(Entertaining)

Don’t Plan Your Backyard Spring Parties Without This List Of Essentials

Time to refresh your stock.

April 6, 2022

It’s hard to resist the draw of an outdoor soirée the minute temperatures start to rise each year. After being cooped up in the house for months, how can you not gather all your friends to celebrate fresh air and the summer months that lay ahead? Really, you should — though if there’s one important thing to remember before sending out your invites, it’s to stock up on spring backyard party essentials. Because since the end of last summer, it’s unlikely you’ve taken the time yet to start planning for the next round of patio gatherings with your crew.

Not to worry, though. While it may seem daunting to refresh your party supply for the season, the list of necessities is actually pretty straightforward. First things first? Keeping your guests comfortable — so be sure you’re not short on furniture, bug repellent, or blankets in the case of a chilly spring breeze. Of course, the food and drink portion is also important; you don’t want to be low on serving platters, nor do you want your patio to be littered with shattered glasses (thus, make sure you invest in some good melamine sets). And finally, there’s ambience, which requires plenty of lighting in different forms, plus some light but thoughtful decor.

That’s a basic overview, of course, but it’s understandable if you’re in need of a more comprehensive outline to guide you in the planning process. So, TZR has compiled all of the spring backyard party essentials into one easy-to-shop list. Find all of our product recommendations, broken down by category, ahead.

We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article

Outdoor Furniture

Skagerak

Between Lines Deck Chair Cushion Charcoal

$519

Comfortable seating is one of the most important parts of a backyard dinner party. A few of these durable chairs arranged in a large circle will provide a stylish element while ensuring guests have somewhere nice to sit.

Upland

28 Inch Slat Top Gas Fire Pit Table

$569.99

Of course, a circle of comfortable chairs calls for a fire pit in the middle. Then, they’ll be able to stay warm and have a way to make s’mores when the sun goes down.

Graydon Living

Cement & Acacia Outdoor Accent Table

$222

Almost as important as chairs? Occasional tables, so that people have a place to set their drinks, food, and whatever else they’re carrying when their hands get full.

Bug Protection

Vedic Botanicals

Nature's Defense Bug Spray

$14.47

As annoying as they are, bugs are just an inevitable part of backyard parties. Make sure attendees don’t end up miserable by placing insect-repellent about. This one features thyme and chamomile to provide a natural defense.

Diptyque

Citronnelle Candle 190g

$68

Add some extra defense against bugs by placing citronella candles on all your surfaces. This Diptyque version will smell good and look bougie while providing additional protection.

Isabella's Clearly

Clearly BITE, After Bug-Bite Relief with Calendula and Aloe Vera

$17.99

No matter what you do, someone’s going to end up with a bite. Be prepared with this natural balm, which provides relief through essential oils, aloe vera, and calendula.

Lighting

Glow Solar Hanging String Lights: image 1

Brightech

Glow Hanging Solar LED String Lights - S14, 1W, 28 Ft, 2700K

$71.99

$59.99

Let’s be real: It’s not a backyard party without some good string lighting. These are LED solar-powered and turn on automatically when it gets dark, which leaves you with basically nothing to worry about.

Hue

Amarant Linear Outdoor Light

$179.99

This linear outdoor light has a white and color light, so you can choose the ambience you want. Plus, it lights large spaces and can be used for anything from adding vibes to your patio to creating highlights in your landscaping.

Something Different

Something Different Matte Candle Lantern (Black) (40cm x 15cm x 14cm)

$56.95

A great way to add extra ambience to your backyard? Lanterns. Place your favorite candles in these, and then place them around your landscaping and on tables for some additional mood lighting.

Dinnerware

Paint & Petals

Pacific Blue Salad Plate

Don’t take the chance of your favorite plates getting ruined at your backyard party, no matter how much you want to show them off. Instead, invest in some equally beautiful melamine plates, which will add style without the stress.

Juliska

Berry & Thread Melamine Whitewash Sectioned Server

$72

Chips and dips are the foundation of every backyard party. Ensure yours look good (and are easy to eat) with this sectioned server. In fact, you should probably go ahead and get more than one — goodness knows you’re going to use it.

Bamboozle

Party Bowl

$15

You’ll also need plenty of bowls to store the rest of your snacks. Make sure they’re durable to withstand grabby hands, like this option from Bamboozle made from bamboo.

Drink Essentials

Godinger

Lasata Pitcher

$52

A glass pitcher for drinks is beautiful, but a broken one on the patio is not. Avoid that situation with this stainless steel option, which features handwoven rattan detailing for a fun summer flair.

Paint & Petals

Pacific Blue Paper Cups

Ditto for cups — no one wants a mess of broken glasses, even if they do make you and your guests feel fancy. Instead, try out these paper cups; they feature a beautiful blue floral print and gold foil detail, so no one will even notice the difference.

Holy City Straw Company

Cocktail Wheat Straws

$12

$10.80

They may be more eco-friendly, but chances are your guests don’t want a paper straw. Fortunately, there’s a happy medium — these wheat stem straws, which are biodegradable and don’t get soggy. Win, win.

Decor

HILANA: Upcycled Cotton

Andana Pink Striped Linen Tablecloth Set - 2 Pack

$607.99

$166.99

Whether you’re having a dinner party or simply setting up a table of snacks, don’t skip out on fun, colorful table linens. They add instant joy and intention to your event’s overall aesthetic — which in turn will undoubtedly lift your guests moods.

Hawkins New York

Simple Lightweight Blanket

$235

Though the daytime is often quite warm in the spring, you never know when a sudden breeze will drastically change the temperatures. To avoid any freezing guests, put out a basket of blankets or place them on chairs. That way, people will feel comfortable grabbing them when they’re in need rather than having to ask.

Neepa Hut

Decorative Dried Flowers in Mini Bidayuh Storage Basket

$28

If there’s one season it’s necessary to display flowers at your party, it’s spring. Cut some fresh blooms from your backyard, or stock up on a few bouquets. Then, make sure to place them on tables around the event to add a bright, uplifting vibe.

TZR Shop is The Zoe Report’s shoppable guide to editor-approved buys in fashion, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. Here, you’ll find the picks we can’t get enough of and think you’ll love, too. Best of all, you can checkout right on this page — no clicking out to multiple retailers required. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through this article.