Ice Cream Social Party Ideas

Here's the scoop on an easy, casual, yet creative party for your friends. This ice cream social features fresh flavors and simple, pretty decor, plus lots of opportunities for mingling between mouthfuls. It's all inspired by Jeni Britton Bauer, the founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus, Ohio. Read on for some of her favorite recipes, plus invitations and decorating ideas for this chill social occasion.

The invitations kick-start the nostalgia. A pretty scooped ice cream pattern has a perfect spot for a tuck-in wooden spoon. Print our pattern onto cardstock; trim the design as shown and use the pattern to cut invites from pretty colored paper.

The joy and nostalgia of ice cream is an immediate draw, plus it inspires bright, playful colors and decor that makes any gathering feel like a special occasion. Set up a simple chalkboard menu to welcome guests and entice them with the specials of the day. And the drink of choice? Rose Champagne, a perfect palate cleanser and complement for ice cream.

Simple banners made from pretty patterned paper or fabric scraps serve as room warm-ups. Simply cut material into a triangle, fold over a bit of the short edge and stitch or tape. String wire through the opening.

Keep hands clean and dress up your dessert with pretty cone covers that come together in less than a minute.

The centerpiece of the event is a make-your-own pie a la mode sundae bar with pie crust cookies, homemade fruit sauces, and garnishes of mint and edible flowers. Make signs to call attention to specific flavors and toppings so guests notice and taste them all.

Go beyond sugary toppings at the table -- edible flowers make pretty table decorations and tasty ice cream toppers.

Drilled with cone-size holes, a rustic piece of wood serves up some ice cream favorites, adding a hint of festivity to the occasion.

Let your guests take the party home with them. Give them the recipe for Ugandan Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (recipe, below, or use your own favorite), a wooden spoon, and a pint-size container with a pretty cozy.

Love these recipes? Get more with Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home. The book has more than 100 recipes alongside Jeni's tips and techniques (published by Artisan).

Make someone's big day extra special with a handmade card.