Create the Perfect Outdoor Space for Nighttime Entertaining With Our Must-Buys

Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or an outdoor movie night, we've got you covered. Shop our favorite outdoor entertaining must-haves for your next nighttime gathering.

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August 04, 2022

There are few things better than relaxing outside on a breezy summer night — even better when it’s with friends and family. It’s super easy to take any daytime gathering into the evening by keeping a few things on hand. First, you’ll need lights, of course. We love these TIKI® Brand BiteFighter® LED String Lights because they feature a 330-square-foot zone of mosquito repellency for up to 200 hours (basically all summer long). You’ll also want to keep drinks on hand with a rolling cooler cart. This means less bartending in the dark and more relaxing with your guests. Prep for a summer filled with alfresco gatherings — that last well into the night — with our list of outdoor entertaining must-haves.

$159
TIKI®️ Brand

No outdoor space is complete without string lights. These TIKI® Brand BiteFighter® LED String Lights get our pick because of their double-duty functionality — they offer both the ambiance of string lights with 330-square-feet of mosquito-repellent protection. They’re perfect for use outdoors on patios, decks, unenclosed porches, walkways, around swimming pools and more. You’ll get 200 hours of mosquito repellency before the pods require replacing and you can use the on/off switch to control when repellency diffuser pods are in use — day or night. The repellency pods are nestled among LED bulbs, working hard to protect you while staying disguised and out of the way.

$20 (Set of 4)
Target

If you need even more mosquito repellency, then we suggest adding in some chic citronella candles like these from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. The pack includes four container candles infused with citronella scents to keep bugs at bay. Plus, we love that they’re poured in ceramic and raw clay containers, making them the perfect accent for any outdoor space.

From $39
Pottery Barn

In addition to string lights, these outdoor lanterns are a great way to bring a bit more ambiance and warmth to your outdoor space. These metal lanterns come in a variety of sizes and can safely hold your lit candles. Line them up on the ground, or use them as the centerpiece for your outdoor dining table.

From $62
Wayfair

Kids running around the backyard at night calls for glow balls. These battery-powered LED lights are great for scattering around the yard to keep little ones and other guests safe in the dark. Plus, they’re waterproof and come with an RGB lighting system with 16 hues to choose from.

$219.99
Wayfair

This sleek, stainless-steel cooler is perfect for any occasion. Wheels allow it to move around the backyard or deck with ease. Plus, it can hold up to 80 quarts of your favorite drinks (that's 96 cans). Bonus: It has a built-in bottle opener and cap catcher.

$299
Walmart

The Joe Junior Kamado is a grill, smoker and oven all in one, and it can be ready to cook in 15 minutes. This Kamado grill is constructed from 1-1/4-inch thick ceramic, allowing it to hold heat and maintain temperature control, burning less fuel and ultimately saving you money. Plus, your guests will love the moist, tender, wood-fired food. You can easily move this grill around your yard — or even take it camping! — via the mobile cast-iron grill stand.

From $15.99
Amazon

This minimalist disposable dinnerware is crafted from fallen palm leaves in a variety of sizes and shapes for any gathering. Once the festivities are over, simply drop them into the compost bin. Talk about easy cleanup!

$127.89
Amazon

If you have the space, creating your own outdoor movie theater is a fun thing to add to your summer bucket list. This 100-inch portable projector screen is big enough for a crowd but also easy to set up and take down. Pair it with a mini projector, outdoor speakers and some yummy theater-inspired snacks.

$129
Amazon

One of the easiest ways to instantly create a party atmosphere is with a portable outdoor speaker. This Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and can even handle being near the pool. It comes in a variety of colors and can be easily synced up with your phone to play your favorite crowd-pleasing playlist.

$395
Amazon

A fire pit is a fun addition to an outdoor space if you like to throw nighttime gatherings. We love this sleek fire pit because it doesn’t take up much space, weighs just 45 pounds and provides low smoke and smell. No more dodging campfire smoke or having to wash all your clothes after a backyard hangout — the brand's internal airflow system creates nearly no smoke and leaves minimal ash to clean up. You can create an outdoor gathering spot by surrounding the fire pit with Adirondack chairs outfitted with cozy pillows and throws. Bring out s'mores supplies, and your guests will be happy hanging out by the fire for hours.

$32.97
Amazon

No fire pit is complete without a set of roasting sticks! Ditch the twigs and opt for this stainless-steel set that provides the perfect grip for roasting to perfection. Your hot dogs and marshmallows will never be the same.

$537.99 (Set of 4)
Target

If you need extra seating around your outdoor table or in the backyard, these classic acacia wood chairs would be a perfect choice. Plus, they can easily fold up so you can store them out of the way when they’re not in use.

$72
Sand Cloud

Keep a few blankets on hand for guests to wrap around their shoulders on cool evenings or lay in the grass for movie-watching or star-gazing. This 100-percent Turkish cotton towel is soft, dries quickly and comes in a variety of chic designs, including retro patterns and tie-dye.

$100 $85
Society6

Comfy floor pillows like these can immediately create additional seating in your outdoor space. There’s a handle on the side, which means they’re easy to move around. Plus, they’re also covered in weatherproof fabric, so they're a great choice for your deck, patio and more.

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