If I'm feeling more colorful, this blue would provide a bright and cheery backdrop to some white dishes.
Sometimes I just don't have it in me to deal with real dishes for an outdoor dinner party. On those days, I pull out a stack of cloth napkins and paper plates. The cloth napkins add a luxurious touch to the meal, but I'm not up all night washing dishes!
This napkin is so whimsical and summery. I probably wouldn't pull it out for a more formal dinner, but it's perfect for burgers and watermelon in the backyard.
This tablecloth definitely says, "We're ready for a fun, festive meal!" I would use it for a Saturday backyard lunch with girlfriends or a taco dinner on the patio.
It's all about the ambience on a patio, and these string lights definitely take it up a notch. I absolutely love the Edison bulbs and vintage styling.
I would cluster these lanterns at the center of the table to cast a glow all around after the sun goes down.
I want to carry as few things in and out of the house as possible for an outdoor meal, but I also want the table to be fresh and inviting. Mixing plants in with the lanterns creates a perfect tablescape, and one that I can leave outside all the time. I love the unique shape of these white planters.
Lots of candles keep the patio festive! I love the unique height of the candle inside these globes. They'll get lots of light bouncing around without a big flame to worry about.
Nobody wants to shiver through after-dinner conversation, and cool nights can accompany even the warmest days. I would love to get a patio heater to make the most of my (short!) patio season.
I want guests to have a place to set their drinks during the course of the evening, and this butler tray fills that purpose in a very stylish way. I'm loving the thick chrome legs in contrast with the dark tray.
No evening outdoors is complete without a bonfire. I like this fire pit because of the depth, which allows for a respectably sized fire.
I live in Minnesota, and mosquitos are a very real problem in the summer months. These torches will help keep the bugs away and my guests comfortable once the sun goes down.
I love the idea of creating my own tiki torches from wine bottles. What a fun way to keep the bugs at bay!Next: 13 Extra-Cool Things to Do With a Backyard
Yes, these are melamine. But if you don't want to cart your normal dinnerware out to the patio, these are the perfect solution. I love the classic design and that I don't have to worry about them chipping in the great outdoors.
Q