01

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Serve Homemade Ice Cream

Carson Downing

Homemade ice cream is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Don't limit yourself to only serving vanilla or chocolate—experiment with unique flavors that's easier than ever. All you have to do is prepare a batch of no-churn ice cream, and then customize it with distinct flavors, like banana or strawberry. You can even create your own flavor combinations!

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02

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Add Baked Goods

Carson Downing

The best ice cream social ideas include toppings like baked goods—extra points if they're homemade, like these Cherry Crumble Pie Bars. Complement them with different types of sprinkles, nuts, and fruit. Don't overlook the sauces: store-bought is fine, but consider making a batch of classic hot fudge by yourself.

03

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Set (and Show!) the Menu

Quentin Bacon

Greet guests with a fun, playful chalkboard sign listing all your party's offerings. Include a drink menu featuring rosé champagne for a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs well with ice cream. Don't forget to keep sparkling cider available for children as well.

04

of 08

Build a Sundae Bar

Marty Baldwin

For added convenience, set up a comprehensive sundae bar where guests can serve themselves. Arrange all of the essentials, like toppings, spoons, and the ice cream itself. Enhance the display with attractive dish towels, festive serving spoons, and a handy ice cream scoop.

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05

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Get Creative with Purchased Toppings

Get inventive with your ice cream toppings! Instead of using a bunch of bowls, try storing purchased toppings like sprinkles or candies in decorative small jars or muffin tins for an adorable presentation. Offer options such as cut-up fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and diced cookies, and remember to include small spoons for serving.

06

of 08

Make Stamped Napkins

Introduce a bit of whimsy to your ice cream social with the help of hand-stamped ice cream cone napkins. Craft your own stamps using wood blocks and foam sheets. Then, customize your napkins or tea towels with whatever colors you love the most.

07

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Pre-Scoop Ice Cream

You can prevent ice cream from melting quickly by pre-scooping it before guests arrive. Rather than setting out tubs of ice cream, prepare ahead by scooping different flavors onto a lined baking sheet and storing them in the freezer. At serving time, you can simply use a spatula to place individual scoops into each guest's bowl.

08

of 08

Send Guests Home with Treats

Quentin Bacon

Send all of your guests home with a piece of the party. Provide them with your favorite vanilla ice cream recipe, a wooden spoon, and a decorated pint-size container. Add a recipe card suggesting fun toppings they can try, like dark chocolate hot fudge, caramel sauce, and sprinkles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How much ice cream should I have per person for an ice cream social?
• 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. Choose a couple of standards like vanilla, the most popular flavor in the country, and chocolate, and one or two unique flavors, like butter pecan or rocky road, to add interest to the selection.
• What's the best way to keep ice cream in a cooler cold?
• 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. For the best lasting power and hardest freeze, dry ice is ideal, but it must rest above the ice cream and be covered and handled with gloves for safety.