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.

The taste of fresh summer pies inspired these delightful ice cream combinations. Start with a scoop of ice cream and add this peach-based sauce. Serve with pie crust cookies for a peachy masterpiece.

This time let plums be the star in this zippy plum-pie ice cream creation.

Tart, delicious blueberries are responsible for this classic sauce.

Pre-assembled ice cream pies can accompany the occasion. Best-yet they can be made ahead and frozen. Our recipe makes 12 to 20 pies.

We love homemade ice cream! Make the most of sweet summer strawberries in this classic frozen dessert.

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.