Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor Entertaining 

Heat things up this Fourth of July with these chic barbecue essentials

Elegant table setting with white napkin and red, blue circular placemat on a white plate, accompanied by flowers and a blue glass.
Lune Napkin in Red, White, and Blue by Kim Seybert. Photo: Courtesy of Kim Seybert

The Summer is in full swing, and that means it is officially barbecue season. While entertaining via grilling used to mean that the cook was separate from the group as they manned the grill with their beverage of choice, it’s now all about being together. Architect David Rockwell recently designed a new Built-In Social Grill with True Residential x Caliber that allows the hood to go fully down into the countertop, allowing everyone to gather around from all angles. Kalamazoo also offers a countertop version of its iconic Artisan Fire Pizza to fit in more seamlessly with your outdoor kitchen or cooking area.  

With the country’s 250th birthday upon us, what better way to celebrate than with this classic American tradition? While some may think they have to go with literal options like red-and-white stripes and blue stars, try opting for a more subtle approach. Choosing chic patterns in the patriotic color scheme gives you the option of setting your table for a memorable Fourth of July display with tableware that can be used year-round. Happy Fourth!    

Outdoor kitchen with blue cabinetry and grill, overlooking ocean under a clear sky.
The Rockwell Built-In Social Grill by True Residential x Caliber. Photo: Courtesy of True Residential and Caliber

1. The Rockwell Built-In Social Grill by True Residential x Caliber

Following the success of his first standalone outdoor grill, Rockwell has designed a new, built-in grill in collaboration with True Residential and Caliber. With its retractable hood, this new outdoor cooktop offers a 360-degree experience, allowing everyone to gather around from all sides or enjoy the view while cooking restaurant-quality food in the backyard.   

Brown leather BBQ tool set with spatula, fork, tongs, knife, and brush neatly arranged in a carrying case.
Zebu Horn Barbecue Utensils by Lorenzi Milano from ABASK. Photo: Courtesy of ABASK

2. Zebu Horn Barbecue Utensils by Lorenzi Milano from ABASK

If you’re going to have a sleek outdoor cooking setup like the Rockwell Built-In Social Grill, you must have the right tools to accompany it. Lorenzi Milano’s Zebu Horn Barbecue Utensils are the perfect accoutrement, and with the gorgeous Italian leather case with detailed stitching that they come in, they will look just as good in use or put away.

Colorful ceramic plate with blue and red geometric patterns around the rim.
Alicia Dinner Plate by Carolina Irving & Daughters from Over the Moon. Photo: Courtesy of Over the Moon

3. Alicia Dinner Plate by Carolina Irving & Daughters from Over the Moon

If you aren’t afraid of using your everyday china outdoors, the Alicia dinner plate by Carolina Irving & Daughters is perfect for summer entertaining. With its red, white , and blue colorway, it fits seamlessly into a table scheme for celebrating America’s birthday, and its chic pattern, inspired by fabric, allows it to be used year-round.   

Red floor lamp with a patterned shade on a square base against a white background.
Zafferano x Fermoie Fabric Wicker Pattern Lampshade. Photo: Courtesy of Zafferano and Fermoie

4. Zafferano x Fermoie Fabric Wicker Pattern Lampshade

Zafferano America has collaborated with British fabric house Fermoie on a collection of lampshades to go with their famous portable Poldina Pro lamps. Instead of going with the obvious patriotic stripe, add a subtle touch of red and white to your table with the Wicker Pattern Lampshade

Outdoor stainless steel pizza oven with flame visible, set on a patio countertop amidst greenery in the background.
AFPO-C Countertop Artisan Fire Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo. Photo: Courtesy of Kalamazoo

5. AFPO-C Countertop Artisan Fire Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo

Complete your outdoor kitchen with Kalamazoo’s renowned Countertop Artisan Fire Pizza Oven. Not only can it be used to cook a mouthwatering Neapolitan pizza (recipes are included with purchase), but the design made to mimic a wood-fired oven also works well for roasting meats, fish, vegetables, and dessert.

Round blue and white striped area rug with scalloped edges.
Cabana Stripe Melamine Dinner Plate by Juliska. Photo: Courtesy of Juliska

6. Cabana Stripe Melamine Dinner Plate by Juliska

If you want the ease of not having to worry about your dinnerware breaking, Juliska’s melamine Cabana Stripe dinner plate is perfect for you. Travel to the South of France via your table setting as you enjoy a lovely dinner en plain air at home.   

Round navy blue crocheted floral doily with intricate patterns and textures.
Navy Daisy Jute Round Placemat s/4 by Caravan Home Décor. Photo: Courtesy of Caravan Home Décor

7. Navy Daisy Jute Round Placemat s/4 by Caravan Home Décor

Ground your place setting with Caravan Home’s textured, Daisy Jute placemats. Available in several colors, the navy will easily assimilate into Fourth of July or more classic tablescapes.   

Festive dining setup with scalloped napkins, decorative woven placemats, red and blue accents, and flower centerpiece
Lune Napkin in Red, White, and Blue by Kim Seybert. Photo: Courtesy of Kim Seybert

8. Lune Napkin in Red, White, and Blue by Kim Seybert

Kim Seybert’s embroidered Lune napkins in red, white, and blue are the perfect way to accessorize your table for the Fourth. Pair them with her Pop Rocks napkin ring for added pizzazz, or choose something more nautical like her Enamel Chain Link napkin ring that can be used year-round.    

Olive green cylindrical rolling side table with open storage compartment and lifting top.
Phil Outdoor Brazier Grill Module by Ethimo from 2 Modern. Photo: Courtesy of 2 Modern

9. Phil Outdoor Brazier Grill Module by Ethimo from 2 Modern

Ethimo’s compact Phil Outdoor Brazier Grill Module uses all aspects of its design. The top swings open to reveal the grill beneath and offers a tabletop to set your tools and food on.