The Sam’s Club hosting cart that saves your prep day

If you host a lot, a “hosting cart” is basically your extra set of hands. Sam’s Club has everything you need to set one up without buying a fancy furniture piece. Think of it as a mobile station that keeps drinks, snacks, and supplies in one spot so guests aren’t constantly in your work triangle while you’re cooking.

Here’s how to build a practical hosting cart mostly from Sam’s without overcomplicating it.

1. Start with a simple rolling utility cart or folding table

If you don’t already have a bar cart, a sturdy rolling utility cart or even a folding table from Sam’s works. The goal is a surface you can move closer to the action or tuck against a wall. Add a cheap tablecloth or runner and suddenly it looks intentional, not like a work cart.

2. Add a bulk drink station

Grab a case of canned drinks (sparkling water, sodas) and a big pack of water bottles. Corral them in a tub or basket on the bottom shelf. For adults, a large glass drink dispenser or big pitcher for tea or punch sits on top. This pulls drink traffic away from your fridge and kitchen sink.

3. Stock bulk disposables that don’t look flimsy

Member’s Mark plates, cups, and cutlery often beat grocery-store prices and are sturdy enough that people aren’t grabbing doubles. Keep them on the middle shelf in baskets or bins so guests know where to grab. It’s not fancy, but it saves you from constant dishwashing mid-party.

4. Build a simple snack zone

Fill big bowls or jars with bulk snacks—pretzels, nuts, trail mix, or chips—and park them on the top shelf. Pair with one or two easy dips (from the refrigerated case) in small bowls. This keeps people fed and less likely to hover right where you’re trying to cook.

5. Keep napkins and “emergency” supplies handy

A big pack of napkins, wet wipes, toothpicks, and maybe a stain remover pen can live in a basket on the cart. It sounds small, but when a drink spills or someone asks for napkins, you’re not digging in cabinets. Label the basket if you want guests to help themselves without asking you.

6. Use the cart as a dessert landing zone

After dinner, clear the top and move desserts over: member-size cakes, pies, or cookie trays from the bakery section. Put dessert plates and forks right there. That keeps the main counter from crowding up when people start wandering back for “just a small slice.”

7. Turn it into a coffee and cocoa bar

For colder gatherings, swap snacks for a hot drink setup: big can of coffee, disposable cups with lids, sugar, creamers, and a tub of cocoa mix with marshmallows. A cheap electric kettle or carafe finishes the setup. This keeps steam and spills away from your stovetop and lets people serve themselves.

8. Store it “ready to roll” between gatherings

Between holidays, keep the cart lightly stocked with napkins, cups, and a few basics so you’re never starting from zero. Before the next gathering, you’re topping up, not building from scratch. It’s one of those systems that makes hosting feel less overwhelming because half the work is already done.