12 must-haves for hosting Thanksgiving outside
Bundle up for a cozy outdoor Thanksgiving.
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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you're lucky enough to live in a warm climate (or are willing to brace the cold), you might consider heading outdoors for dinner. First things first: You'll need a set of outdoor furniture to socialize and dine with friends and family comfortably. Once that's out of the way, here are some other products you may want to check out before hosting Thanksgiving dinner outside.
1. String lights for the perfect outdoor vibe
Before installing, make sure your patio or backyard space has an outlet for the lights to be plugged in.
Make a plan for how you want to decorate your backyard or patio space for your guests. String lights not only provide some essential lighting at night but also can help elevate your dinner experience by adding a touch of warmth and intimacy. Decorate your deck with colorful mums or other seasonal flowers to add pops of color.
2. Festive flowers for a decorative table
Flowers can make a great centerpiece on the Thanksgiving dinner table.
Whether you’re a guest or a host this Thanksgiving, you may want to think about the flower arrangements for the table. If you’re going to someone’s Thanksgiving party, check with the host and see if they’ve got a particular theme or color scheme in mind. Our editor tried this flower delivery service that has a variety of flower arrangements to pick from.
3. A patio heater to weatherproof your dinner plans
Patio heaters are popular this year—snag yours before they're sold out.
Depending on which region of the country you live in, the November weather conditions can vary. We think it’s best to plan for a little chill just in case—go ahead and weather-proof your Thanksgiving celebration so you and your guests can enjoy a warm and cozy dinner together. Patio heaters are one of this year’s biggest hits, but you may also want to get a pop-up canopy in case of rain.
4. A fire pit for warmth and ambiance
If you plan on hanging out with friends outside this year, you may need a fire pit.
A fire pit will add warmth and entertainment to your Thanksgiving celebration. We tested a few fire pits this year, and our editors especially loved the Tiki Patio. It's sleek, virtually smokeless, and super easy to clean.
5. An outdoor grill for cooking the bird
If you want to entertain your guests while cooking, you can set up an outdoor cook station.
If you’re tired of roasting your turkey, you may consider smoking or grilling outdoors. If your backyard has limited space or you’re new to grilling, check out these portable grills as a start. Our top pick for gas grills, the Weber Spirit II E-310, has cast-iron grilling grates and two side tables to hold food and condiments. It’s spacious enough for a spatchcocked bird, if you’re feeling adventurous.
6. A chafing dish for keeping food warm
These foldable ones are easy to store after use.
Whether you’re getting meal kits delivered or cooking everything from scratch, serving food outside could be challenging when it’s cold out. Chafing dishes, those shiny metal contraptions you’ve likely seen at buffet restaurants, can help solve this problem. Don’t forget to grab some chafing fuel to heat things up.
7. Décor to help you set the table
Brighten up your table with bold patterns and vibrant colors.
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you should skimp on décor. Some high quality napkins in fun colors can help tie your table together. We love these from Goldune because they’re made using sustainable materials. And since you’re outdoors, it’s totally safe to throw some candles into the mix!
8. Compostable plates for eco-friendly dining
These heavy-duty plates are great for hosting dinner parties.
Some people may opt for single-use plastic plates to spare themselves from washing dishes, which is understandable. But there are better ways to conveniently host sustainable dinner parties. These compostable plates are a more eco-friendly option and can offer the same level of ease as the plastic ones.
9. An insulated food tote for traveling
The Stanley 16 Qt Adventure Cooler is the best choice for temperature control.
If you’re traveling to a bring-your-own-food style Thanksgiving party, you’ll need an insulated food tote to keep your food hot and your drinks cold. We like the Stanley 16 Qt Adventure Cooler for its roomy storage and ability to keep foods below 40°F for more than 24 hours.
10. Hand warmers to keep you comfortable
Hand and toe warmers can help you and your guests stay warm.
Whenever I go for outdoor hang-out sessions with my friends this time of year, I always find these warming pads truly useful. Your guests (and your extremities!) will thank you.
11. An entertainment system for watching the game
A projector can make bringing entertainment to an outdoor Thanksgiving easy.
For many Americans, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without football. And the good news is, you can easily stream the games outdoors with the help of a projector. We tested the best portable projectors and found the Anker Nebula Mars II to be worth buying. Not only does it pack up like a lunchbox, but it also provides top-notch quality screenings.
12. Blankets for relaxing
Remember to bring blankets when it gets chilly.
Nothing is better than sitting by the fireplace and hiding under a blanket while gazing at the stars after a delicious meal. A soft, fleece outdoor blanket will make your Thanksgiving party the coziest ever.
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