Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer gathering, or having an outdoor movie night, an ice cream social is the perfect way to indulge in delicious desserts while enjoying each other’s company. But knowing how to make your ice cream party the most talked about event of the year can be challenging.
Keep reading to discover the best ice cream social ideas to help you organize an event everyone will enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about hosting a spectacular ice cream bash.
- Ice Cream Social Ideas
- Ice Cream Party Essentials
- Tips for Throwing the Best Ice Cream Party
- Host the Ultimate Ice Cream Bash
Ice Cream Social Ideas
Scoop up some fun and create sweet memories with your guests with these ice cream social ideas:
DIY ice cream sandwiches
Provide a selection of cookies, brownies, other baked goods, and different ice cream flavors. Guests can mix and match their favorite cookies and ice cream flavors to craft their own unique ice cream sandwiches. For instance, they can use red velvet cookies as a base and chocolate ice cream as a filling.
Don’t forget to offer toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed candies, or sprinkles for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ice cream float station
With an ice cream float station, you can transport your guests back to nostalgic soda fountain days. Set up a table with various sodas, such as root beer, cola, cream soda, and scoops of vanilla ice cream. Guests can pour their favorite soda over the ice cream to create deliciously fizzy floats.
For an adult twist, offer flavored liqueur or spirits to add a boozy kick to the floats.
Homemade milkshake hub
Indulge in creamy, dreamy milkshakes with a homemade milkshake hub. Provide blenders, various ice cream flavors, and mix-ins like cookies, candies, and syrups. Guests can perfectly blend their milkshakes, experimenting with different flavor combinations and textures.
For an extra decadent touch, offer fun toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of peanut butter.
Ice cream sundae bar
Not sure how to please everyone? Let them create their own delicious ice cream sundaes.
Set up a table with various ice cream flavors and an array of toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, whipped cream, caramel and chocolate sauces, fresh fruits, and cherries. Guests can customize their sundaes to their heart’s content, creating delicious combinations to satisfy their sweet cravings.
Use the ice cream social ideas we’ve provided as a starting point for your BBQ desserts.
Ice Cream Party Essentials
Ice cream parties are about indulging in delicious frozen treats and getting creative with various toppings and mix-ins. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to gather friends and family for a sweet treat, an ice cream party will surely delight guests of all ages – but you need the essentials. Here are the items you’ll need:
Various ice cream flavors
Make sure you offer a diverse selection of ice cream to cater to all your guests. Consider providing dairy-free options for those with lactose intolerance or vegan preferences and sugar-free or low-fat varieties for guests with dietary restrictions. Label each flavor clearly to make it easy for guests to identify which options are best for them.
Toppings and mix-ins
Provide an array of toppings and mix-ins for guests to customize their treats. From classic choices like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts to more adventurous options like gummy bears, cookie dough chunks, and fruit compotes.
Cones
Don’t forget to stock up on ice cream cones to serve as the perfect vessel for your frozen delights. To accommodate different preferences and dietary needs, offer various cone options, including traditional sugar cones, waffle cones, and gluten-free cones. Display the cones in an attractive stand for easy access.
Bowls
For guests who prefer their ice cream served in a bowl, provide plenty of bowls for them to enjoy their treats. Opt for durable, disposable bowls for easy cleanup, or use reusable options for an eco-friendly alternative. Ensure there are enough bowls available for all guests to enjoy their ice cream.
Utensils
Make sure you have an ample supply of spoons for guests to dig into their delicious desserts. Choose sturdy, plastic spoons that can handle scooping through frozen ice cream without bending or breaking. Consider providing regular-sized and smaller tasting spoons for guests who want to sample multiple flavors.
Ice cream scoop
A high-quality ice cream scoop is essential for serving up perfectly portioned scoops of ice cream. Invest in a durable scoop with a comfortable handle and sharp edge to effortlessly carve through ice cream. Consider having multiple scoops available to speed up the serving process.
Food
In addition to ice cream, consider offering a selection of snacks and treats to round out your event menu. This could include cookies, brownies, fruit platters, or savory options like popcorn or pretzels for guests craving a salty contrast to their sweet treats. Don’t forget to provide ice cream party food for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies so everyone can indulge in the festivities.
Tips for Throwing the Best Ice Cream Party
Hosting an ice cream party can be a delightful way to treat your guests to a sweet and memorable experience. However, serving ice cream without it melting too quickly can often be challenging, especially in the summer. Part of learning how to host an ice cream social is knowing what to do to prevent melting. Luckily, with the right tips and tricks, you can ensure that your ice cream party runs smoothly:
- Pre-scoop the ice cream: Scooping the ice cream in advance and storing it in the freezer until serving time can help streamline the process and prevent long wait times for guests. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to pre-scoop individual portions of ice cream, cover, and freeze until needed.
- Keep ice cream cold with dry ice: If you’re hosting an ice cream party outside, consider using dry ice to keep your ice cream cold throughout the event. Place chunks of dry ice in a cooler or insulated container and nestle the containers of ice cream inside. Be sure to handle dry ice safely and avoid direct contact with food or your skin.
- Invest in insulated serving dishes: Insulated serving dishes and bowls help keep ice cream colder for longer once it’s scooped and served. These dishes can slow down the melting process, giving guests more time to enjoy their desserts without worrying about them turning into soup.
- Offer a variety of serving utensils: Provide a selection of ice cream scoops in different sizes to accommodate various portion preferences. Additionally, consider offering scoop holders or racks to keep scoops off the table.
- Monitor temperature and sun exposure: Be mindful of the temperature and sun exposure in your party space, as heat can accelerate the melting process. Position the ice cream serving area in a shaded spot away from direct sunlight, and consider using fans to keep the area cool.
- Have backup supplies on hand: Anticipate potential mishaps by having extra supplies on hand, such as additional ice cream, cones, bowls, and toppings. This ensures you can quickly replenish any items that run out or address any unforeseen issues without disrupting the flow of the party.
Host the Ultimate Ice Cream Bash
With our creative ideas for an ice cream social, you’re well-equipped to throw the ultimate ice cream bash. Add Mrs. Fields® delicious cookies and brownies to your dessert spread to make your party even sweeter. Whether you use them as toppings for sundaes or serve them alongside your frozen treats, our delectable cookies and brownies are sure to leave your guests craving more.