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1. An outdoor bar set so you'll be able to mix up drinks without using up precious table space or going inside. Plus, it's got a few shelves in the back for storing bottles, barware, and any other cocktail ingredients (and you'll get so many compliments for being so *fancy*!).
It comes with a bar table and two cushioned stools.
Promising review: "We ordered two of these outdoor bars for our patio. They look so great put side by side to create one long bar. I searched online for days and found this item to be the best value (as each bar comes with two stools, cushions, and the glass top). The instructions could have been a little more helpful but it was fairly easy to figure out. The bar is very sturdy and the shelving inside is great for extra storage. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to improve your outdoor space, this bar is the perfect addition!" —Debbie M
Get it from Amazon for $179.99+ (available in four styles).
2. And, to keep your bevs nice and cold, a 2-in-1 side table cooler that'll make you go, "why didn't I think of that?!" Pure genius, if you ask me.
The top extends up, so just lift it when you want to grab a can!
Promising review: "I have received a lot of compliments regarding this little cooler/table, and for the price, I'm very happy with the purchase. We were looking for a smaller table to complement our larger patio set. After our last party I think I may have made a couple of sales for the Keter brand. The cooler kept drinks cold for quite a while, especially considering we didn't put much ice in it. The standing feature is nice, too. Just lock the table in the open position and you can use it for a tall drink stand, which works well. If you're looking for a little table for a patio set OR for a little patio cooler, this product can take care of both needs." —Phenom13
Get it from Amazon for $77.43+ (available in brown or gray).
3. A chic-looking citronella candle, because a mosquito-free backyard is one everyone will want to spend more time in. It's got refreshing notes of lemon and lemongrass and has a 60-hour burn time, so take that, buggies!
Anchored Northwest is a husband- and wife-founded small biz based in Spokane, Washington making the most delicious-smelling candles and room sprays,
Promising review: "Haven't lit it yet but the candle smells great! The smell alone is so potent even without lighting it yet, we've seen a decrease in mosquitos just leaving it out!" —Michelle Gulino
Promising review: "Great, light scent that sent the early spring Texas bugs packing when I lit it last night." —Jessica Booth
Get it from Anchored Northwest on Etsy for $16.87 (originally $22.50).
4. And, a bottle of Deet-free Repel that can keep bugs at bay for up to six hours. Lemon and eucalyptus oils provide a fresh scent without leaving your skin feeling sticky, so spray away!
Promising review: "In Georgia, you're the buffet for hordes of mosquitoes. This stuff is amazing. I can spray it on, go out for half a day and not get an itch! It smells nice, doesn't leave any residue. This little bottle packs a punch. Small enough to slip in your pocket to go to the park. The only thing I have to warn is that if you get any in your mouth you get a weird taste for a few minutes, like menthol cool but not exactly menthol-y taste. So if you have a picnic after you put this on, I suggest rinsing your hands first! But I will be buying this again when the weather warms!" —Mae
Get it from Amazon for $4.97.
5. And! In case a few stubborn mosquitoes decide to make a meal of your arm anyway, a super nifty gadget called the "Bug Bite Thing," which sucks out the saliva or venom that causes itching and irritation in bites. And since it doesn't rely on creams or chemicals, it's completely reusable.
This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice (sea lice?!), and more!
Promising review: "I found this on a random ad and though 'there's no way this will work.' Boy was I wrong! How has no one thought of this before? I've used it on bites immediately after the bite and days later. It works every time. The itching is gone after one use, and it doesn't involve using chemicals. And over time, it saves you money instead of buying itch cream every summer!" —clp4916
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three colors).
6. A compact Weber grill that'll make your patio the ~place to be~ thanks to all the delicious food you'll cook on it. And even when you're not throwing parties, you'll love having a way to prepare meals without needing to turn on your stove in the middle of July.
I grew up eating food my dad cooked on his Weber grill, and you really can't beat the flavor you get from using charcoal. Plus, it's the perfect size for making a good deal of food without taking up too much space.
Promising review: "Affordable and reliable. Perfect for our backyard. We prefer charcoal to gas, and we've cooked about everything under the sun on this bad boy. Easy to assemble. Easy to clean. Exactly what we wanted." —Marci Manley
Get it from Amazon for $139+ (available with or without a cover).
7. And, a set of tongs your fingers will thank you for while you're flipping chicken on the grill. The longer pair will ensure the food gets charred (rather than your hand), while the shorter ones are great for serving salads and sides.
Promising review: "I have purchased several sets of tongs for my husband for grilling over the past few years. It is difficult to find tongs that are long enough and sturdy enough for grilling a lot. These are the best I’ve found. The longer ones are very good for grilling on a large grill when you need to reach across the heat. The grips are good and the locking mechanism works well. I think best of all is the gripping end of the tongs. They grip very well for food pieces large and small. They also clean up very well. I will be buying more of these as Christmas gifts." —CAgrios
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.95.
8. A picnic table and benches, because ya gotta have somewhere to eat all those burgers! This one folds down flat to just three inches thick so it won’t take up all of your yard space when it’s not in use.
Promising review: "I didn’t want a picnic table, but my husband convinced me and I’m glad we chose this one! It’s very sturdy, easy to clean, and looks great! My husband didn’t have any trouble putting it together and it’s easy to fold up once you get the hang of it. I love that it’s durable and easy to wash as well." —Melissa
Get it from Amazon for $250.44+ (available with or without an umbrella base).
9. Or, if you're short on room (or want to take the party on the go!), a large water-resistant picnic blanket that'll act like a protective barrier between the dewy ground and everyone's new white shorts. And not only that, it conveniently rolls up into its own carrying pouch!
Promising review: "Used this for the first time today at the park. The ground was still wet from last night’s rain, but the blanket kept all dampness out. It’s a big blanket and two adults, two children, and a large picnic basket fit easily on it with room to spare. It was easy to shake clean and folded right back up into its little bag (and fit into the bottom of our mostly empty picnic basket). Can’t wait to try it at the beach." —Lauren
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in eight sizes and seven designs).
10. A sturdy fire pit everyone can gather around when it gets chillier at night. Plus, what's more fun than ending things with a little bonfire?
For added safety, it's recommended to use with a fireproof mat.
Promising review: "Awesome fire pit for the patio. Our family loves having fires at night, and we’ve had quite a few fire pits. This one is sturdy and the perfect size. The depth is better than ones we’ve had in the past, and the flat bottomed feet make it easy to drag it closer or further away using the provided poker tool. Definitely recommend this one over other products like it." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $199.
11. Or, for smaller spaces, a super cool portable fireplace you can set right on the table for a little extra warmth when the sun goes down.
Promising review: "Took my portable fire pit on vacation to Oceanside this past week and it was a hit!! Made s’mores and it lit up our our patio perfectly. It’s clean and best of all it’s smokeless!! It will certainly be traveling with us everywhere we go!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in gray or black, or with customization).
12. Annnd, a marshmallow roasting set, because if you have access to a fire and don't consume s'mores during your cookout, we need to talk. These fold up to be nice and compact, but extend when you need them so the only thing that gets burnt is the marshmallow. Plus, you can get them engraved if you like!
Donebetter is based in Dennis Port, Massachusetts and specializes in all sorts of personalized gifts, from wooden cutting boards to leather wallets.
Promising review: "These were the perfect gift for my sisters family who love to make s'mores over their fire pit! The packaging is amazing and the quality is wonderful for gift giving. Perfect!" —Kaitlin Mercurio
Promising review: "Absolutely love that these are so long and have blunt ends! The other ones we had were so sharp I was always worried about the kids impaling themselves!" —Laura
Get it from Donebetter on Etsy for $29.95+ (available in two sizes, engraved or not, and in 19 font options).
13. A pair of Bluetooth speakers that won't only provide essential tunes for people to bop along to, they'll also light up the space in different colors for the coolest nighttime effect. And, if you're lucky enough to have a pool, they're waterproof!
Promising review: "The sound quality of these is great and syncing two of them together was easy per the instructions. We bought these for our first pool party in our new home and they were a big hit. I like that you can turn off the colored lights, especially during the day when they aren't visible anyway. The colors of the lights are vibrant at night. We hung these from hanging planter stakes and played them for 7-8 hours without any issue after they were fully charged. I'm sure they could play even longer but we haven't tested them out beyond that." —BCW
Promising review: "We purchased these speakers for our outdoor patio space. They are easy to sync up with our phones to play Pandora, Spotify, or Sirius XM apps. They are LOUD — we purchased four speakers total for our space and consistently use one or two while the others are charging. My teenage son also 'stole' one for his room since he doesn't have a wireless stereo. While we have not drowned them in the rain or dumped them in a bucket of water to test the weatherproof statement, we have left them out briefly during a rain storm with no issues noted. HIGHLY RECOMMEND — great value for the quality and ease of use." —Jen Letourneau
Get a pair from Amazon for $161.99.
14. An assortment of sparkling mixers for whipping up delicious margs and palomas or enjoying on their own for some fruity refreshment. And can we talk about that *gorgeous* packaging?
Avec is a Black- and woman-owned small business that crafts mixers made with 100% real ingredients, like fruit juices and natural botanicals. The sampler includes three of each of their five flavors: Hibiscus & Pomegranate, Ginger, Yuzu & Lime, Grapefruit & Pomelo, and Jalapeño & Blood Orange.
Promising review: "Love the assortment of flavors (from sweet to subtle, and all the way to spicy)! It was possible for everyone at our get-together to come away with something they really enjoyed, and all with less than four grams of sugar? Simply amazing. Cans are gorgeous as well! Thanks, Avec, will definitely be back for more!" —Lucy B.
Get a pack of 15 assorted flavors from Avec for $45 (also available as a monthly subscription for a 10% discount).
15. A cute little bocce set that'll keep your guests entertained for hours without turning your yard into a cutthroat athletic competition. Plus, there's no setup required, so even if you don't have the biggest yard in the world, you'll still be able to play.
It comes with eight balls, plus a pallino (the small white ball), measuring rope, and a carrying case! And, it's so simple that anyone strong enough to toss the balls will be able to play. All it consists of is tossing the colorful balls and seeing who can get closest to the smaller white ball — so chill!
Promising review: "Very durable bocce ball set. We bought this to go with our backyard game collection. Everything is super durable and doesn't chip easily. We have thrown these a bit harder than we should and they hit cement pavement and still not a crack or chip in sight. Solid build." —Sharks93
Promising review: "Bocce is a fun activity for all ages and skills. This set is great quality and looks good. Love the carrying case! These look like they will last a lifetime." —The T's
Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available with soft rubber or hard resin balls).
16. A sturdy umbrella designed to withstand heavy winds while providing a little extra protection from the sun. It comes with sandbag anchors and steaks for reinforcement, an adjustable pole that can be tilted, and its own little carrying bag in case you want to take it on the go!
Promising review: "We live in Maui, Hawaii, and wind gusts on the beach can exceed 50 mph some days. The wind also changes direction constantly and never comes from just one direction. We have spent over $500 trying to find various combinations of anchors, umbrellas, and tie downs, and NOTHING has worked until these bad boys. We bought one initially and tested it out on a VERY windy day and were super impressed. It never once became inverted or blew over. Meanwhile, the other umbrella we were using that day broke. Needless to say, I have since bought two more so we can have ample shade for my husband, my dog, and myself." —Beth
Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three colors).
17. Or, for larger spaces, a breezy canopy that'll create some much-needed shade when you and your guests just *can't* with the blazing hot sun. Plus, it's giving me major magic carpet vibes and just looks so cool!
Don't forget the installation hardware!
Promising review: "We love our sun shade! We installed it over our deck that is completely exposed to the sun from sun up until sun down. It is so nice to have our sitting area in the shade now. It was easy to install and I wish we had gotten it sooner." —craftygrandma
Promising review: "This sun shade is great. Because it lets the wind through we can leave it up almost all of the time, even though we get lots of gusts. It cuts the sun way down and we get much more use from our deck." —Margaret
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in 18 sizes and 13 colors).
18. Orrr, if you want shade and bug protection, a pop-up gazebo, which is equipped with mosquito netting on all sides — hooray! Reviewers say it's a cinch to assemble, and even folds up into a compact carrying case if you want to bring it camping, to the park, and so on.
Promising review: "Really looks nice and classy. Easy to assemble and disassemble and store in the bag provided. Can secure to deck with screws, or to grass with the stakes provided. Mosquito net provides an additional level of bug and leaf security." —Candace LKG
Promising review: "As advertised it was easy to assemble. It is much sturdier than my other gazebo that I paid more money for! Nice, sturdy construction and I love that I can take it down easily when necessary. Great product." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $199.95+ (available in six colors).
19. Some mesh food covers, because if you’re going to go through the trouble of making tons of food, the last thing you want is for ants to make a buffet out of it.
Promising review: "These popped up in seconds. Zero assembly required and didn't blow away. Folded back to almost flat and easily stored in their original box once we were finished. These are a must for outside picnics and parties." —Professor X
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99+ (also available in sets of six or 12).
20. A very well-thought-out cheese and charcuterie board for properly displaying all of those gourmet goodies you bought for the occasion. It's got shallow spaces for holding small snacks like nuts, and even comes with a built-in accessories drawer filled with four mini serving tools.
Promising review: "This cheese board is amazing quality for an affordable price. I love that there is even a small drawer for knives! Great product for romantic picnics." —Leah Lyons
Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available with or without bowls).
21. A gorgeous wine-chilling bucket that'll make a casual get-together feel a little more luxe while keeping your bottles crisp and cool for up to two hours.
It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine, and should be washed by hand.
Promising review: "We love this! We had been in need of an ice bucket but I'm so glad I opted for this instead bc it has so many more uses! Fits a bottle of Champagne perfectly and kept ours chilled until we finished the bottle. Super easy to toss in a bag and take on a picnic. We chill ours beforehand, and voila." —Roselyn
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in stainless steel or copper finishes).
22. A cheery gingham tablecloth, because you can’t go wrong with that classic picnic look — it’s also reusable and waterproof!
Promising review: "I ordered this for camping. I was looking for one that I could reuse rather than throwing it away after each trip because of rips and tears. It is a very good weight and I expect to get a season of camping use from it, If not more. I would definitely buy it again." —Lori L Lehenbauer
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 10 sizes and 26 colors).
23. Or, a pretty floral print tablecloth for anyone who wants their party decor to complement all of the blooms that have been popping up in their garden.
Promising review: "This gorgeous tablecloth sits on a long, ugly folding table that is always visible on our back patio. This tablecloth is so durable and washes so beautifully that I can leave it on out there all the time. Most spills, crumbs, or yard dirt brush or wipe right off, the pattern is beautiful and very camouflaging, and it washes easily." —C. Simmons
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 11 sizes, as well as in three gingham designs).
24. Some very necessary string lights that'll give your deck/patio/backyard a warm and inviting glow. These are made up of mini Edison bulbs, so they're a step above your average fairy lights.
Promising review: "I have these lights hanging outside over my patio. They are very bright but not overly bright like spotlights and are perfect for lighting up the backyard for parties. We keep them up all year long during rainstorms, hot weather, and snowstorms, and they still work like the day I bought them. Highly recommend!" —Joseph
Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in three sizes and five styles).
25. A trio of Lillie's of Charleston condiments and seasonings, because a bbq isn't a bbq without some delicious — duh — barbecue sauce. This set includes bottles of mustard barbecue sauce and hot sauce, along with a hot spice dry rub for anyone who likes their wangz spicy.
Lillie's of Charleston is a Black- and family-owned small biz based in South Carolina that, lucky for us, bottles and sells their award-winning sauces and spice mixes that were inspired by Sunday dinners at Aunt Lillie's house.
Promising review: "I like to make my own rubs and sauces, and West Coast flavors are different but I must say that this stuff is delicious! The rub goes great on a steaks and the mustard sauce is great with chicken. All three products are well worth the money." —Caleb Villeda
Get it from Lillie's of Charleston on Amazon for $28.98 (available in hot or mild).
26. Some inflatable cooler trays to keep that potato salad, macaroni salad, and any other mayo-packed side dish from becoming inedible after hours in the sun.
Use ‘em for displaying cold drinks, too! And, they have a handy spout so you can drain the water as the ice melts.
Promising review: "I ordered these to use at my mom's retirement party/cookout. It was over 90° that day and it really helped to keep the cold food cool. The food stayed cool until the end of the party, and without it, it would have been warm, gross, and ruined. It inflated easily and quickly (I had one of the kids blow it up with the included hand pump). The white color goes with most party color schemes as well. I think the drain plug at the bottom is a smart feature as well." —Amanda Lewis
Get a set of three from Amazon for $21.98.
27. A compostable dinnerware set for no-hassle cleanup that's also better for the environment (real talk: outdoor parties can generate a lot of waste)! And unlike those dreadful paper straws that disintegrate the second you take a sip of iced coffee, these plates and cutlery are made of sturdy sugarcane and cornstarch fibers to keep your baked beans from seeping through to your lap.
This set is municipally and commercially compostable, so you can drop off the used items at your local facility once you're done! ♻️
Promising review: "I purchased this set for a birthday party. I know that so much goes to waste from those types of events that it adds up quickly. I couldn't believe how durable these products are. Nothing was flimsy at all. It was hard to believe that they are biodegradable. This is now a go-to purchase for us when we have events." —Kelly K
Get a 250-piece set from Amazon for $34.99 (available in natural or white).
28. And for bevs, a set of recyclable wineglasses, because drinking chardonnay out of a red Solo cup = no longer acceptable! With these, you'll feel oh so classy without having to worry about anything breaking — in fact, reviewers say they're so durable, they've even cleaned them and reused them!
Psst: They conveniently "click" together so you can stack for easy transport!
Promising review: "These disposable wineglasses definitely exceeded my expectations. I purchased them for a Labor Day weekend wine party. Everyone commented on how nice they were. They are very clear and quite sturdy. I ended up washing them to reuse because they held up so well. They even snap together in a stack, which would be nice for travel or just to keep them from blowing around outside. I would highly recommend these for a party or outdoor festival, picnic, tailgate, whatever." —Kimberly A
Get a set of 48 from Amazon for $47.99.
29. A rechargeable, waterproof cooler light so everyone can make sure they're grabbing a pamplemousse La Croix (yesss) and not a coconut one (booo) once the sun has gone down. Plus, the soft illumination will make the drinks look really cool.
The light is waterproof in up to 6 feet of water and provides up to 60 hours of white light and 31 hours of red on a single charge.
Promising review: "Such a neat item! I purchased this for my husband’s hunting trip and he’s truly enjoyed the handiness of the light. He said it provided extra light in the dark wilderness. The light is compact and easy to charge. It lasted multiple days from one charge. Also, the different light modes are fun and one can even have a party with the blinking effect!" —Elena
Get it from Amazon for $26.99.
30. Some Pipcorn cheese balls, because let's face it — snacks are pretty much the best part of any party. Fair warning: these are tough to stop eating, so you should stock up unless you want your guests to polish them all off within the first hour.
They're gluten- and preservative-free!
Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks is a Black-, queer-, woman-, family-owned small business making delicious takes on familiar favorites using heirloom seeds.
Promising review: "Literally, my GO-TO SNACK! These little balls of cheesy bliss are like heaven on earth." —Danielle C.
Get a pack of three 4.5-oz bags from Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks on Amazon for $14.99 (available in three flavors and a variety pack).
31. And, some festive bowls for serving all of those salty snacks it just wouldn't be a picnic without. They're super lightweight, and reviewers say they're a breeze to clean.
Promising review: "Super convenient! Ordered these on a whim before a BBQ and oh man, I am glad I did! These were the perfect size for chips, watermelon slices, popcorn, or anything else! Cute colors, great quality, and easy to clean. We hand wash these, and the finish on them lets everything be wiped away really quickly." —Rachael D.
Get a set of six from Amazon for $16.99 (available in four color combos).
32. A large glass beverage dispenser to keep everyone hydrated with iced tea, lemonade, or your cold drink of choice (it’s sangria, I know).
Promising review: "So far so good. I bought these for my mom’s 60th birthday party. Easy to put together. I left them out for two hours with water to see if they leak and they don’t! I have trouble finding ones that DON’T leak but these don’t!" —Allison
Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes).
33. And finally, an Ultra Star Sport Disc, because you know that with outdoor picnics, someone’s gonna want to toss one around. Reviewers say this one’s got great spin and has made fans of humans and dogs alike.
Promising review: "My family really enjoys this piece of summer day picnic hardware. Whether you've got years of frisbee'ing under your belt, or you're an occasional flinger, you won't look like an amateur with this dish. Nice heavy weight and finger feel. Builds confidence quickly that you can really spin it. No, it won't correct bad aim! But it does smooth out the glide through the air. Buy it again in a heartbeat!!" —Jonesy
Get it from Amazon for $10.03 (available in 15 colors).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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