Thank you to Walmart for partnering on this post!
It felt like forever since our last summer gathering, so when the weather turned perfect this week we set up an ice cream sundae party on the front porch. Even with renovations still in progress, a simple celebration was easy to pull together and felt so refreshing.
I prefer low-fuss entertaining, so I often choose “serve yourself” or “make your own” layouts. Guests enjoy picking their favorites, and it keeps hosting relaxed and enjoyable.
While we wait for the kitchen to be finished I’ve been adding a few versatile serving pieces to our collection. After downsizing when we moved, I’m intentional about what we bring back into the home—items that are attractive, easy to store, and useful for multiple occasions. I found ten great pieces at Walmart that fit those needs and worked perfectly for our sundae bar and porch setup.
Cloth napkins add an instant touch of color and polish. I picked patterned fabric napkins that double as decor accents on the serving table or anywhere we want a cheerful pop of color.
A rattan tray is one of those multipurpose items I reach for constantly. It works for carrying dishes in and out, corralling serving items on a table, or simply styling the counter.
I also fell for a compact bar cart that fits our small porch perfectly. It’s sturdy, on wheels, and includes a removable serving tray. We’ll use it for serving, holding plants, or bringing extra style indoors when needed.
Right now the cart lives on the front porch, but I can already picture it on our future back deck for s’mores nights and summer evenings.
These small bamboo melamine bowls are ideal for scoops of ice cream, toppings, or small bites. They’re lightweight and unbreakable, so they’re great for outdoor use and worry-free when kids are around.
A blue and white outdoor rug anchors the porch and adds a fresh, summery feel. It’s a simple way to define the space and make it feel finished.
A galvanized tub is wonderfully useful: we used it to hold drinks for the party, but it also works for collecting s’mores supplies, displaying plants, or creating a casual centerpiece.
A rectangular galvanized serving tray with removable bowls is one of my favorite finds. Use it assembled to serve multiple toppings, or separate the tray and bowls for different serving needs—very handy for both ice cream bars and s’mores stations.
I also like a square galvanized serving tray with a fold-flat handle. The removable bowls give flexibility for arranging toppings or condiments and make storage simpler.
A sturdy ceramic planter with a subtle wave pattern adds personality to the porch. Its weighted base prevents tipping and a drain plug makes watering easy—perfect for outdoor use.
To finish the porch vibe we added white string lights. The LED bulbs give warm light and last longer than traditional bulbs. One 31.5-foot strand covered our porch perfectly, and the strands can be connected end-to-end if more length is needed.
The lights create a cozy atmosphere in the evening. I’ll be sharing more photos and short videos of our setup on Instagram later today.
Sources:
Steel Wicker Bar Serving Cart
White Galvanized Steel Square Serving Tray with Bowls
White Galvanized Rectangle Serving Tray with Bowls
String Lights
Trellis Pattern Multicolor Fabric Napkins
Blue and White Outdoor Rug
White Oval Galvanized Tub
Rectangular Rattan Tray
White Patterned Planter
8 oz Blue Bamboo Melamine Bowls
Hydrangeas