Don’t have a picnic table or patio set? No problem! You can still serve your guests comfortably and stylishly using items you already have.

One versatile option is the ironing board. Once relegated to ironing only, it can double as a portable buffet or prep table. Simply stabilize its legs with bricks or sandbags, cover it with a colorful tablecloth or oilcloth, and it’s ready to hold food and equipment. If you’re feeling crafty, sew utensil pockets on the tablecloth for easy access.

Need a way to keep salads and drinks cold? Use a laundry basket, plastic baby tub, wagon, or even a child’s plastic wading pool filled with ice. Place soda cans along the edges and nestle salad bowls in the center, twisting them slightly into the ice to secure them.

Add a few outdoor-safe serving trays and a drink dispenser, and you’ve got a stylish, functional setup that didn’t cost a fortune. The key is to think creatively and use what you have. With a bit of imagination, your cookout can be charming, efficient, and totally memorable.