Are you looking to cool off from the summer sun and indulge in some delicious ice cream? Hosting an ice cream party is the perfect way to do just that! Here we provide a complete guide on throwing a memorable and fun ice cream party for kids and adults.
This guide includes picking out crowd-pleasing flavors, recipes for healthier scoops, creative decoration ideas, and more!
Impress your guests (both young and old) with Insta-worthy treats that are sure to leave them wanting more! So grab your spoon… let’s get scooping!
Devising a Menu for Ice Cream Lovers
There is an infinitude of ice creams from which to choose. The combinations are almost limitless, including the usual suspects like vanilla and chocolate and more out-of-the-ordinary tastes like lavender honey and matcha.
Make sure to consider your visitors’ tastes when deciding what to serve. You need to ensure a wide selection of bites, including those that adhere to special diets like vegan and gluten-free.
You shouldn’t just serve ice cream without any toppings. Hot fudge, caramel, and sprinkles are some tried-and-true alternatives, but you can get creative with things like chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or even bacon pieces.
Some Healthy Topping Ideas
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Shredded coconut
- Honey or agave nectar
- Chia seeds
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chopped fresh mint or basil
- Dark chocolate chips or shavings
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- Yogurt or kefir
Building the Ideal Ice Cream Oasis
When it comes to keeping your ice cream from melting and cold, there are a few things to keep in mind. One option is to pre-scoop the ice cream into individual cups or bowls and place them in the freezer before the party.
This way, they will be ready to go and stay cold for longer. Another option is to use dry ice or gel packs in your ice cream container to keep it out.
For those with health concerns or dietary restrictions, there are plenty of alternative ice cream options, such as low-fat, low-sugar, or dairy-free options. These alternative ice cream options can be made at home or purchased from ice cream shops or supermarkets.
- When it comes to decorating your ice cream party, you can get creative with it. You can create a DIY photo booth area with fun ice cream-themed props and colorful decorations such as balloons and streamers.
- You can also use ice cream cones as vases for flowers or as holders for place cards.
- You could also make a fun ice cream cone garland to hang as a backdrop or create an ice cream sundae bar with different toppings and syrups to create a fun interactive experience.
Some Topping Ideas
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed cookies
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles
- Marshmallows
- Fruit syrups (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry)
- Peanut butter sauce
Finally, you could also include some entertainment for your party. You could hire an ice cream cart, truck, or bike. You could also organize a little ice cream eating contest and give the winner a prize.
Making Your Ice Cream Party Stand Out
“Build Your Own Sundae” Station A great way to add fun and creativity to any ice cream social is by setting up a “build your own sundae” station.
This can be as simple as providing a selection of toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts for guests.
Or you can get creative with unique ingredients like caramelized bananas and Nutella, grilled pineapple and coconut flakes, chocolate hazelnut and biscotti bits, lemon curd, and blueberries, or grilled peaches and prosecco!
Ice Cream Color Themes
Another fun way to liven up your ice cream social is by creating color themes that match your favorite flavors.
- Rocky Road looks great in shades of brown with white;
- Coffee Toffee pairs nicely with browns and creams;
- Chocolate Fudge pairs well with dark browns;
- Pistachio goes great with green and whites;
- Black Raspberry looks amazing in purples and blacks;
- Peach Melba looks beautiful in peaches and pinks.
These colors will give your party an extra special touch while making it look more cohesive.
Interactive Activities
Finally, remember the interactive activities! You can organize an old-fashioned scoop relay race where teams take turns scooping scoops of ice cream onto cones as quickly as possible.
Or you could have an eating contest where guests compete for who can eat the most scoops of ice cream in one sitting (with prizes!).
Interactive activities help create lasting memories that everyone will remember long after the party ends.
The Last Scoop
No matter your dietary restrictions, there’s an ice cream flavor and topping out there for you! When planning your menu, be sure to consider all of your guests’ needs and preferences. Beyond the classics like chocolate and vanilla, get creative with unique toppings like chopped nuts or fresh fruit. And remember the vegan/gluten-free options!
Decorating for an ice cream party is easy – use cones as vases for flowers or holders for place cards; make garlands from cone pieces etc. Add some DIY photo booth props and colorful decorations like balloons and streamers, and you’re good to go! Finally, an ice cream party would only be complete with entertainment.
Hire an ice cream cart/truck/bike & organize eating contests with prizes!. Set up a ‘Build Your Own Sundae station with unique ingredients like caramelized bananas & Nutella.
For more ideas on how to throw a spectacular backyard bash, check out my other post on Creative Ways to Throw a Backyard Ice Cream Fiesta.
