Having the right outdoor essentials can make your life so much easier, whether you’re hosting a backyard party or enjoying dinner under the stars — you name it. From drinking essentials that keep the fun going well into the night and grills for cooking up delicious meals to coolers, shatterproof glassware, and versatile patio seating, there are options to fit every need, despite the challenges that come with hosting outdoors. If you’re curious about what’s out there, we’ve curated a guide to 39 of Amazon’s best outdoor entertaining picks. We’ve even thrown in items TikTokers swear by for making your outdoor events the talk of the town. Check out the full list below to make sure everyone has a great time.
These shatterproof champagne glasses look just like the real thing
If you are looking to fancify any outdoor dinner party, shatterproof champagne glasses are a smart way to do so. They look just like the real thing but won’t leave you sweeping up glass if someone gets a little clumsy. These stemless versions are easy to toss in a bag and bring along. You’ll be happy you did.
Light this smokeless fire pit and gather around
This easy-to-move fire pit is made for cozy nights in the backyard. The compact, smokeless design brings all the fun of a campfire without the hassle, making it a great novelty if you have the space. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to be repositioned when needed.
A rolling cart that’s an easy one-stop station for entertaining outdoors
Although there is no guarantee that every gathering will go off without a hitch, having a portable patio cart certainly helps. This rolling cart can be stocked with your full bar setup, drinks on ice, and snacks or supplies on the lower shelf. A built-in bottle opener (plus a bottle cap catcher) makes it a shopper’s favorite.
Use these reusable wine glasses again and again
These red cup wine glasses are a fun and safe pick if you’re looking to add a little novelty to your next get-together. These glasses look just like classic red solo cups, but this time they’re reusable. “Great addition to the novelty glasses we have around the house. Best for the “extra point” cup for beer pong, too,” wrote one.
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.
These wooden bowls add style to your table
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoy keeping your table guest-ready, these wooden bowls are a great find. The set is great for serving up delicious salads, tasty snacks, or just displaying your seasonal decor.
A collapsible charcuterie board set that expands for easy storage and transport
This charcuterie board has long been a favorite, as shown by its 4.7-star rating, thanks to its lightweight design and versatility. One side functions as a sturdy cutting board to make it easy to get everything ready for a beautiful presentation, while the other transforms into a serving station. It comes with forks, utensils, labels, and more.
Add a little ambiance with these weatherproof, shatterproof string lights
These highly-rated string lights lead the pack in quite a few of our outdoor decor picks, including weatherproof and shatterproof options. The 100-foot strand impresses with its durability. Plus, the vintage style makes it easy to match any vibe, and the tough construction holds up season after season.
A silver tray is the perfect way to show off your personality while entertaining
This silver, oblong tray is a boon if you want to add a pop of personality to your serving setup. It’s durable enough to handle outdoor gatherings, making it perfect for everything from cocktails to snacks. There’s a good chance a friend will ask where they can get one, too.
A set of 6 bowls that are super versatile
Alongside your favorite outdoor serveware, these small sauce bowls make it easy to dish out dips, toppings, condiments, or even scoops of ice cream. They’re made from a durable, BPA-free material that’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
This outdoor lazy Susan is a simple way to streamline your setup
Stock this outdoor lazy Susan of all your outdoor dining essentials and carry it straight to the patio with ease. It has room for cutlery, napkins, and even condiments, so everything stays organized and within reach. Thanks to the rotatory design, your guests can easily reach everything, so you won’t need to keep moving things back and forth.
Add a softer touch to an outdoor dining space with these cloth placemats
You can make sure your outdoor table feels polished with these cloth placemats. They’re easy to clean, soft to the touch, and bring a more relaxed feel compared to wooden or plastic options. The pockets are a much-welcome decorative (and useful) extra.
This dining table is ideal for outdoor meals that stretch into the evening
For outdoor dinner parties and alfresco dining, this gorgeously crafted dining table is sure to be a conversation starter. Made with teak wood and synthetic rope, shoppers love the mixed materials that will surely last you season after season. It’s the perfect size for gathering friends and family.
This pitcher pulls double duty as both a serving essential and a decorative touch
If you’re planning to elevate your outdoor table setup, you’re going to need a charming pitcher, and our go-to is this one that’s crafted from the finest European quality glass for ultimate sparkle. We love using it for water or lemonade — it instantly makes the tablescape feel more pulled together than setting out a plastic jug or filter pitcher.
A cast iron pan that can go from your kitchen to your grill
If you’re short of versatile cookware, this cast iron pan is a great way to bring big flavor indoors or out. It’s large enough to handle everyday meals and sturdy enough to move from the stovetop to the grill without getting ruined. Plus, the construction holds heat beautifully.
Snag this grilling tool set to make cooking over fire easier and more delicious
Transform your BBQ experience with this essential stainless steel grilling tool set. From a comprehensive mix of spatulas, forks, tongs, and more, this set gives you everything you need to flip burgers, turn corn, or serve up grilled salmon with ease. You get 40 rust-resistant pieces in total, and they come in a convenient bag.
Enjoy preparing and serving unforgettable meals with this Dutch oven
This is the best affordable Dutch oven we’ve ever seen. It delivers consistent, even heat thanks to its enameled cast iron build and works beautifully for everything from roasting to braising. Plus, cleaning is pain-free as the interior sports a non-stick, stain-resistant finish.
Create a shady area even in the sunniest backyard with this canopy tent
This pop-up canopy tent is a fast and easy way to create shade in any sunny backyard. Shoppers said it sets up in just a few minutes and provides a ten-by-ten-foot covered area, which is perfect for guests or keeping food covered. It comes with weighted bags to help keep it from blowing away, even on breezy days.
Snag these extendable skewers for the dessert of summer — S’mores
These extendable skewers easily handle everything from gooey marshmallows to sizzling hot dogs. The handles feel secure in the hand and come color-coded, so everyone knows which one is theirs. Plus, the telescoping design gives you just the right amount of reach over the fire.
Craft your signature cocktail with ease with this cocktail set
No one wants to be scrambling to find the right tools when mixing drinks, so don’t forget this cocktail set. This ten-piece collection includes everything you need — from a shaker to a strainer — to make a Margarita or Cosmo. We love that each tool has a designated spot in its bamboo holder.
Snag this gas grill if you’re hosting a large gathering
If you’re going to be cooking for a crowd, it’s a good idea to have a grill that can keep up with the demand. This gas grill has four main burners and a side burner, giving you plenty of space. There’s even a warming area to keep food hot for late arrivals. We love this model for its easy ignition, spacious side shelves for prep work, plus two wheels to move it to storage when the party’s over.
Keep those bugs away while you linger outside with this mosquito repeller
Serving dinner al fresco can be tricky when mosquitoes won’t quit — you don’t want to spend the whole evening swatting bugs. This rechargeable repeller is a smart way to add a layer of protection without the sticky feel of bug spray or strong candle scents. It covers a portion of your patio with minimal disruption.
This multi-use storage chest that’s an Amazon’s Choice product
Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor setup quite like clutter, so we always like to keep a storage chest to keep things tidy. This weatherproof chest is perfect for storing seat cushions to keep them dry, and it also works well for stashing backyard games and toys. Plus, it is weatherproof so that you can leave it outside.
Snag this elevated dog bed so your pup can safely sleep when outdoors
Help your pup guests stay cool and comfortable during outdoor hangouts with this elevated dog bed. Instead of letting them lay on pavements, concrete, and decks (that can get too hot), give them a breathable spot. It’s lightweight enough to move around as needed, and the extra-large size can hold dogs up to 110 pounds.
Make sure everything runs smoothly outside with this 25-foot extension cord
You can keep outdoor electronics powered safely during your gathering with this heavy-duty extension cord. It isn’t the most glamorous item on this list, but it’s a necessity if you’re plugging in lights or powering an outdoor TV. Plus, the bold black color makes it easy to see, helping guests avoid tripping.
A small but powerful fan that’s super quiet
Cute outdoor gadgets are another must-have for summer hosting, and this small but powerful fan can help add a breeze even on the steamiest of summer days. Shoppers love that it features three adjustable settings and operates quietly, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with music or conversation.
A chilled serving tray that keeps everything crips and safe to eat
When we’re hosting outside, we prefer to use serving pieces that can stand up to the heat, and this tray is one of our favorites. It’s designed with a built-in compartment for ice (and three others), so your fresh fruits, vegetables, and dips don’t wilt. Plus, it’s easy to refill.
These disposable tablecloths offer a quick and easy solution for table protection
You don’t need to be a master party planner to protect your tables. These disposable tablecloths come in vibrant colors and are made from durable, waterproof PEVA material to tackle those unwanted spills. Measuring 54 inches x 108 inches, they fit a variety of table shapes and sizes. You get 10 pieces.
Snag the Ninja Foodi Grill if you haven’t a grill
Juggling all the cooking, searing, and frying can be a lot on a rainy day—but this indoor grill from Ninja makes it simple. It uses cyclonic grilling technology to bring 500°F air to your food, giving it that char-grilled flavor without needing to step outside. It even transforms frozen foods into crispy, juicy meals in under 25 minutes. Plus, with dishwasher-safe, non-stick parts, cleanup is a breeze.
A TikTok-favorite cooler that’s designed to keep the cold in and the hot out
There are so many coolers on the market, but this one is a cut above the rest. Whether you’re packing drinks for a day on the boat or keeping snacks cold at your party, it holds up in just about any environment. It’s easy to carry, keeps everything chilled for hours, and doesn’t look like a clunky cooler.
A patio heater that will warm up chilly summer nights
Give those chilly evenings an upgrade with this propane patio heater that ensures everyone can stay toasty even if the temps get cold in the evenings. Designed to warm up a nine-foot radius, it’s perfect for gathering outside once the sun goes down. Just like your favorite grill, it runs on propane and adds a stylish, functional touch.
Prep, carry, and serve stylishly with this bamboo pep tray
This bamboo prep tray won’t disappoint you during your summer hosting, even at large gatherings. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and comes with a smaller tray (perfect for grilling) plus six perfectly sized bowls for toppings and condiments. It’s a sustainable choice that looks just as good on the counter as it does on the patio table.
Create your own sweet frozen treats with this Cuisnart Ice Cream Maker
Shoppers were impressed with how quickly this ice cream maker could churn out rich, silky results — ready in just 20 minutes. It’s especially great for experimenting with custom flavors, as it thoroughly incorporates mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie crumbles. Plus, reviewers attest that it is super easy to use.
Snag these affordable, folding chairs if a big crowd is coming
You’ll want to keep extra seating on hand when a big crowd is coming, so opt for this set of sturdy folding chairs instead. They’re strong enough to support up to 450 pounds and can be easily stowed away until the next party. Take it from Joanne: “These chairs are SO sturdy and comfortable. I love how the seat and back curves to the human body.”
This Oxo Salad Spinner is so sleek it can even double as a serving bowl
It doesn’t hurt to have some extra help in the kitchen. This salad spinner from Oxo is quick, efficient, and easy to use, thanks to its one-hand, non-slip pump and instant brake feature. The best part? The spinning basket doubles as a colander, and the stainless steel bowl is great for serving.
Slice and dice with ease with this ultra-sharp knife set
Help your inner chef shine in the kitchen with this ultra-sharp knife set. Just reach for the four-inch paring knife, six-inch utility knife, or eight-inch chef’s knife, and you’ll feel the difference right away. Crafted from German stainless steel and ice-hardened for durability, these blades offer unparalleled edge retention and precision.
Create custom pies right in your backyard with this pizza oven
Every party needs a fun activity, and this viral pizza oven is the perfect way to bring everyone together. It heats up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cooks 12-inch pizzas in as little as 60 seconds, so no one has to wait long for their custom pie. Plus, it runs on propane, which makes it easy and quick to fire up.