If you’ve yet to get your space summer-ready, fear not — we’d argue that now’s the perfect time to start refreshing your outdoor setup. We’ve got even more reasons to be hyped for summer because we’ve discovered some essentials that will take things up a notch. Whether you’re planning to host a backyard BBQ or just a casual get-together, there’s no shortage of smart upgrades that can transform your deck, patio, or backyard into a go-to gathering spot. Ahead, we rounded up the best 37 finds for your next summer gathering.
Keep your drinks ice cold with this cooler
A cooler is a must-have for any gathering, and this 52-quart one is great if you need a place to keep all those ice-cold beverages. With enough room to hold up to 72 cans — plus you could also fit plenty of snacks in there if you’d like. Even better, you can enjoy cool drinks, thanks to its ultratherm insulation.
Snag this America-colored cornhole board set to liven up your party
A memorable gathering is a happy gathering, and successful hosting starts with classic games. If you need something to entertain everyone, this America-colored cornhole set is ready to bring the fun. It comes with two boards and eight bean bags. Plus, it also comes with a 3-in-1 giant checkers, tic-tac-toe jumbo game.
Create some shade from the sun with this instant canopy
Light, portable, and easy to set up, this instant canopy is a no-brainer for any gathering. With a Simple Push handle that expands in just 60 seconds, it provides 100 square feet of shade and protection from the sun or rain. The 10-by-20-foot frame can be set up on grass, dirt, or concrete, making it a versatile option for any space.
Stop spending hours prepping with this viral vegetable chopper
This Tiktoker-loved vegetable chopper lets you prep produce in seconds without the hassle of manual slicing. With multiple attachments for dicing, slicing, and spiralizing, plus a spacious catch tray to keep your counters clean, this pick has earned praise from nearly 23,000 Amazon shoppers.
Host with ease using these mini slate charcuterie boards
You’ll love how these mini slate charcuterie boards make hosting a breeze, each one crafted from quality slate to turn any appetizer into a work of art. They’re perfect for showing off your favorite cheese or sushi, and your guests will definitely be impressed by your sense of style. With six in a pack, everyone gets their own board to enjoy at your next gathering.
Keep the party going on chilly summer nights with this fire table
Fire pits tend to attract big crowds on cool summer nights, but with this 28-ich fire table, you can create that cozy atmosphere right in your own backyard. It has rave reviews because it is “easy to assemble” and designed to hide a propane tank so that it will see you through many occasions. Plus, the screen keeps errant sparks contained.
Add the right amount of glow for evening hangouts with these smart string lights
Warning: You might never want to leave your backyard after hanging up these popular smart globe string lights. With 30 bulbs on a 150-foot strand, they’re easy to install and durable to handle wind and rain. This set includes a smart 150-foot permanent lights kit and a 100-foot smart bulb string lights set — both AI-integrated and fully customizable.
These lounge chairs come with a side table
Ergonomic lounge chairs are outdoor classics for a reason: They turn your backyard into a personal retreat. Thanks to its zero-gravity design, which features a smooth range of motion that supports your entire body, you can comfortably kick back or sit straight up. Plus, it comes with a neck pillow and a side table for drinks or snacks.
Turn your home into a pizza parlor with this outdoor oven
Whether you’re planning to elevate your dinners or host a backyard feast, you can’t go wrong with this wood-fired outdoor oven. It can operate on charcoal or wood, allowing you to customize your cooking experience. While the double-layered design is specifically designed for making pizzas, you can make everything, and it is versatile enough to grill up smoky foods.
A sleek raised garden bed to house all your plants and vegetables in style
Your patio setup just got so much better, thanks to this raised garden bed on wheels. It’s perfect for showcasing blooming flowers and winding vines, while the elevated design adds a stylish touch. Bonus: with a tall trellis, it serves as elegant décor for displaying your fresh-cut bouquets
Frame your door with these patriotic banners
Instead of settling for basic holiday décor, try these six bold banners to frame your front door. Shoppers like that they’re full of bright colors and elegant pleating. Plus, they’re made from durable polyester, so they can withstand the outside elements while adding a festive, patriotic touch.
These lantern-style pathway lights are solar-powered
There’s something we all love about these solar-powered pathway lights — no wonder they’re 4.7-star rated. These lantern-style lights have a copper build that lends an elevated feel. They also feature a useful automatic on/off function and a knob, allowing you to adjust the brightness to a range of 10-40 lumens.
These citronella candles naturally keep pests away all night
You don’t know true outdoor ambiance until you’ve lit one of these citronella candles, an Amazon’s Choice product. With notes of rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood, and lemongrass, they smell delightful. Plus, they’re designed to withstand the elements while keeping bugs at bay.
This checked tablecloth is stain-, weather-, and UV-resistant
If you want a tablecloth that just screams summer to your gathering, opt for this red-and-white plaid number. The classic checked pattern is perfect for barbecues or Fourth of July celebrations. According to the brand, it’s stain, weather, and UV-resistant, so it’ll hold up for years to come.
Stay comfy while adding style to your outdoor space with these tufted cushions
If you haven’t already refreshed your outdoor seating, now’s your chance. These durable tufted cushions add both style and comfort to your outdoor setup. We like that their tufted design keeps fill in place and comes in a pack of twelve, so they’re great value. And they’ll work with nearly any seat in your backyard.
Refresh your outdoor space with these floral pillow covers
Trust us on this one; these viral pillow covers are absolute game-changers. This floral option is perfect if you’re into the farmhouse trend, and if blue isn’t your vibe, there are plenty of other color picks to choose from. “Great price for the quality. I love that they have a sort of linen feel but are sturdy like cotton,” wrote Danni.
Create a gorgeous and low-maintenance space with this patio conversation set
If you have a lot of outdoor space to furnish, this five-piece wicker furniture set is a must-buy. The set includes a sofa, an armchair, a coffee table, and two ottomans, so you can create a space to relax and entertain. Take it from Addely: “My family loves this patio set! My daughter loves the firmness of the cushion; our patio has since become her new favorite nap spot.”
Expand your outdoor grill space with this Cuisnart prep table
You might be able to trick your guests into thinking this stainless steel prep table was custom-made for your grilling setup. Not only is it functional with features like a trash bag holder, paper towel rack, and storage shelf, but it also rolls easily with locking casters so you can prep right where the action is.
Set the table in style with these cloth napkins
Love the idea of dressing up your outdoor table, but don’t want anything too fussy? We recommend snagging these patriotic cloth napkins. Each 20-inch square offers ample coverage to catch spills and look patriotic while doing so. The set includes six oversized napkins.
A fan that’s made to work outside
Looking for a fan that will give your backyard a hotel feel? This outdoor option from Lasko is built to handle the elements, featuring UV- and weather-resistant features that make it excellent for summer gatherings. It offers four-speed settings to help you beat the heat so you and your guests can stay comfortable well into the evening.
Add some slouchy seating with this versatile pouf
If you’ve always wanted extra outdoor seating but don’t have room for chairs, opt for this versatile pouf, which proves that small-space solutions can still be stylish. Waterproof and durable, it works as both a side table or even an ottoman when you want to kick your feet up and relax. Shop it in over a dozen patterns and colors.
Honor the meaning of the holiday with this garden flag
While we’d typically caution against overly themed outdoor décor, we can’t resist the heartfelt message of this patriotic garden flag, which is also affordable. It’s a simple way to honor the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Take it from Stephanie: “Beautiful canvas banner to honor our war heroes. Heavy-weight canvas and vivid colors make this flag durable for outdoor use.”
A doormat combo with a patriotic design
Is it just us, or does this patriotic doormat duo feel like the perfect way to kick off summer hosting? It comes with both a striped rug and a welcome mat for a layered look that greets guests before you even open the door.
Give your front door a patriotic makeover with this wreath
Whether you’re decorating for a gathering or just want to add a patriotic accent, you can’t go wrong with this wreath. Shoppers say that this stunning wreath is easy to hang and full of charm. While others say that the vibrant colors are great to show your patriotism.
These wine goblets are unbreakable
If you love the look of elegant glassware but don’t want to risk breakage during outdoor gatherings, opt for these colorful, shatterproof wine goblets. They stack together, and they’re super easy to transport and store. “Perfect for hosting parties! Aesthetically pleasing and great quality… second time to purchase,” wrote one.
These star-shaped salad plates with a patriotic design
Skip the paper plates! Hosting outdoor gatherings calls for durable melamine dinnerware that can handle the fun once the celebration gets rolling. These reusable salad plates are star-shaped and dishwasher-safe, and their sturdy design means they’ll last season after season.
Snag these copper planters to welcome guests with a nice floral display
Hot weather calls for freshening up your entryway, like with this elegant set of copper planters. Shoppers like that’s the “perfect height” to stand on either side of your front door. Not only is it equipped with drainage holes, but it also features interior pots, making it easy to take care of your floral display.
A subtle art print in fun florals
This poppy art print might be your favorite new purchase. We love that it’s subtle enough to keep up all year long. It adds a soft, meaningful touch to any room without feeling overly seasonal.
A durable rug that makes any area feel instantly more inviting
We know this neutral rug is meant for the outdoors, but we’re already thinking about bringing it inside once the season ends. The texture adds such a warm, natural feel to the space, and the subtle design blends with any décor. One shopper said it “completes the look” of their patio—and we couldn’t agree more.
Protect your outdoor essentials with this coffee table with storage
Don’t settle for outdoor furniture that only does one job when this coffee table offers style and storage in one. With a sturdy metal frame wrapped in weather-resistant wicker, it looks great on any patio while secretly hiding throw pillows, lanterns, or pool gear inside. Shoppers love how lightweight and spacious it is; one even noted the storage compartment is “much deeper and more spacious” than expected.
A Vitamix blender that’s built to handle it all
Every refreshing smoothie (to cool off on a hot day) begins with a high-powered blender, so if you’re still using a basic model, now’s the time to level up. Shoppers swear by Vitamix, and this 48-ounce blender proves why—it can pulverize frozen fruit for smoothies or purée ingredients into hot, creamy soups.
Fire up your favorite meals anywhere with this Cuisnart portable gas grill
Cuisinart makes more than just indoor appliances; this portable gas grill is a smart addition to your outdoor cooking collection. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, thanks to its built-in handle, and has more than enough heat to cook what you want. “Best purchase of the summer, and maybe the year,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
The JBL Charge 5 is a small speaker with a big sound
JBL has done it again, this time with a portable Bluetooth speaker that’s both waterproof and powerful enough to deliver impressive sound anywhere you take it. With a long-excursion driver, dual bass radiators, and a tweeter, it sounds great—perfect for hosting. Plus, you’ll get 20 hours of playtime on a single charge.
These nesting trays have a rustic look that suits a laid-back dinner outside
Instead of juggling too many serving dishes for your next gathering, why not opt for these wooden nesting trays? The set comes with seven pieces, and when you’re serving something simple, you just leave the smaller ones tucked inside the largest tray. They’re lightweight, so it’s easy to carry appetizers and sides from the kitchen to your outdoor space. Plus, they don’t take up much room in the cupboard.
A wine chiller that locks in your bottle’s starting temperature
If we’re being honest, we thought keeping wine chilled outdoors meant constant trips to the fridge or a messy ice bucket—until we found this stainless steel wine chiller. With its double-walled, vacuum-insulated design and copper lining, it keeps your bottle at the perfect temperature without freezing or warming it. Plus, the adjustable height fits most wine and champagne bottles.