Summer Outdoor Dining
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Set up your outdoor dining space
When the weather warms up, meals taste different outside. There's something about eating in the open air that makes even a simple weeknight dinner feel like an occasion. Setting up your outdoor dining space starts with the right essentials — durable plates, sturdy cups, comfortable seating and serving pieces that can handle life outside the kitchen walls.
Walmart's outdoor dining collection brings together everything you need to host meals outside, from casual family dinners on the patio to larger summer gatherings with friends and neighbors. You'll find outdoor dining accessories built to withstand sun, wind and the occasional spill, all at prices that make it easy to outfit your space without overthinking the budget.
Outdoor plates, cups and serveware
Outdoor dining accessories need to do two things well: look good on the table and survive real-world use. Melamine plates and bowls are a popular choice because they're lightweight, shatter-resistant and come in colors and patterns that brighten up any outdoor table setting. They go through the dishwasher without fading, so cleanup is quick after every meal.
Summer outdoor plates made from BPA-free materials give you peace of mind when serving food in the heat. Unlike glass or ceramic, these plates won't crack if they're dropped on a deck or patio surface. That durability makes them practical for households with kids or for serving large groups where accidents are more likely to happen.
Tumblers and outdoor cups with lids help prevent spills when a breeze picks up or someone bumps the table during a game of cornhole. Insulated options keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, which extends their usefulness from summer lemonade all the way through fall cider season. Stainless steel and double-walled plastic are the most common materials, and both hold up well to repeated outdoor use.
Serving platters, trays and bowls designed for outdoor use round out your setup. Look for pieces with non-slip bases and raised edges that keep food contained during transport from kitchen to patio. A dedicated outdoor serveware set saves you from carrying your indoor pieces outside and worrying about breakage.
Hosting outdoor gatherings this summer
Outdoor entertaining works when you plan for comfort and convenience. Start with your seating arrangement — make sure there are enough chairs or bench seats for everyone, and position your dining table in a shaded area if possible. An umbrella or canopy provides relief on especially sunny afternoons.
For larger gatherings like Fourth of July parties or neighborhood cookouts, set up a self-serve station with stacked plates, rolled utensils and a beverage cooler. This approach keeps the flow moving and lets guests serve themselves at their own pace. Disposable options work for big groups, but reusable outdoor dining ware saves money across the season if you entertain regularly.
Table linens designed for outdoor use add a polished look without the fuss. Weighted tablecloth clips keep fabric in place on windy days, and machine-washable outdoor placemats protect your table surface while adding color. These small touches make your outdoor dining setup feel intentional rather than improvised.
Lighting matters once the sun goes down. String lights, solar-powered path lights and citronella candles create ambiance while keeping insects at a distance. These elements turn a simple dinner into an evening event that guests won't want to leave.
Get ready for outdoor entertaining season
From plates and cups to serving trays and table accessories, Walmart has the outdoor dining essentials you need to host gatherings all summer long. Shop online for pickup or delivery and set your outdoor dining space up before your next event.