July is National Ice Cream Month, it’s a great time to have an ice cream party! The ice cream theme is great for any summer event including birthdays, graduations, picnics, barbecues, or just because it’s summer. You can fit ice cream to match any party theme including your 4th. of July celebrations, after all who doesn’t love ice cream? So go ahead celebrate with ice cream this summer!
I’ve seen some really cool ideas for ice cream parties. (see my Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social post for more ideas). Right now my favorites are ice cream in Mason Jars, and DIY sundae/soda bars. However you decide to serve your ice cream here are a few tips on how to make it easier as well as FREE printables for your next ice cream event.
For any size party pre-scoop ice cream the night before. Place each scoop into a cupcake liner and store in the freezer until ready to serve. It makes serving easier and keeps things neat specially if you have little ones.
Courtesy of Pop Sugar
Pre-scoop ice cream into individual mason jars not only makes serving easier, it looks cute too! It’s a great idea for ice cream bars, cook-outs, and picnics!
Or you can put your scoops in small paper ice cream cups. There are many designs, colors, and sizes available that will match your color or theme.
Courtesy of Baked Bree
Mason or jelly jars are a great way to serve toppings. Left over toppings can be stored by just screwing on the jar’s lid and bam! it’s stored and ready for the next time!
Ice filled metal or plastic tubs will keep ice cream from melting. You can use it to hold pre-scooped ice cream as well as large cartons, just be sure the scoops are near by if you’re expecting guests to serve themselves. You should have at least 2 – 3 scoops for guests to use to make serving faster, a better idea, in my opinion is to have a scoop for each flavor. I hate the idea of placing a container of water on the table to “clean” off the scoops; to me it just looks “yucky” to have cloudy water near food and it really doesn’t clean anything.
Courtesy of The Cosy Old Farmhouse
Courtesy of Last Day Ago
Wrap cans of whipped cream in wrapping paper and place a pretty label on it adds a special touch to any ice cream bar.
Place jars of hot toppings like hot fudge and caramel in a crock pot to keep them warm. You can even make your own sauces by melting chocolate morsels in the same pot before setting it out.
Courtesy of HWTM
Other sauces can be placed in plastic condiment squeeze bottles from the dollar store. Stick on a label to identify the flavor.
Tiered stands are great for any party table, they can hold just about anything including assorted ice cream cones.
Click here to learn how to DIY tiered stands from dollar and thrift store finds!
Here are free ice cream party printables from Catch My Party. You can print out invitations, banners, toppers, and more.
Courtesy of HWTM
You can download these printables from HWTM and Pottery Barn.
Courtesy of The Suburban Mom
Here are free printable cone wrappers and menu cards from The Suburban Mom!
Courtesy of Anne’s Vinyl
More free printables from Anne’s Vinyl
Courtesy of Hello Wonderful
Ice cream cone garland from Hello Wonderful.
Set of free printables from We Heart Parties!
Courtesy of Kara’s Party Ideas
Get links for free printable invites and favor bag labels from Kara’s Party Ideas. There’s even a free tutorial for an adorable headband!
Learn how to make this popsicle garland from pool noodles from Oh Happy Day!
I just love these popsicle invitations from Martha Stewart!
Courtesy of Studio DIY
Learn how to make these ice cream balloon weights from Studio DIY!
Courtesy of Mermaiden
Adorable party hat! Perfect for any ice cream party. Learn how to make it here!
