Ice Cream Social Ideas for a Crowd-Pleasing Party for All Ages

Serve Homemade Ice Cream

Making homemade ice cream can be just as fun as eating the finished product. But don't stick to just vanilla or chocolate—making unique flavors is easier than ever! Whip up a batch of no-churn ice cream, then customize it with one of our 19 flavors. You can try banana or give rocky road a go. Or get creative and come up with your own flavors!

Add Baked Goods

The best ice cream social ideas always include toppings like 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.

Set (and Show!) the Menu

Welcome guests with a fun chalkboard sign 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.

Build a Sundae Bar

To make things easy, a great ice cream social idea is to set up a full sundae bar for your guests! Lay 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 ($25, Williams Sonoma), and let guests help themselves.

Get Creative with Purchased 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.

Make Stamped Napkins

• 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.

Pre-Scoop Ice Cream

This ice cream social idea will keep your ice cream from melting too fast. Don't let tubs of ice cream sit out while your party guests scoops their 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.

Create Ice Cream Favors

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.