26 Outdoor Party Essentials for Every Kind of Fourth of July Shindig
Beach days, park picnics, and backyard barbecues—wherever your holiday weekend takes you, these products will elevate your event with ease.
The best thing about a Fourth of July party is that there's truly no set vibe: all you need to make a regular outdoor hang feel festive for this holiday is some hot dogs, a sparkler or three, and a good attitude. But if you feel compelled to really curate your event to your specific and unrelenting vision, we've got some ideas for that. Enhance a barbecue with the best grill tools. Provide shade for your guests and their beverages at the beach. Make sure everyone has a comfy place to sit by the pool. Whatever you want to do for the Fourth of July is up to you, but being properly prepared never dampened anyone's fun.
For Brewskis and Barbecue
Crate & Barrel x Shinola Mackinac 4-Piece Barbecue Tool Set
Unroll this handsome tool set and get grilling. Inside this leather-trimmed, waxed canvas carrying case you'll find a spatula, fork and tongs. Featuring stainless steel heads and teak handles with copper rivets, the tools are perfect for flipping burgers, grabbing ears of corn and skewering brisket. When the grill's gone cold, simply stow the utensils in the pockets, roll up and secure with the snap tabs.
ShopFredericks & Mae Citronella Hanging Coil
Buh-bye to the buzz. When balmy nights call for lounging under the stars, one thing’s for certain: Your buzzy mosquito friends will be sure to keep you company. Keep those uninvited guests at bay with a citronella coil. It works like this: You light up one end, and the coil lets off a slow-and-steady stream of citronella-infused smoke. The lemony scent of citronella, a grass native to Southeast Asia, masks the human odors that make you so enticing to mosquitos. Citronella is non-toxic to humans and animals, so you don’t even have to worry about harming those pesky bugs. What’s especially brilliant: it can be hung at various heights, allowing the fragrant, bug-repelling smoke to disperse evenly for full coverage. Plus, they make for quirky, eye-catching decorations.
ShopSpark Grill
Spark is designed to add an inviting element to your outdoor space—this isn't a grill you'll want to cover up. Easy ignition. No chimney or lighter fluid needed. Set and hold temperature from 250F to 900F. Smoky charcoal flavor you can’t get with propane. Simple, no mess charcoal cleanup. Built to last with double-walled porcelain enameled steel kettle. Easy setup, plugs into a standard three-prong outlet.
ShopWest Elm Modern Melamine Dinnerware (Set of 16)
Bright and light, designer Aaron Probyn’s sleek, modern update of melamine plates brings unbreakable style to outdoor dining. Rimmed plates make carrying food even easier (no spills!). In summery hues, they’re fun to mix and match anywhere from picnic to pool to dinner party.
ShopGrillight 2-Piece Stainless Steel LED Spatula & Tong Set
This set is perfect for any grilling enthusiast. The spatula flips, stirs or serves, while the tongs make it easy to move food from a plate to the grill. LED flashlights built into each handle light up your food, so it’s easy to monitor it as it cooks. Whether you’re at a campsite or grilling outdoors, this set makes it easy to grill at any time—day or night. Comes packaged in a box perfect for gifting. Includes spatula and tongs.
ShopKudu Grill
The communal outdoor grill named after the glorious kudu of the African plains. During a trip to meet his wife’s—then girlfriend—family in South Africa, Stebin Horne, founder of KUDU Grills, was introduced to the South African art of outdoor cooking. Nicknamed the “South African Television”, the traditional grills were seen as a gathering place for family and friends to gather and enjoy the cooking process together—while the shared stories and laughs around the grill were memorable, the quality and flavors that these grills produced were more astounding to Stebin. What followed was Stebin’s countless hours redesigning and perfecting the outdoor grilling experience by using the finest materials and an intricate design to create a grill that sautés, sears, fries, boils, smokes, and steams all at the same time. The KUDU Grill is quick to assemble, easy to operate, and damn tough for all your late evening, summertime cookout needs.
ShopCrate & Barrel x Shinola Mackinac Melamine Dinnerware and Serveware
Showers of speckles animate our Mackinac melamine collection, giving the durable material the look of covetable terrazzo. Ideal for worry-free outdoor dining, the dishes stand up to everyday dining and cleaning in the dishwasher. Set a dramatic table with the cream-flecked black dinnerware and serveware in our exclusive Shinola Mackinac collection, or incorporate the orange, blue and cream pieces for a playful yet modern look.
ShopFor Splish-Splashing Poolside
JBL FLIP 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker
JBL’s waterproof smart speakers have many capabilities you’d expect of a top outdoor speaker—including powerful sound, long battery life, and a waterproof design. What ups the ante is its built-in noise- and echo-cancelling speakerphone, which allows you to take calls without external noise interfering.
ShopVacation Mineral Lotion SPF 30
This broad spectrum SPF 30 zinc-only sunscreen lotion is both “leisure enhancing” and “excessively food.” Featuring a non-nano formula that’s remarkably clear and smooth on the skin.
ShopChicory Modular Teak Outdoor 4-Seater L-Sectional and Storage Coffee Table
The Modular Dwell™ Outdoor Living Collection is thoughtfully designed to be modular and weatherproof for convenient, comfortable outdoor living. Grade A Teak Wood Stain-resistant, Fade-proof, Liquid Repellent Upholstery Pillows: 100% recycled synthetic down Cushions: Low Density, High Resilience Foam & Synthetic Down Comfort Topper Interior Water-resistant Nylon Casings Stainless Steel Hardware
ShopDesign Within Reach Sommer Adjustable Chaise
For the Sommer Outdoor Collection (2019), Copenhagen-based designer Chris Halstrøm wanted to give people the experience of indoor furniture in outdoor spaces. She transformed a traditional woven cord material found on Danish indoor furniture into a durable, weatherproof weave that provides flexible comfort and lends an inviting texture. Cushion sold separately. Made in Indonesia.
ShopCar Camping Under the Stars
Rumpl Puffy Outdoor Blanket
Fluff the magic blanket. If you’re ever looking for this very-clever blanket, just look at the intersection of “duvet” and “sleeping bag.” A happy medium between the two, the original outdoor Puffy is packable, portable, and warm as all get-out. With a ripstop shell and insulation made from 100% recycled materials (no down here!), it’s here in a bevvy of good looking colors for every adventure. Plus, you can get cozy knowing that you’re doing something good for the planet, too.
ShopEverdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill
BBQ is a total go. Close your eyes and imagine firing up the coals out on the beach...or snacking on barbecue chicken right on your campsite. Then, open them—and take in this portable charcoal grill. It does all that and more, thanks to its very-smart design.
ShopYellow Leaf Signature Hammock
Our most popular hammock, the Signature is handwoven with ultra-soft yarn that's versatile, durable, and deeply comfortable. Our Triple-Weave construction combines 150,000 ultra-soft loops to cradle you weightlessly.
ShopREI Co-op Screen House Shelter
Don't let the bugs get you down! The REI Co-op Screen House floorless shelter offers bug and shade protection, great ventilation and 360° views.
ShopREI Co-op Cool Haul 24 Soft Cooler
It's easy to keep your whole crew happy and hydrated for a campground weekend or epic roadtrip. Just add 10 lbs. of ice and the REI Co-op Cool Haul 24 will keep 24 cans below 40°F for up to 65 hrs.
ShopFor Getting Your Toes in the Sand
Picnic Time Monaco Backpack Beach Chair
Rest easy. And the award for comfiest beach chair goes to...this hotshot right here. Let’s start with the cozy details first: It’s got an extra-wide seat made from trusty polyester canvas, along with a pillow up top for impromptu snoozes. And the lightweight aluminum frame? It can recline into, count ‘em, six different seating positions. (Shoutout to the armrest cupholder that’s keeping our summer sips within reach.) The easy-going doesn’t stop when it’s time to pack up, either—this one folds up into a shoulder-friendly backpack with just a few flicks. Picnics and beach days, here we come.
ShopNeso Grande Beach Tent
Large and in charge, the Neso Grande beach tent is perfect for a beach day with family and friends. Made out of a Lycra/Nylon blend. UPF 50+ and water resistant. Weighs only 6.5 lbs.
ShopBackpack Backgammon & Checkers
Putting your game away shouldn't be the most challenging part of playing. This two-in-one board game and backpack from A Summer Shop is a cinch to pack. The printed drawstring game board and wood game pieces are crafted in the USA and stow easily so you can take on new challengers anywhere.
ShopThe Get Out Cooler Bag
Free up your hands for all the other stuff you have to lug to the beach. We designed this cooler to be tall enough for a bottle of wine, large enough for a full picnic, and comfortable enough to haul to the perfect spot. There’s an insulated, waterproof lining, and adjustable padded straps. Never run out of cool drinks again.
ShopPicnic Time Sun Shelter Pop-Up Tent
No shade, no problem. Take a breather from the beach volleyball or a nap at the park in the shade of this pop-up tent’s lightweight polyester shell. (On breezy days, keep the shelter in place with stakes.) Our favorite part: It’s super fun to set up! Packed away as a round disc, all you have to do is hold it away from you, give it a little toss, and boom, it snaps right open. We were gonna to say it’s magic, but we’re resisting the urge. Okay, it’s pretty magical.
ShopFor Picnicking in the Park
REI Co-op x West Elm Outward Day Shelter
Need some cover from sun or rain? The waterproof, seam-sealed REI Co-op x West Elm Outward Day Shelter keeps your dining or lounge area covered multiple ways—in the backyard or backcountry.
ShopPicnic Time Fold-Up Adventure Wagon
The real deal. You know what you’re about. You come into the wilderness prepared—with flavor and class. You’re the friend in the group who makes sure to bring tasty beverages and keeps them cold. You’re the one with a plan for cooking and plating the campfire dinner. And you’re the one bringing the folding utility wagon, because you don’t mess around. With its heavy-duty wheels and telescopic handle, it goes where you go (and saves your back). Its inner liner is waterproof (and can convert into a giant ice cooler), and the top is sturdy enough to double as a table. Best of all? It folds up into a compact size and includes a fitted cover for easy transport and storage. Whether you’re a campfire chef, hardcore picnicker, or tailgate mastermind, this is the real deal.
ShopYard Games Wooden Outdoor Tumbling Timbers
Leaning tower of timbers. Your favorite tumbling timber game is now giant-sized. This game set comes with 56 blocks for you and your friends to stack up and up. The tower starts at a lofty 2 or 2 1/2 feet (depending on which size set you snap up) and it’ll climb up to 4 or 5 feet—if you’ve got the stacking skills, that is. It’s all crafted from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine wood, then sanded smooth for seamless play. Oh, and since it comes in a very totable case? You can plan on bringing it to the park next weekend.
ShopL.L. Softpack Cooler, Picnic Multi
We listened to your feedback and added 5 exterior pockets to our popular coolers so it's easier to organize all your picnic accessories. New flip-top lid stays open when you're looking for a snack inside. Holds 12 to 15 12 oz. cans with ice.
ShopPendleton Roll-Up Blanket
Ready for adventure, this wipe-clean, nylon-backed blanket has a functional roll-up design and convenient carrying handle. Plaids are woven in our American mills.
ShopThe Modular Teak Outdoor 4-Seater L-Sectional and Storage Coffee Table is presented in partnership with Chicory.
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