Including outdoor rugs, string lights, and barbecue must-haves

Summer is the season for backyard barbecues, patio happy hours, and outdoor gatherings with friends and family. 

Whether you're hosting a holiday cookout or a casual weekend get-together, a few well-chosen essentials can make outdoor entertaining easier. Think: A patio conversation set where guests can gather, a citronella candle to ward off bugs, and a cooler stocked with ice-cold drinks. These backyard staples can help keep your gathering running smoothly, so you can spend less time tending to the details and more time enjoying your guests.

To help you get party-ready, we rounded up the best backyard finds from Amazon, Pottery Barn, Wayfair, and Walmart. And the best part? Prices start at just $5.

The Best Outdoor Hosting Essentials

• Bug-Busting Glow: Coleman Pine Scent Citronella Candle, $5; Amazon
• Backyard MVP: Ktaxon 80-Quart Rolling Cooler, $130 (orig. $202); Walmart
• Host's Helper: Pottery Barn Melamine Rectangular Serving Platter, $23 (orig. $29); Pottery Barn
• Sunny-Day Saver: Arlmont & Co. Balkar 9-Foot Lighted Tilt Umbrella, $85 (orig. $190); Wayfair
• Self-Serve Sipper: Lifewit 3-Gallon Drink Dispenser, $38 (orig. $50); Amazon
• Alfresco Hangout: Devoko 7-Piece Outdoor Dining Set, $281 (orig. $440); Walmart
• Party Prep Pro: Pottery Barn Melamine Sectioned Serving Platter, $23 (orig. $59); Pottery Barn
• Patio Glow-Up: Brightown Outdoor String Lights, $20 with Prime (orig. $24); Amazon
• Outdoor Anchor for 77% Off: Lark Manor Anastasaos Geometric Outdoor Rug, $81 (orig. $359); Wayfair
• Pretty Place Settings: Selamica 12-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set, $54 with Prime (orig. $60); Amazon

Related: Amazon’s Best-Selling $8 Summer Top Is Comfy, Breathable, and Has a ‘Dressy’ Detail That’s Office-Ready

Brightown Outdoor String Lights, $20 with Prime

$24 $20 at Amazon

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, ambiance matters. These globe string lights cast a soft, even glow that makes patios and decks feel warm and inviting for guests. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or an evening get-together, they're an easy way to keep the party going after dark.

The lights have earned thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, and more than 7,000 shoppers have purchased them in the past month. Reviewers say they're durable, easy to hang, and instantly make outdoor spaces feel cozier. One shopper even described the light’s glow as "magical."

Arlmont & Co. Balkar 9-Foot Lighted Tilt Umbrella

$190 $85 at Wayfair

This 9-foot umbrella can help keep guests comfortable from day to night. During the day, it provides plenty of shade for outdoor meals and gatherings, while built-in solar-powered LED lights add a warm glow after sunset. The lights can stay illuminated for up to six hours on a full charge, making them a convenient addition for evening cookouts and backyard get-togethers. Plus, a tilt feature lets you adjust the canopy as the sun shifts, and the hand-crank design makes opening and closing the umbrella a breeze.

Related: Summer Fashion Is Up to 70% Off at Amazon: Shop Airy Dresses, Staple T-Shirts, and Cushy Flip-Flops from $6

Ktaxon 80-Quart Rolling Cooler

$202 $130 at Walmart

A cooler cart like this can help take some of the work out of hosting. It holds up to 100 cans, giving guests an easy place to grab a cold drink while keeping you from having to make constant trips back inside. It also comes with a built-in bottle opener, cap catcher, and a lower shelf for storing extra beverages or party essentials. And, it can keep drinks cold for up to 48 hours, which makes it a practical addition for everything from backyard barbecues to weekend-long gatherings.

Be sure to stock up on entertaining essentials before summer really kicks off, and keep scrolling for more of our top picks.

Coleman Pine Scent Citronella Candle $5 at Amazon	Pottery Barn Melamine Rectangular Serving Platter $29 $23 at Pottery Barn
Lifewit 3-Gallon Drink Dispenser $50 $38 at Amazon	Devoko 7-Piece Outdoor Dining Set $440 $281 at Walmart
Ebern Designs 3-Piece Wicker Patio Conversation Set $820 $320 at Wayfair	Pottery Barn Melamine Sectioned Serving Platter $59 $23 at Pottery Barn
Selamica 12-Piece Ceramic Dinnerware Set, $54 with Prime $60 $54 at Amazon	Lark Manor Anastasaos Geometric Outdoor Rug $359 $81 at Wayfair
Pottery Barn Rectangular Outdoor Console Table $699 $349 at Pottery Barn	Mibote BBQ Grilling Tool Set $40 $22 at Walmart

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