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It felt like ages since our last summer gathering, so when a stretch of beautiful weather arrived we set up a casual ice cream sundae party on the front porch. Even though our kitchen renovation isn’t finished, a simple outdoor celebration was exactly what we needed.
I prefer low-fuss entertaining, so “serve yourself” or “build your own” food setups are my go-to. They’re easy to organize and guests enjoy choosing their favorite combinations.
While waiting for the new kitchen, I picked up a few versatile serving pieces to keep on hand for s’mores nights and sundae bars. Since we downsized when we moved, I’m being intentional about what we bring back into the home. I found ten practical, attractive items at Walmart that are easy to store and perfect for summer gatherings.
Cloth napkins instantly lift a table, so I picked colorful trellis-print fabric napkins that work well for serving or as casual decor on a serving table. They add a cheerful pop of color without adding clutter.
A rectangular rattan tray is invaluable for carrying dishes, corralling serving items, or acting as a counter centerpiece. The natural texture complements summer styling and is easy to store.
I also fell for a compact steel wicker bar cart. It’s the ideal size for our small porch: sturdy, mobile with wheels, and includes a removable serving tray. We’ll use it for serving on the porch or deck and bring it inside when needed.
For now the cart lives on the front porch, but it will be equally useful on the back deck for s’mores nights and outdoor entertaining.
Small bamboo-melamine bowls are perfect for a sundae bar—ideal for single scoops, toppings, or small sides. They’re durable for outdoor use and child-friendly since they won’t break.
A blue-and-white outdoor rug rounds out the porch setup by adding color and defining the space. We picked a pattern that ties in with the napkins and bowls for a cohesive look.
A white galvanized tub is a classic and flexible piece. We used it for drinks this time, but it also works for holding s’mores supplies, as a planter center, or as a cooler for summer gatherings.
A white galvanized rectangular serving tray with removable bowls is tremendously useful. Use the tray with the bowls for toppings, or separate them to create layered serving stations—handy for ice cream bars and s’mores alike.
I also like a square galvanized tray with a fold-flat handle for compact storage. The removable bowls make it adaptable for different serving needs.
A sturdy ceramic planter with a drain plug and a subtle wave pattern brings life to the porch and resists tipping. It’s a simple detail that adds texture and interest to the space.
To finish the ambiance, we added white string lights for a warm evening glow. The LED bulbs provide long life and the strand was long enough to light the porch. Their soft light makes the space cozy after sunset.
The lights create such a cozy vibe in the evening. I’ll post more photos and videos of the setup on Instagram, where I share behind-the-scenes looks at our gatherings.
Sources (scroll and click below for details):
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
Browse more outdoor and garden decor on Walmart!