Everything You Need to Dine Outside This Summer

Written by

published Jul 3, 2017

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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

The long, lazy nights of summer call for unfussy dinners gathered among friends, family, or just yourself and the stars and nothing brings a picnic or patio table to life quite like vividly colored dinnerware, shatter-proof glasses and delicate string lights that dangle from above. Whether it’s a cookout, picnic, or just a night dining al fresco, I’ve rounded up the prettiest crop of outdoor dining essentials for the summer season.

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Lulie Wallace Melamine Dinner Plate at Anthropologie, $10

Like little works of art (that can take a beating).

(Image credit: Terrain)

Galvanized Utensil Caddy at Terrain, $38

Perfect for organizing utensils, napkins and the likes.

(Image credit: Crate & Barrel)

Food Tent at Crate & Barrel, $5.95

Keep away those pesky flies with a mesh food tent.

(Image credit: Sur La Table)

Outdoor Acrylic Floral Highball Glass, $1.96/each

Cheers to never worrying about shattered glass on your pool deck.

(Image credit: Furbish Studio)

Fez Tassel Placement in Hot Pink at Furbish Studio, $10 each

Tassels and pom poms are the decor detail of the summer! Add them to your outdoor table via placements (or a table runner!).

(Image credit: TJ Maxx)

Two Wick Citronella Candle at T.J. Maxx, $7.99

Pretty and functional: Add a touch of brass to your balcony while shooing away the mosquitos.

(Image credit: Leif Shop)

Assorted African Utensils at Leif Shop, Starting at $12

A little worldly flair keeps a peppy table sophisticated and interesting.

(Image credit: The Little Market)

Block Print Flower Napkin at The Little Market, $8

Cotton napkins greatly outweigh the benefits of paper napkins. Just throw them in the wash after dining, and you’re all set for the next go around.

(Image credit: Swoozies)

Personalized Melamine Platter at Swoozies, $32.95

A customized platter like this one from Swoozies would be an excellent hostess gift.

(Image credit: Draper James)

Watermelon Tumbler Set with Pitcher at Draper James, $48

If you want a touch of nostalgia added to your summer BBQ, consider a retro-looking watermelon set like this one from Draper James.

(Image credit: Urban Outfitters)

Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit at Urban Outfitters, $20

Who needs a pitcher when you have a watermelon with a keg tap?

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Lulie Wallace Melamine Serving Set at Anthropologie, $12

Serve up an extra helping of summer fun with this playful set.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

“Bamboo” Plastic 20-Piece Flatware Set at Wayfair, $26.99

(Image credit: Macy’s)

Kate Spade New York Set of 4 Sayings Melamine Tidbit Plates at Macy’s, $30

Don’t like small talk? Let these cheeky melamine plates do all the chatting.

(Image credit: Target)

10 Light Vintage Clear Bulb with Solid Metallic Mercury on Bottom String Lights at Target, $24.99

Every meal is made that much better when it’s enjoyed under market lights.

(Image credit: Williams Sonoma)

Cuisinart BBQ Tool Set at Williams-Sonoma, $39.96

Everything you need to fire up that grill and be ready for any meal.

(Image credit: Zak)

Memphis Dinner Plate at Zak, $5.99

Unbreakable plates in the style of the moment.

(Image credit: Bed, Bath & Beyond)

1.5 Quart Confetti Mixing Bowl with Lid at Bed Bath & Beyond, $13.99

Whip up that potato salad and serve it in style.

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