9 Hosting Essentials Designers Swear by for Outdoor Parties

Paper plates might provide plenty of convenience, but they’re not exactly stylish. Or sustainable. Or, if we’re being honest, sturdy. Fortunately, this enamel set from East Fork delivers on all three fronts. “Our studio appreciates the practicality and nostalgia of enamelware, and these dishes from East Fork are timeless and fun,” says Heather Menegat, principal of Landed Interiors in Berkeley, California. “As lovers of vintage and heirloom pieces, we also support East Fork’s encouragement to embrace chips as markers of character and charm.”

You might rely on the sun for lighting during the daytime, but what happens in the evening? Los Angeles designer Jacqueline Goncalves says she’s “fallen” for this portable lamp from Original BTC. “I love how easy it is to move around,” she explains. “It looks just as good on a dinner table as it does perched on a shelf indoors, serving double duty!” We’re going to level with you: This option isn’t exactly cheap, but you can score a similar option on Amazon for a fraction of the price.

Very few things can ruin an outdoor party quite like a broken glass. Instead of fishing painful shards out of your grassy backyard, grab this stemware set from Merritt Designs “They’re durable enough for outdoors but still feel elevated,” Goncalves says. “I honestly use the stemware for everything, from sparkling water to rosé.” A happy hour without the messy aftermath? Cheers!

Just because you’re venturing outdoors doesn’t mean you have to forgo table linens. Goncalves has a penchant for Borgo Delle Tovaglie’s napkins and tablecloths, which she says “are really stain-resistant.” Want to add more depth to your tablescape? “I often layer them with something bolder, like the Night Bloom Tablecloth from Nickey Kehoe, for a look that feels rich and collected,” she recommends.

For Sam Nicolls and Stephen Margaritis—the dynamic duo behind SETESS, an interior design firm that services Los Angeles and Laguna Beach—mosquitoes are public enemy number. But whenever they hear that burdensome buzzing, they reach for the Flyaway Sticks from Madison James. “[They] have changed the game for us and not only stop the little suckers in their tracks, but also give off a spectacular scent,” Nicolls shares. “We love their beautiful slogan ’the exclusion of the unwanted.’”

Goncalves might have a go-to, shatter-proof wine glass, but if you’re looking for something for water or lemonade, try this acrylic style from Hudson Grace. “It’s a dead ringer for wonderful traditional Mexican glassware,” says Margaritis. “Without the risk of glass all over your patio.” And, unlike those disposable plastic cups you typically buy, this option is dishwasher-safe.

Speaking of staying hydrated, Caitlin Jones Ghajar peppers her outdoor spaces with Bormioli’s refillable glass bottles. “They look gorgeous grouped together, and keep hydration close at hand,” says the designer, who splits time in Seattle and California’s Marin County. Amazon sells these bottles in six colors, but there’s something about the blue that feels oh-so beachy.

Since no summer soiree is complete without a grazing board, why not upgrade your arrangement with a new board? “This breadboard is chic especially with the glass cloche that keeps the bugs away,” says Jones Ghajar. Don’t worry: The cloche fits right into the board so you won’t have to worry about it sliding off as you take it outside.

If citronella candles just aren’t keeping those bugs away, Jones Ghajar calls Treva’s bug fan her secret weapon. “These may not be the most aesthetic,” she admits. “But they are definitely the most effective.” For the best results, consider putting these on your meal table to ward off any pesky fruit flies.