9 Entertaining Essentials For Your Next Summer BBQ
- Written by
- On Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Summer is here - and the 4th of July is just around the corner! - which means it’s time to stock up for your next barbecue extravaganza. These affordable and fun items will help you put on a truly unforgettable event that will keep everyone entertained.
When putting this list together we wanted to keep your summer vibe light hearted, carefree, and most importantly FUN. From practical pieces to pretty accoutrements, here’s what all of your friends, family, and neighbors will envy at your next outdoor party.
The Ultimate Drink Cooler
YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler - $250
This compact YETI cooler is perfect to keep all of your drinks cold and on-hand all day long for your backyard barbecue. It’s even tall enough to fit most bottles of wine so the drink possibilities are endless! The Roadie is one of YETI’s best selling and this one is 10% lighter weight but holds 20% more capacity!
Best for toting around the backyard, bringing over to the neighbor’s, or even keeping your beverages cold while you mow the lawn.
Snack Time
Campfire Popcorn Popper - $25.78
Get those nostalgic cabin vibes going with a special snack that everyone will remember! This Campfire fire pit popcorn popper can make up to 4 quarts of popcorn in minutes and it’s super easy to use. Over your backyard fire pit, everyone will love getting to pop their own fresh snack.
The extending cool tube handle will keep you safe, and the smell of fresh popcorn will set the mood for the best summer bbq of the year!
Patriotic Decor
American Flag Lantern Lights - $16.99
During the day, they can hang above the party with pride and when the sun goes down, they’ll help set the evening mood. Great for indoor or outdoor use, these waterproof connectable lanterns will help set the party mood all day long and give your backyard shindig some much needed style.
Warning: Some assembly is required so don’t forget to prep these to have them party ready when the time comes!
Game On
Croquet, or pall mall if you’re obsessed with Bridgerton, is fun for the whole family to play and a great option if you’ve got a large backyard with plenty of space or you’re hosting your bbq in the park. Set up your wickets, choose your colors, and let the entertainment ensue!
Whether you’re competitive or just looking for a leisurely game to play for the day, croquet is a classic that you’ll want to play again and again.
Fun For The Whole Family
Flickin Chicken Target Toss Game - $20.59
It’s silly, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to keep kids of all ages entertained! A different twist on cornhole, this game is perfect for any summer barbecue with friends and family that will have everyone laughing. We love this option because you don’t need a lot of time or space to enjoy it and you can even play indoors any time you want. No experience necessary!
Slide Into Summertime
Straight out of your summer camp memories, you can’t go wrong with a backyard water slide on a hot day. This double water slide is a fun and affordable way to cool off in the backyard, sure to bring giggles to anyone brave enough to give it a go. Be safe, have fun, and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!
Adorable Details
These little piggies want to go wee wee wee all the way home with you. They’re adorable, they’re hilarious, and truth be told they make eating corn on the cob a whole heck of a lot easier. We think these are a great addition to your barbecue arsenal because corn is always a good side dish and you’ll win extra points for style.
Sip, Sip, Hooray
The devil is in the details and we couldn’t pass up this pack of fun, summer-y straws to give your backyard barbecue just a little extra flair. Pairs well with soda, juice, margaritas and more to make all of your beverages extra special.
Plus, everyone’s drink will remain well marked and uncontaminated with anyone else's germs - it’s a win, win!
Sparkle & Shine
Solar Firework Lights - $19.99
Just a little touch to light the night while you wait for the real fireworks, these solar powered firework garden lights will brighten your evening. Waterproof, these puppies will illuminate for up to 10 hours after charging for 4-6 hours under the sun.
Whether you’d like to light up a walkway, place them on your front porch, or have them illuminate your vegetable garden, they’re a beautiful addition to any yard.
Got the party ready to go but still torn on what kind of smoker to do the actual cooking? Check out our list of the best smokers for every type of barbecue to find the right machinery to make your backyard cooking experience the best on the block.
We write about ideas we love and products we think our readers will love. We may get a small commission if a purchase is made through our site.
