A few weeks ago I wrapped up the finishing touches on Studio DIY HQ using pieces from Target’s refreshed Room Essentials line. Alongside a new fridge I added a compact kitchen cart for extra prep space during the day and for food-focused shoots. It turned out to be the perfect size, but then I realized this cart could be more than a simple kitchen helper. Enter the Party Cart: a versatile, multipurpose piece ideal for small spaces. Most days it can serve as extra kitchen or bar space, but for special occasions it transforms into a festive party station. Here are three easy ways to style one cart for celebration-ready impact.
Birthday Party Cart: Everybody has birthdays, and a decorated cart makes a charming gift station. Keep it simple and functional: let guests drop off presents, grab party hats, and fill balloons at a mini balloon bar. Essentials for this setup include balloons, party hats, and a designated spot for gifts. For a small extra touch, tie mini honeycomb decorations to the cart handles. It’s an easy way to dress the cart without permanently altering it.
Taco Party Cart: Turn taco night into a full-on taco party by dedicating the cart to appetizers and toppings. Think chips and guacamole, which are always crowd-pleasers. Stock the cart with bowls of chips, a container of guacamole, a drawer of halved limes for squeezing, Mexican sodas, and small novelty items like mini piñatas as favors. If you want to go all out, a large decorative taco piñata adds a playful focal point. To update the handles, attach crepe paper tassels: cut a 4-inch strip, fringe one edge, roll, and secure with temporary adhesive for a festive fringe that won’t damage the cart.
Sugar Rush Cart: Every celebration benefits from a sweet station. A cart dedicated to desserts is perfect for parties of any theme, or you can make an entire Sugar Rush party out of it. Stock it with donuts, cupcakes, or slices of cake; set up ice cream and sundae toppings; fill a drawer with assorted sprinkles and candy; and provide straws and cups for floats and sundaes. For a cute handle detail, use an ice cream cone cookie cutter to cut cone shapes from air-dry clay, let them dry, paint, and attach temporarily to the handles for a whimsical, removable accent.
All photos by Studio DIY
What would you turn your kitchen cart into for a party? A poolside cart could be a fun summer option—especially as the season winds down. Now that I’ve explored its possibilities, this little cart may see a lot more use than I first expected.
This post is sponsored by Target. Shop Room Essentials for modern, practical pieces that make everyday life easier.