36 Labor Day Entertaining Essentials for a Fun-Filled Holiday Weekend
The party tools you need to send summer off in style.
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Marking the unofficial last weekend of summer, Labor Day is the perfect time to have one last warm-weather hurrah with friends and family. Whether you’re doing some backyard grilling, hosting a neighborhood pool party, or finally venturing out to do some car camping, these are the tools you’ll need to make this Monday, September 5, one for the scrapbooks.
For a Poolside Plunge
Splish splash. Quick, point us to the nearest pool or lake—because that’s exactly where we’re taking these floats. They’re made of BPA-free and happily recyclable PVC plastic. And those beach-inspired prints on both sides? They’ll shine bright even on the cloudiest of days.
From the pool to the park to the patio, the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker II is a tough and water-resistant companion that’s perfect for any adventure.
This innovative, antioxidant-rich SPF primer preps skin for makeup while providing broad spectrum SPF 40 and protection from blue light, the light emitted from our phones and computers.
Add a playful note to your bathroom with the science-inspired pattern of this towel made from plush, absorbent terry cloth woven from soft Portuguese cotton.
Made of thick quality and tested material. Perfect for outdoor backyard water play, summer party, pool party, unicorn party, etc.
Rock any adventure with a supremely powerful, portable wireless speaker. Waterproof with loud, clear 360° sound and thundering bass, Megaboom 3 is the ultimate party starter redefined.
The pizza oven for everyone. Make wood-fired pizzas that impress, or bake with propane by adding on the gas burner. Pull good moments fresh from the fire with authentic design reinvented for the modern backyard.
For a Backyard BBQ
Now we’re grilling. Follow the scent of smoky BBQ, and you’ll be led straight to these all-star grilling tools. The set’s got four utensils for all your burger flipping and veggie charring: a slotted turner, locking tongs, a basting brush, and a two-prong fork.
Bamboo beauts. Eco-friendly dinnerware? Count us in. Every dish you see is crafted from bamboo fiber and non-GMO cornstarch (read: super sustainable), with a touch of BPA-free melamine for an extra kick of durability (because these sets will be putting in the miles, just wait).
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.
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,...
No more mix-ups. You just fired up the coals, and you’re about to sear a couple of steaks...only, how do you keep the raw juices off of the cooked meat? Lucky for you, these grill trays just swooped in. There’s one for prep work and one for serving (the different colors will tell you which is...
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.
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.
For a Picnic in the Park
A soft foam lining pads this reversible blanket that rolls and carries from the beach to the park and beyond. A water-resistant backing keeps you comfortable when things get dewy.
A solid all-purpose size. Holds overnight camp provisions for four people or drinks for a day on the water.
Heading out with drinks and snacks to share? Pack those frosty goods in a puffy cooler. It's insulated to keep your drinks, snacks and other treats cool and cushioned. Everything will be chill :-)
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.
Gear for getting outside and having a good time. Tupelo’s mission is simple: make awesome gear that helps people get outside in the first place, and enjoy it while they’re out there.
For a Day at the Beach
Shibumi Shade works with the slightest ocean breeze to cast ample shade. The free-flowing design works with the wind, not against it. Weighing less than 4 pounds, Shibumi Shade can be carried by any member of the family.
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.
Seaside vibes to take with you anywhere. Our striped beach towels are doing double duty with a super-absorbent terry underside and a cozy velour front. Made from 100% cotton in a premium weight, you need these in your suitcase.
8th-century chair design, built with modern-day engineering and aesthetics. Trippy Outdoor graduated with top honors from the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school of thought.
BGS for Kids is an everyday SPF 50 moisturizing sunscreen lotion for face and body. Our sunscreen protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays and has eliminated all sticky white residue. Soothes, moisturizes, protects, hydrates and heals your child’s skin. Water resistant for 80 minutes. Hypoallergenic.
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.
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.
For a Dinner Party
Make casual entertaining a simple delight by serving up beverages in these tumblers perfect for everything from iced coffee to wine—and even ice cream.
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.
Salad's on the menu. When you’ve got salads to make and patios to take ‘em to, we know just the thing. This set is made of eco-friendly bamboo fiber and cornstarch—plus melamine for extra durability—so it’s particularly practical for your outdoor gatherings.
Protect your picnics. Nothing spoils a great picnic or dinner outdoors faster than bugs and gnats. We collaborated with Dot and Army to design these lightweight net food covers, exclusive for us. We wanted something easy to fold up and carry with us, but also pretty to keep our picnics picturesque.
We worship the tomato. Ripe, supple and bursting with juice, the scent of the heirloom tomato catapults us to memories of late summer dinner parties in Sicilian gardens and awakens pleasure in all our uncommon senses.
For a Car Camping Trip
A compact, packable camp stool that’s far, far better than a rock. After mastering the crampon game, Hillsound Equipment set out to make other aspects of outdoor exploration safer and more accessible—starting with an ultra lightweight, perfectly packable stool.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city, whether it's you and your best friend, you and your best furry, four-legged friend, or just you and your thoughts. We recommend setting up the Driftwood 2 Tent by a babbling brook, or perhaps on red desert rocks overlooking a stunning view.
Barebones cast iron cookware might just be the best we’ve ever laid hands on. Barebones is all about feeling the dirt in your hands, feeling the stars shining down on you out in the backcountry, and finding time to enjoy the simplest pleasures life and nature have to offer.
The original Helinox Chair One ensures everyone has a seat at the table. This lightweight, compact camping and backpacking chair packs smaller and weighs less than a bottle of wine.
Our artisan-crafted hammock envelops your body for ultimate comfort. Lay lengthwise or horizontally for your desired level of comfort and support. Even makes a great alternative to traditional mattresses!
The Modular Teak Outdoor 4-Seater L-Sectional and Storage Coffee Table is presented in partnership with Chicory.
We love the products we feature and hope you do, too. If you buy something through a link on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Related Reading:
Dwell Picks: What We’re Bringing With Us to the Beach This Summer
A Folding "Adventure Wagon"—and More Ways to Picnic Like a Wes Anderson Character
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