Here’s How to Step Up Your Outdoor Entertaining Game This Summer
It’s time for some upgrades.
Courtesy of Williams-Sonoma
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost prime time for alfresco dining. If you’re a seasoned host, you may already have your collection of no-shatter, durable plates, glasses, and serving platters. But if you’re not quite ready for outdoor entertaining season yet, we’re sharing some of our favorite picks. And hey, even if you’re already stocked up, it doesn’t hurt to do a little refresh with some new pieces, right?
From cheerful melamine plates to handy bug protectors to finds for your outdoor bar, we’ve got everything you need for summer parties below.
CB2 Sesta Light Grey Acrylic Pitcher
Serve up those summer cocktails and cocktails with this acrylic shatterproof pitcher. The hammered design and smoky gray finish make it a little more interesting than the standard clear pitchers out there. It’s dishwasher safe, too!
CB2 Sesta Light Grey Acrylic Stemless Wine Glasses
And you’ve got to have the glasses to match the pitcher, of course.
Pottery Barn Puebla Outdoor Melamine Multi-Condiment Server
Perfect for summer snacks, this melamine server features smaller dishes that can be taken out, so you can play with different configurations. Keep everything together for a composed platter, or take out the dishes and place around the table, while using the bigger bowl for chips or crackers.
West Elm Screened Food Dome
One of the drawbacks to eating outside are the bugs that like to join in the festivities. Keep the away from your food with chic handwoven domes.
West Elm Sardine Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware
The sardine decor trend is not going away—and summer is the perfect time to go all in on it. These cheerful plates will brighten up any table.
Crate & Barrel Tamarind Black Rim Wicker Drink Station
Isn’t this a chic way to serve up drinks? One half features a steel tub that you can fill with ice and place cans and bottles inside, and the other half holds up to nine glasses.
Farm Rio x Anthropologie Embroidered Napkin
Forget the paper napkins, these botanical-inspired embroidered napkins will elevate your gathering.
Anthropologie Esther Acrylic Wine Glasses
We don’t know what we love more about these sunny acrylic wine glasses—the beaded trim, spiral patterns, or the bold colors.
Threshold Glass Modern Beverage Dispenser
Hydrated guests = happy guests. This 2-gallon beverage dispenser will make it easy to get everyone a cool a drink.
Williams-Sonoma Lemon Outdoor Melamine Dinnerware Collection
Bring the Amalfi Coast to your backyard with this new dinnerware collection from Williams-Sonoma.
Payton James Garden Party Placemats
The scallop detail adds a playful edge (literally) to these woven placemats. The pink and orange colors are fun for summer, but there are also other colorways available if that doesn’t go with your tablescape vibe.
Crate & Barrel Marin Taormina Oval Melamine Platter
You get the look of a ceramic serving platter but the durability of break-resistant melamine with this piece that’s inspired by Mediterranean serveware.
Terrain Bamboo Covered Serving Trays
Consider this a two-for-one: these trays already come with a mesh cover so the bugs stay out.
Crate & Barrel Abaco Outdoor Cooler with Wheels
An investment for sure, but this cooler is extremely versatile and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. It features a divided cooler with drain plug, a bottle opener and a holder for popped tops, a fold-down shelf to place glasses and cocktail napkins, a hanger for bar towels, and a slatted shelf underneath.
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