A heart shaped lock drawn in pink and purple lines

Bravo Insider Exclusive

To read this article, you must have a Bravo subscription.

The Daily Dish Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

Here's Everything You Need to Host the Best Outdoor Dinner Party Ever

These are our go-to summer dining must haves. 

By Patricia Cunningham
Mortar and Pestle

With summer in full glorious swing, there's no better time to get your entertainment game on and take the fun outside. And whether you are pulling together a casual BBQ, a potluck with friends, or a fancy sit-down dinner, there is no question that by adding just a few of the right touches you can take your al fresco bash up a notch. 

We’re talking festive (and practical) melamine dinner plates, acrylic glasses that can take a beating, a few colorful accents, candles to keep the mood going and, let’s not forget, an eye-pleasing cooler for keeping drinks cool. There is so much on the market right now geared toward outdoor entertaining that searching for the right stuff can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so we did it for you!

We pulled together a list of some of our favorite summer dining accoutrements below, and any of these items are sure to enliven your entertaining scene and add to the festivity. Here’s to making those long summer days memorable ones. 

Patio Rolling Cooler

Cooler

Let’s start things off with this rolling cooler. With an 80-quart capacity it will keep everything cool, and in the meantime look pretty cute on the deck.

Glass Yorkshire Dispenser

Dispenser

Whether your preference is lemonade or ice water spiked with mint (or something stronger), this mason jar-style dispenser will get the job done.

Rattan Outdoor Candle

Candle

What’s a party without a little ambience? This stylish rattan lantern houses a safe and energy efficient LED candle and will give your bash a nice glow. 

6-Pack Melamine Bali Dinner Plates

Plates

Made of heavy-duty melamine, each one of these dinner plates features traditional ikat patterns. And they will last summer after summer. 

Santiago Melamine Serving Trays, 3 Pack

Trays

Your burgers, dogs, and watermelon are going to look better than ever on these sturdy melamine serving trays. 

Palm Leaf Placemat

Placemat

Add a touch of fun with these adorable palm leaf placemats, which look just like the real thing. 

Silvia Molcajete Bowl and Pestle

Mortar

What is a summer party without guac? This molcajete and tejolote set is the perfect tool for summer fun and will stand out on your outdoor dining table. 

Valencia Acrylic Stemless Wine Glasses

Wine glasses

These acrylic wine glasses are a thing of beauty and will stand up to outdoor wear and tear. 

Hawaiian Wine Bottle Outfits

Wine bottle accents

Dress up your wine bottles in these festive Hawaiian outfits, which also serve as a great way to spruce up a hostess gift. 

Aqua Pacific Acrylic Tumbler Glasses

Tumbler

The workhorses of any outdoor party scene, these colorful acrylic glasses come with an eye-catching textured design. 

Want the latest Bravo updates? Text us for breaking news and more!