I used to spend every backyard party doing the same thing on repeat:
Running in to grab sunscreen… handing out towels… digging through drawers for Band-Aids… refilling drinks… answering “Hey, do you have…?” About 47 times.
Not exactly the relaxing host vibe we’re going for, right?
So this year, I tried something different for backyard party guest hosting season, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I cut out the middleman (me).
Outdoor storage cabinet | Pool towels | Window box planter
I just did two pushes deck box To create a temporary outdoor sideboard on our pool deck and turn it into a self-service guest station.
And all of you… that is talent in the simplest way.
Why a backyard party guest station changes everything
Instead of being an on-call concierge for every little need, now:
- Guests can get what they want without asking
- Everything is easy for visitors to find to reduce their stress
- I can actually enjoy sitting down, eating and partying
It’s one of those function-first ideas that makes your backyard party feel even more elevated.
And if you know me, you know that’s my favorite combo:
Beautiful and practical. (As Paul Hollywood would say, “style and substance.”)
Related: Swim party checklist and backyard party planning tips
Related: How to Throw a Backyard Movie Night Party on a Budget
Setup: Turning a deck box into a backyard hosting station
If you have space, put 2 deck box side by side to form a long surface. Style the top like a buffet or console table. And use the inside storage space to stash all your guest essentials.
If you want to make it a little more special, you can:
- Add a tray or basket to the coral items
- Use a small lamp or lantern at evening parties
- Throw in a few faux stems or potted plants
- Hang a cute little sign like “Help Yourself”.
It might seem deliberate at first, but secretly, it’s doing all the heavy lifting for you.
I love that the doors on my deck box lock with the twist of a knob. I’ve had these towels out in this box for a month, and they’ve been completely dry, dust/pollen/bug-free! They still smell freshly laundered, which I didn’t expect at all.
Related: How to Stock a Guest Bathroom for Visitors
What to Stock in Your Backyard Party Guest Station
Think of it as a mini convenience station for your guests. Here are a few ideas of things you can store in your guest station that are likely to come in handy.
Comfort and protection
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Aloe gel (for sunburn relief)
- Hand sanitizer
- Spare sunglasses
- Cooling towel or face mist
- Mini fans (for hot summer days)
- Wet wipes
Pool and outdoor essentials
- Extra pool towels
- Cheap flip flops (great for their forgetful guests)
- Hair ties and claw clips
- Wipe the sunglasses
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Swim diapers
- Goggles
- Extra safety swim vest
Health items
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes)
- Pain relief
- Allergy medications
- Relieves itching after a bite
- Napkins and paper towels
- Plastic utensils
- Straws or drink stirrers
- Bottle openers and wine keys
- Extra cup or koozie
If you have a lot of people, you can leave some space open so guests can use the shelves as cubbies for their bags.
At the end of the day, this backyard party guest hosting station is one of those little changes that makes a big difference. It’s…
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to set up
- Totally customizable
- And secretly saves your sanity
Favorite Outdoor Storage Cabinets For Backyard Guest Stations
I’ll link some of my favorite deck boxes and outdoor storage cabinets below that work perfectly for this type of setup, especially if you want something that blends in with your patio and still looks like a piece of furniture.
upper left | top right | medium | bottom left | bottom right
Because if we can make hosting easy And beautiful?
It’s always a yes around here.
More backyard party hosting tips
