Host a summer party everyone will enjoy using our tipsbecause who doesn’t love ice cream?

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in everyone’s favorite creamy dessertice cream.

But don’t settle for a simple bowl of chocolate chip or rocky road.

picnic table with ice cream social ingredients

Credit: Carson Downing

Host an epic ice cream social complete with homemade sundaes.

Whip up a batch of homemade no-churn ice cream and let your guests add their own toppers.

We even have tips for preventing melty messes!

no-churn ice cream varieties and scoop

Credit: Carson Downing

), aDirty Shirley, or set up a self-serveMargarita bar.

or a mocktail-optional Pineapple Ginger Punch.

Use these easy tips to set the table, add the toppings, and serve the scoops.

sundae bar with baked goods and toppings

Credit: Carson Downing

Serve Homemade Ice Cream

Makinghomemade ice creamcan be as fun as eating the finished product.

But don’t stick to just vanilla or chocolatemaking unique flavors is easier than ever!

Whip up a batch of no-churn ice cream, then customize it with one of our 21 flavors.

ice cream menu

Credit: Quentin Bacon

you could try banana or give strawberry a go.

Or get creative and come up with your own combinations!

Set (and Show!)

ice cream bar party toppings scoops spoons

Credit: Marty Baldwin

the Menu

Welcome guests with a fun chalkboard sign listing all the options at your social.

Have sparkling cider on hand for kids, too.

Lay out all the essentials, like toppings, spoons, and, of course, the ice cream.

muffin tin with ice cream toppings

Get Creative with Purchased Toppings

Get creative when serving your ice cream toppers!

Include options like cut-up fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and diced cookies.

Don’t forget small spoons for serving.

hand stamped ice cream napkins towels sprinkles in bowl

Create your own stamps using wood blocks and foam sheets, thencustomize your napkins(or tea towels!)

with your favorite colors.

Pre-Scoop Ice Cream

This ice cream social idea will keep your ice cream from melting too fast.

serving ice cream scoops on cold tray

Don’t set out tubs of ice cream while your party guests scoop their sundae.

Instead, prep the dessert before the party starts.

Scoop several ice cream flavors onto alined baking sheetand keep it in the freezer until party time.

ice cream favors

Credit: Quentin Bacon

Send Guests Home with Treats

Let your guests take the party home with them.

Give them your favoritevanilla ice creamrecipe, a wooden spoon, and a decorated pint-size container.

Include a recipe card with fun topping ideas like dark chocolate hot fudge, caramel sauce, and sprinkles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended amount is 3 half-cup servings, or 1 1/2 cups per person.

So that would mean one gallon of ice cream would yield approximately 10 servings.

Ideally, use block ice in a cooler when you’re storing ice cream.

The block ice melts more slowly than cubed ice, so it keeps the ice cream frozen for longer.