How to Throw a Summer Ice Cream Social

Ice cream cones may be easier for children at the social to manage.

Ice cream socials are perfect for bringing friends and family together to celebrate summer and enjoy a sweet treat or two. You can even customize your ice cream social according to your guest list, from a kid-friendly party with basic flavors and lots of candy toppings to an adult-friendly soiree with fancy gelato and unusual ice cream flavors.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ice cream, various flavors
• Toppings (candy pieces, syrup, marshmallows, cherries)
• Bowls
• Spoons
• Ice cream cones
• Ice cream scoops
• Tongs, scoops or spoons for serving toppings
• Napkins
• Party decorations
• Disposable aluminum pans
• Ice
• Baby wipes
• Pitcher ice water
• Cups

1. Make a list of guests you want to invite. Choose a date, time and location for the ice cream social; outdoors is best, since ice cream can get messy quickly. Send the invitations one to two weeks before the event, and be sure to tell guests to R.S.V.P. by a certain date.

2. Set up the location for the ice cream social on the day of the party. Organize different stations for the ice cream; toppings; cones; and bowls, spoons and napkins; this will help keep guest traffic flowing during the party. Cover each table with a wipeable plastic table cloth. Decorate the party area with streamers, balloons or any party decoration you like.

3. Choose a table for the ice cream. Set out the aluminum pans and fill them with ice. Place the ice cream containers in the ice so they remain cold. Place several ice cream scoops on the table.

4. Set up a separate table with baby wipes for cleaning up messes, napkins and a pitcher of ice water and cups for thirsty guests. Have large trashcans or bags set out so your guests can throw away trash.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having a large number of guests, consider designating two or three people to scoop ice cream. This will help cut down on messes, control portion sizes and prevent hold-ups at the ice cream table.

• If you plan to host the social at a public park, check with the local government to determine whether you need a reservation.

• Be sure to indicate which ice creams or toppings may contain nuts if you have any guests with allergies.

References

• Epicurious