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  5. Throw Your Own Ice Cream Social

Throw Your Own Ice Cream Social

Sarah Martens headshot
By Sarah Martens Updated May 19, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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picnic table with ice cream social ingredients
Credit: Carson Downing
Host an epic ice cream social complete with homemade sundaes and bubbly summer beverages. 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!
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Serve Homemade Ice Cream

no-churn ice cream varieties and scoop
Credit: Carson Downing
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Making homemade ice cream can be just as fun as eating the finished product. But don't stick to just vanilla or chocolate—making your own unique flavors easier than ever! Whip up a batch of no-churn ice cream, then customize with one of our 12 flavor combinations. Try salted mocha! Give birthday cake a go. Or, come up with your own flavors!

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Make Roasted Strawberry Sauce

Roasted Strawberry Sauce
Credit: Carson Downing
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Add an unexpected twist to a classic ice cream topping like strawberry sauce. Roasting sliced strawberries before blending them into the sauce intensifies their sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness. Finish the ice cream topping with honey and fresh orange zest.

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Add Baked Goods

sundae bar with baked goods and toppings
Credit: Carson Downing

The best ice cream social spread includes baked goods (brownie points if they're homemade like these Gooey Butter Bars) for layering and crumbling, sprinkles nuts, and fruit. And don't forget the sauces: Store-bought is A-OK, but we like to make a batch of classic hot fudge.

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Set (and Show!) the Menu

ice cream menu
Credit: Quentin Bacon

Welcome guests with a fun chalkboard sign ($30, Michael) listing all the options at your social. The drink of choice to include on your menu? Rosé champagne, a perfect palate cleanser and complement for ice cream.

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Build a Sundae Bar

ice cream bar party toppings scoops spoons

To make things easy, set up a full sundae bar for your guests! Set out all the essentials, like toppings, spoons, and of course the ice cream. Add pretty dish towels, fun serving spoons, and an ice cream scoop ($20, Williams Sonoma), and let guests help themselves.

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Get Creative with Purchased Toppings

muffin tin with ice cream toppings

Get creative with your ice cream toppers! You don't need to set out a bunch of bowls for small purchased toppings like sprinkles or candies—small jars or muffin tins are the perfect containers, and they'll make your display cute as ever. Don't forget small spoons for serving.

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Make Stamped Napkins

hand stamped ice cream napkins towels sprinkles in bowl

Add a touch of whimsy to your ice cream social with hand-stamped ice cream cone napkins. Create your own stamps using wood blocks and foam sheets ($8, Walmart) then customize your napkins (or tea towels!) with your favorite colors.

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Make Themed Decor

ice cream pinata

Make a DIY fringed piñata for your ice cream-theme gathering. It's seriously so easy to make your own—it just takes some cardboard and tissue paper ($1, Hobby Lobby). Don't forget to top the finished pinata with plenty of paper "sprinkles".

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Pre-Scooped Ice Cream

serving ice cream scoops on cold tray

This ice cream hack will keep your ice cream from melting too fast. Don't let tubs of ice cream sit out while each of your party guests scoops their own sundae. Instead, prep the dessert before the party starts. Scoop several ice cream flavors onto a lined baking sheet and keep it in the freezer until party time. When you're ready to serve, just transfer the individual scoops to each guest's bowl with a spatula.

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Ice Cream Favors

ice cream favors
Credit: Quentin Bacon
Get the recipe.

Let your guests take the party home with them. Give them the recipe for your favorite vanilla ice cream, a wooden spoon, and a pint-size container with a pretty holder. Include a recipe card with fun topping ideas like dark chocolate hot fudge, salted caramel sauce, and sprinkles.

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    1 of 10 Serve Homemade Ice Cream
    2 of 10 Make Roasted Strawberry Sauce
    3 of 10 Add Baked Goods
    4 of 10 Set (and Show!) the Menu
    5 of 10 Build a Sundae Bar
    6 of 10 Get Creative with Purchased Toppings
    7 of 10 Make Stamped Napkins
    8 of 10 Make Themed Decor
    9 of 10 Pre-Scooped Ice Cream
    10 of 10 Ice Cream Favors

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