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Fun and Games: 8 Must-Have Outdoor Accessories to Look and Feel Cool This Summer

Not only do these selections offer hours of entertainment, but they also double as works of art for your lawn

By Parker Bowie Larson
Vintage-style bicycle with brown leather seat and basket parked on green grass beside a pool and stone wall in sunny weather.
Women’s Leather-Covered Bicycle from Artemest. Photo: Courtesy of Artemest

Summer is finally in full swing, and one way to beat the heat is by staying occupied. Whether hosting a fun gathering or traveling with friends for a long weekend, nothing is more of a hit than a great game, so why not invest in one of the latest outdoor offerings from some of our favorite fashion brands? 

If you are hosting, now is the perfect time to add a new game table to your outdoor furniture setup like the sculptural Petal Ping Pong table by James de Wulf, or the fire engine red outdoor foosball table by Janus et Cie. Not only do these selections offer hours of entertainment, but they also double as works of art. Bonus: most of these selections also make great hostess gifts! If outdoor sports like surfing and biking are more your speed, opt for Maison Dior’s limited-edition surfboard from their CD Entrelacés collection or Artemest’s leather-clad bicycle made in Italy, which will help you stay fashionable and fit. 

Below, find eight must-have items for keeping busy this summer.

Two colorful beach paddles and a ball on sandy beach.
Succulent Sultan Set of 2 Beach Rackets by Hermès. Photo: Courtesy of Hermès

1. Succulent Sultan Set of 2 Beach Rackets by Hermès

Featuring a unique tri-colored popsicle melting in the sun on one side with matching colors in a color block pattern on the other, this chic set of beach rackets designed by Daiske Nomura for Hermès was surprisingly inspired by a 19th century ice cream mold.

Cloud-shaped ping pong table with two pastel paddles and a net, creating a whimsical and playful design.
Petal Ping Pong table by James de Wulf. Photo: Courtesy of James de Wulf

2. Petal Ping Pong table by James de Wulf

Known for his innovative concrete creations, James de Wulf shared his softer side at this past Design Miami with his latest Flowerchild series. His Petal Ping Pong table, which is shaped like a flower and comes with beautiful ping pong paddles and a metal net, can also double as an outdoor dining table making it a functional work of art for any outdoor space. 

Blue and white surfboard with a circular design in the center on a plain background.
Surf Board Limited Edition by Dior Maison. Photo: Courtesy of Dior Maison

3. Surf Board Limited Edition by Dior Maison

Hit the waves and look chic while doing so with this vibrant blue surf board designed by Cordelia de Castellane for Dior Maison. Made of fiberglass with the fashion house’s blue and white CD Entrelacés motif on the front, this beautiful board is limited to only 4 pieces. 

Red foosball table with sleek design, featuring metal players and sturdy legs on a white background.
Foosball Table by Janus et Cie. Photo: Courtesy of Janus et Cie

4. Foosball Table by Janus et Cie

Who wouldn’t want to play foosball outside by the pool or perhaps on the porch of their beachfront property? Well, now you can with Janus et Cie’s chic game table, which is available in a variety of colors, including this fiery red. 

Croquet set with wooden mallets, colored balls, metal wickets, and accessories in front of a wicker basket.
Hurlingham Club Quality Croquet Set from Scully & Scully. Photo: Courtesy of Scully & Scully

5. Hurlingham Club Quality Croquet Set from Scully & Scully

Scully & Scully’s four player croquet set features brass banded traditional wooden mallets and all of the game’s necessities arriving in a hand-woven English willow basket complete with bridle hide straps. Even Reginald Bamford would be proud to play with this set!

Striped canvas bag with bocce ball set containing colorful balls on a white background.
The Bocce Ball set by Business & Pleasure Co. Photo: Courtesy of Business & Pleasure Co.

6. The Bocce Ball set by Business & Pleasure Co.

Nothing says summer like the game of Bocce. With this portable set by Business & Pleasure Co. that includes 8 resin balls, 2 Pallino balls, and comes with a mini duffel bag crafted from textured PU Vinyl making it suitable for carrying to the beach or playing out on your lawn, you are sure to have fun in any outdoor setting.  

Vintage-style bicycle with brown leather seat and basket parked on green grass beside a pool and stone wall in sunny weather.
Women’s Leather-Covered Bicycle from Artemest. Photo: Courtesy of Artemest

7. Women’s Leather-Covered Bicycle from Artemest

If cycling is your passion but perhaps you live in the city and you want a bike that is nice to look at, Artemest’s leather-covered bicycle that is made in Italy is perfect for you. A collector’s item, this hand-sewn leather ride can withstand the elements thanks to its water-resistant, natural wax coating.

Skittles set by Brunello Cucinelli. Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

8. Skittles set by Brunello Cucinelli from Net-a-Porter

Brunello Cucinelli’s skittles set, which is made of African abachi wood, comes with two bowls plus a chic leather-trimmed caddy to store it in when not in use. This time-tested, which originated on English lawns, is the predecessor of bowling and a wonderful, outdoor game to share with your guests.