When entertaining outdoors, some hosts may constantly move from indoors to out with food, drinks, plates and other supplies. Serving carts can be a stylish and helpful piece for entertaining, and even corralling items such as toys and shoes.
"Carts are really a hot item right now because of the versatility," said Ana White, a DIY/construction blogger at ana-white.com.
Cart styles are as varied as design styles, whether you have contemporary tastes or prefer a rustic look. Prices range from less than $100 to more than $1,000.
A cart also can be a DIY project. White has designed a cart for The Home Depot's Do-It-Herself Workshop, a free event on Aug. 21 at stores around the country. White will lead the workshop at the Midtown store (650 Ponce De Leon, Ave., Atlanta); sign up at workshops.homedepot.com.
Whether you build or buy a cart, be sure to look for wood and finishes that are resistant to weather and rust. If making a cart, White recommends using cedar and then wood slats for the shelves to provide water drainage, as well as screws and nails made for exterior applications.
Here are six cart options, ranging in styles and price.
Kingsley-Bate Serving Cart: Made from durable teak wood, this four-wheeled cart boasts extra features including bottle and glass racks, storage drawers and a removable serving tray. A folding table leaf can be raised for additional prep and serving space. Retails for $750 at Authenteak, authenteak.com.
Wicker Patio Serving Cart: Priced under $100, this four-wheeled cart is made of all-weather resin wicker on a steel frame. It has two shelves and comes in four finishes – black, white, honey and espresso. Retails for $99.99 at overstock.com.
Luxembourg Bar with Wheels: Choose from an array of colors, such as verbena and carrot, with this contemporary-style cart made by Fermob, a French outdoor furniture manufacturer. The company uses a paint finish that is treated for outdoor use. The two-wheeled cart has a wine rack on the bottom shelf and a removable tray top. Retails for $932 at shophorne.com.
Fenton Patio Serving Cart: The two-wheeled cart's weaved pattern comes from resin wrapped around a steel frame. It matches other items, such as a loveseat, chairs and table in The Home Depot's Fenton Collection. Priced for $199 at homedepot.com.
Jardine Bar Cart: With a driftwood finish, this cart fits into a garden or woodsy setting. The two-wheeled cart is made of tropical hardwood that is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Retails for $254 at WestElm.com.
Montego Bay Outdoor Patio Cart: This cart is more like a kitchen island on wheels, complete with a stainless steel top. Store items in three drawers, plus there's a cabinet with shelves. It's made of shorea wood, which is durable and water-resistant, with a eucalyptus finish. Retails for $553.59 at wayfair.com.
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