Must-Haves for Your Outdoor Patio This Summer

If you live in the city or have a small outdoor space where you can’t build your own bonfire, opt for this portable option instead. City Bonfires created a personal-sized bonfire that you light like a candle to start and can easily extinguish with the metal lid it comes with. It’s safe to roast marshmallows on and can burn for three to five hours.

Inflatable pools aren’t just for little ones — adults and dogs will love splashing around on hot days. Even if you just dip your feet in while you sip on some cold drinks with friends, feeling cool water on your skin is always relaxing. We like this one from Target because it’s more stylish than a plastic pool, but still costs less than $50.

Outdoor rugs can protect your deck and patio, but they’re a pain to clean. Because they live outside, they collect dirt and grime easily, and you can’t throw them in the washing machine — or can you? Ruggable creates machine-washable rugs that are stain- and weather-resistant. The rug comes as a two-piece system, the actual rug and a pad. When the rug is dirty, pull it off the pad, place it in the washer as you would other laundry, and stick it in the dryer to dry. Easy peasy!

String lights are probably the first thing you think of when it comes to outdoor lighting, but weatherproof lamps are a thing, too. This lamp from Article is stylish and functional, as it doesn’t require a cord (the light is battery powered), and it’s easy to pick up and move around when needed. You can even remove the shaded portion of the light to use as a lantern if you don’t want to pick up the whole fixture.

Accent pillows for an outdoor sectional or chairs may seem useless, but we doubt you’ll think that when you’re using them for lumbar support while reading on your porch. Not only do they add a certain decorative element to your outdoor space, but they are also extremely comfortable to sit with.

Pesky mosquitos and other insects quickly kill the mood during a relaxing outdoor dinner or night on the deck. Citronella candles are one way to repel them, but they burn quickly and often need to be replaced. This BugPellant device lasts up to two months and is free of any harmful chemicals that some candles contain. Citronella is a natural mosquito repellant, and it smells quite nice too. You can easily hang this on a deck or porch, and it works continuously to keep mosquitos and other bugs (like ticks and flies) far away.

If you really need some backup with bug zapping, you can also invest in a mosquito and insect trap, which will actually kill bugs instead of just sending them away.

Did you ever think it would be possible to have a smokeless bonfire? Thanks to the HotShot fire pit, it is. This steel drum works by taking in air from below the wood to aid in combustion, reducing the amount of smoke and ash released into the air. The best part? The fire pit is fully portable and comes with a carrying case, so you can take it from your backyard to a camping trip easily.

For good vibes all around, you can easily set up your patio or backyard with a sound system. These Bose Wall-Mount Outdoor Speakers are water-resistant, which makes them “tough enough to handle blistering heat or deadly cold,” one Amazon user said. If you want something more portable, try the JBL Charge 4. This speaker will wirelessly connect to two smartphones and play your favorite tunes for 20 hours straight before needing a recharge. 

If you have a large enough space, expand your backyard with an outdoor kitchen. This sleek Weber Grill is perfect for those who love nothing more than burgers and dogs. It’s currently 13 percent off and will make your family dinners even more delicious. Looking for something more affordable? The Char-Broil Classic 360 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill was rated one of the best gas grills for under $250. Grab the BBQ sauce and a grill master, and you’ll be good to go. 

Lighting is an inexpensive way to spruce up any type of outdoor space you have. You can turn toward a classic choice like these outdoor string lights, or go with a bit more of a refined accent, like these solar-powered wall sconces. If you already have similar lighting installed, check out these rattan lanterns, which come in three different sizes. 

Enjoy dinner outside with a beautifully set table. We love this floral tablecloth we found on Amazon. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be tossed straight in the washing machine when it needs a clean. Pair it with this outdoor Melamine Dinnerwear Set and these battery-operated candles. 

Upgrade your outdoor space with a projector to watch your favorite TV shows and movies. KCM’s Stacey gave these out as holiday presents this year, and we couldn’t be more grateful. This projector is easy-to-use, portable, and connects to both a smartphone and a laptop. All you need is a blank wall, a glass of wine, and you’ll be good to go. 

Keep your favorite beverages ice cold with this vintage style 80 Ct. Patio Cooler. It comes in nine different colors and will keep your favorite sodas, beer, wine, you name it cool for up to 36 hours. It also features a convenient bottle opener and four heavy-duty casters for easy mobility. Your guests will love it.