I scream, you scream, we all scream for….well, you know the rest! It wouldn’t be summer without a tribute to ice cream, especially with #NationalIceCreamDay coming up on July 15. In honor of the sweet stuff, we put together this guide to hosting a stress-free ice cream social in your backyard. After all, ice cream parties are an easy, fun and inexpensive way to get everyone together during the warm weather months. So let’s get started!
Host an Ice Cream Social
Set the Scene
Once you’ve picked a date and sent out invites, it’s time to assemble everything you need for your party.
- The setup: Summertime is the perfect excuse to be carefree, so keep things simple! Do a buffet-style setup with bowls, spoons, napkins, toppings, etc., so kids can make their own sundaes in an assembly line fashion. Add paper tablecloths and balloons in cheery, pastel colors to mimic an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Display a chalk board to welcome guests and announce the day’s flavors.
- The ice cream: Stick to classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry since they’ll serve as a great base for all the toppings you’ll have on hand. Consider adding one carton of a popular “fun” flavor like chocolate chip cookie dough or cookies ‘n cream, but don’t feel the need to overdo it with options. If you’re hosting the party outside, keep your ice cream cartons in an ice-filled cooler to prevent them from melting.
- The toppings: Fill colorful little bowls with kid-approved toppings like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, crushed peanut butter cups and, of course, Go Organically Organic Fruit Snacks. Don’t forget the chocolate syrup and whipped cream!
Put Together a “Sweet” Playlist
Set the mood by creating a playful music soundtrack themed around sweets and treats, with a mix of nostalgic, kid-friendly songs. Our suggestions to get you started:
- “Ice Cream Man” by Tom Waits
- “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee & The Starliters
- “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye
- “Tutti Fruitti” by Little Richie
- “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
- “Blueberry Hill’ by Fats Domino
- “I Love Rocky Road” by Weird Al Yankovic
- “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Play a “Cool” Game
Delight little ones by adding an ice cream-themed game to the agenda. We love “Pin the Cherry on the Sundae”—a riff on the classic party game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
- Draw a picture of a large ice cream sundae on a poster board, or simply print out an oversize photo.
- Give each kid a construction paper cherry with double-sided tape on the back.
- One by one you’ll blindfold each guest, spin them around, and instruct them to place the cherry as close to the top of the sundae as they can.
- The guest who places the cherry closest is the winner and gets to make their sundae first. YUM!
Giveaway
Enter to win! One winner will receive a Go Organically Fruit Snacks prize pack
How? It’s easy! Enter to win by using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good luck!