If you're looking forward to hosting this summer and want to spruce up your outdoor living space, there are plenty of ways to do it beyond grabbing new chair cushions and pool floats.
Lifestyle expert Patrice J. Williams stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share all of the essentials you need for backyard entertaining this season. If food is the focal point of the occasion or if a little friendly competition is a must at your get-togethers, Williams has you covered.
Below, you'll find family games, a do-it-all tote bag and more must-haves that will make it easy to ensure your outdoor space is the ultimate spot for entertaining, regardless of the size of your backyard.
Backyard entertaining ideas on the 3rd hour of TODAY
Atlantic Luggage Travel Tote & Cooler
This tote doubles as a cooler, so you can pack snacks and games up all at once without having to use multiple bags. Not only is it functional for picnics and beach trips, but Williams' pick is also perfect for road trips, tailgates and other daily activities. Plus, the expandable tote features a slot for stacking on your suitcase handle, so you don't have to worry about carrying it while traveling. As a bonus, this tote bag is 20% off on the brand's site with the code ATLANTIC20 from July 12 to Saturday, July 15.
Personalization Mall Games Galore Picnic Blanket
Enjoying an outdoor picnic? Williams loves this interactive blanket that can make for hours of family fun. From checkers to tic-tac-toe, you can get creative with what you use as game pieces, so you don't have to worry about packing them up each time you head to the beach or to the park. Plus, since it is customizable, it makes for a great gift.
Eddie Bauer Cornhole Table Set
Forget lugging around an entire cornhole set for your next barbecue! Williams found this tabletop set that requires minimal setup. This way, you can bring the fun with you just about anywhere.
Flambeau Tuff Tainer Utility Box
Introducing the hit of your next party: the "snackle" box. Williams says it's a fun take on the typical charcuterie board and it allows your guests to have more options for snacking (and it feels on-theme for this time of year).
Table and Teaspoon The Harlow
Take the stress out of setting the table — Table + Teaspoon will send you everything you need for an Instagram-worthy setup. At $24 a setting (they send you a box of four), you'll get a table runner, napkins, dinner and salad plates, wine and water glasses, cutlery, a menu card, place card, two wood candlesticks and two taper candles.
Shop Terrain Hanging Candle
Whether you suspend these candles from tree branches or set them on the table, they're bound to add some ambiance to your space. They don't just look pretty — according to the brand, they're formulated with a citronella eucalyptus blend to help deter mosquitos and other pests.
Mark and Graham Wine Bar Set
This set includes an ice bucket and four stemless glasses, which the brand says are made from shatter-proof acrylic. It's durable enough for everyday use but nice enough to break out at your backyard bash if you want to impress your guests.
More backyard entertaining ideas
Lifestyle expert Jenn Falik previously stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share her hosting must-haves. You can shop her picks below.
Little Tikes FOAMO Foam Machine
Create an instant bubble party at home in a matter of minutes. This bubble machine is a favorite in the Falik household, and it only requires water to activate the solution. It takes just 10 minutes to set up and can be wiped clean and deconstructed just as easily as it was put together.
SpeAquaThe Barnacle Pro
Don't underestimate this gadget. It can suction to just about any surface and provide powerful sound quality anywhere you go. It's the size of your fist, Falik says, but it can hold up to 2,000 songs.
Prodyne Appetizers On Ice with Lids
No one enjoys a warm shrimp cocktail, so Falik recommends these lidded appetizer trays to keep them cold. You can place ice over the metal grates in the container to prevent water from pooling under each dish and expect them to keep cool until the ice melts.
Prodyne Iced Serving Bowl
Serve salsa, guacamole and other dips they way they were meant to be served — cold — with this serving bowl. The three piece serving bowl can keep food chilled for hours and can be tossed in the dishwasher for easy care.
ImpriLux Chilled Condiment Server Caddy
Snacks and condiments will stay fresh for hours in this caddy. Each removable compartment can hold two cups' worth of food or toppings and keep them chilled while serving.
Light It! By Fulcrum Lanterna Lux
Add more ambiance to your tabletop with these touch lights. With the press of a finger, you can change the brightness settings to your liking without sacrificing the sleek look — no wires necessary.
Keter Side Table Cooler
We love a multi-tasking table, so this find from Keter is a must-have. You can fill it with ice and keep the lid closed to have it act as a discrete cooler or elevate the top to use it as an actual table. The best part? It's less than $60!
Outdoor Wine Table
Take wine and cheese night anywhere with this wooden wine table. It's fully collapsible and can hold all of the essentials: two glasses, a wine bottle and your go-to snacks.
