Entertaining essentials for an epic backyard Memorial Day gathering

Essentials for your Memorial Day gathering In partnership with Tribune Publishing Company [Reviews]( [Blog]( [About]( [Videos]( [Make your yard a Summer Oasis]( Throwing a backyard bash is the perfect way to kick off summer and welcome a season packed with barbecue cookouts, beach days, and bonfires. Memorial Day is loosely acknowledged as the unofficial start of summer, giving us a great excuse to celebrate with friends and family while honoring those who bravely sacrificed when serving in the military. Since the holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, we also get a three-day weekend for the festivities. While fresh air and sunshine are all you need for a good time, you’ll want a few extra items to take your backyard gathering from good to amazing. Depending on your space and time of day, a few must-haves may include a grill, fire pit, nighttime lighting, or outdoor seating, and we’re rounding up the best entertaining essentials for any backyard get-together this summer. Stay tuned to our Expert Shopper for more Memorial Day sales and summer content. BestReviews may earn a commission on purchases through links in this email. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Creating and keeping a fire going is easier than ever with the [Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0]( Best of the Best pick is designed with optimal airflow, vent holes, and a double wall to feed oxygen to the fire from below and create bursts of hot air to stoke the flame. This design reduces the smoke, so you don’t have to worry about that lingering post-fire smell in your clothes or hair. It’s portable and weighs a little over 20 pounds, making it practical to pack and move around the yard or take to a friend's backyard party. The included stand also protects heat-sensitive surfaces. [Buy Now]( Blackstone Flat Top Griddle Whether you’re throwing a breakfast bash with eggs and pancakes or an evening barbecue with steak and burgers, the [Blackstone Flat Top Griddle]( can tackle any job. Its 524 square inches let you cook a lot of mouthwatering meals for your guests, while the bottom and side shelves allow you to prep and store food. With wheels, a removable griddle top and fold-up legs, it’s also effortless to move around or take camping. The propane tank and easy-start button remove the hassle of kerosene, charcoal, or matches. [Buy Now]( JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Speaker Turn up the tunes and set the mood of your backyard party with our Bang for the Buck pick, the [JBL Flip 5](. This waterproof speaker is just begging to be played at the pool, lake, or beach and can withstand up to 3 feet of submersion. The Bluetooth connectivity allows anyone to jump in and play their favorite song, while the durable fabric and exterior can tackle any outdoor adventure. If you’re hosting a large gathering, grab two of these PartyBoost-compatible speakers and pair them for a bigger sound. Thanks to 12 hours of continuous playtime, you also don’t have to worry about recharging the battery in the middle of your dance party. [Buy Now]( Sol 72 Oppelo Outdoor 7-Piece Patio Furniture Set Create an outdoor oasis and give your guests a place to rest with the [Sol 72 Oppelo Outdoor 7-Piece Patio Set](. As our Best of the Best pick, it comes with four sectional pieces, two ottomans, and a coffee table, all crafted from powder-coated aluminum to prevent rust and high-density wicker rattan to withstand the harsh outdoor elements and resist fading. You can choose from multiple cushion colors to match your exterior space. To make it even simpler to maintain, the cushion covers zip off and effortlessly return to new in the washing machine. [Buy Now]( Tiki Convertible Torch Versatility is the star feature of this [Tiki Convertible Torch]( making it our Best of the Best pick. Even though it looks and feels like stone, it's made of plastic resin and won't rust. These backyard torches come with a multi-piece pole, allowing you to choose the perfect height up to 64 inches. Otherwise, you can take it off the pole and mount it to your deck using the included clamp. Each torch has a 12-ounce canister that burns for up to 5 hours and effortlessly removes to refill. Whether you're hanging out on the patio or in the backyard, these tiki torches will add ambiance and light to any gathering. [Buy Now]( LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Find pro shopping tips, hot deals, expert advice, and product recommendations on the BestReviews blog, updated daily. [Take Me There]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( The Morning Call may earn a commission on purchases through BestReviews. [View in browser]( | [Sign up for Newsletters]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | Copyright © 2022 The Morning Call | P.O. Box 1260, Allentown, PA 18105-1260 | [(484) 244-4170](tel:4842444170)