Who doesn’t love ice cream…especially during the warm summer months!?! Since I was a little girl, there was nothing I enjoyed more than an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. When Tillamook asked me to join them for their Summer Scoop Series and share hosting and decorating tips…I was MORE than happy to jump in and join. There’s something special about their product and it truly needs to be tasted and experienced. I’m going to share my best tips and tricks to throw a memorable (and delicious) ice cream social this summer!
Ice Cream Sample Bar
Setting up an ice cream sample bar is a fun way to make your guests feel like they’re at an ice cream parlor. Using a large galvaized bucket filled with ice and dry ice you can display several flavors of ice cream. I filled mason jars with different ice cream flavors and left a pile of small spoons nearby for guests to grab, taste and toss. I had to keep a close eye on my small spoon trash bin because people could’t stop tasting!!
To mark the flavors, I used large popcicle sticks and wooden spoons. I created the labels using a dymo label marker for a vintage look. To ensure the ice cream markers didn’t move too much as the ice melted, I floze the sticks in small cups of water.
Ice Cream Cone Balloons
Ballons are a simple, budget friendly piece of decor you can add to any party. Using gold 12″x12″ scrap book paper for the cone, white balloons, string and double sized tape I created this balloon display. Add fun stickers to the balloons to customize your party.
Ice Cream Topping Bar
Here’s a chance to get creative with food! Continuing with the same decor theme, I used mason jars, and wooden spoons with dymo labels to create a fun space for guests to whip up custom ice cream concoctions. I went a little outside the box and included items like fresh mint and lemon curd that are amazing on Tillamook Old -Fashioned Vanilla. And I highly recommend trying fresh strawberries and graham cracker pieces with balsamic glaze on Tillamook Strawberry Ice Cream. Of course I added some traditional toppings too like chocolate chips…but it was neat to watch people get creative!!
Ice Cream Serving Station
Using a large bucket filled with ice and dry ice, I displayed several flavors for guests to dig into. I also pre-scooped additional ice cream flavors for guests so they could easily fill cups and cones. On small pre-frozen baking sheets, scoop ice cream and store in the freezer until you are ready to serve.
Custom Ice Cream Cone Wrappers
Custom ice cream cone wrappers are a great way to add some personalization to your ice cream gathering. I created custom Tillamook wrappers to personalize the waffle and sugar cones for this party. But if you know me at all (hehe)…you know my love for buffalo check. So I also wrapped a few cones in navy/white and black/white too. And I’ve made them available for you to download HERE!
I have also included a blank wrapper template that you can customize for your party needs just as I did for Tillamook.
Hope this helps you brainstorm a few ways you can add a little fun and personality to your summer parties. I love nothing more than being the hostest with the mostest and I hope I’ve inspired you to get creative and have a little fun.
To find Tillamook Ice Cream near you, click HERE.
Until next time buddies!
xoxo
