30 Sweet Ideas for Throwing the Best Ice Cream Social

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with friends.

By: Farima Alavi
Related To:
Desserts Parties Recipes

This Sunday is National Ice Cream Day. Even though you don't need a designated day to enjoy ice cream during hot summer days, we're glad there is a day dedicated to the cool, sweet treat. To celebrate, we share our favorite ideas to throw the best ice cream social.

Send Invites

Party Invitations in Shape of Ice Cream

DIY Ice Cream Cone Invitations

Add a fun, handmade twist to ordinary party invitations with a cute and clever ice cream shape. You'll need the following materials for this nifty project: several sheets of card stock in pastel colors, brown or tan textured card stock, scissors, felt-tip pen, pencil, glue stick, invitation envelopes, hole punch, ribbon and a downloadable ice cream cone template.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Set the tone of your party by sending themed invites. 

Make These: Ice Cream Cone Party Invites

DIY the Decor

Two Girls Hugging With Paper Cone Party Hats

Ice Cream Cone Hats

Keep the kids entertained at their next party with this whimsical hat project. You'll need: brown or tan card stock, brown marker, scissors, craft knife, hole punch, hot glue gun and glue sticks, 3/8" width elastic, pom poms in pastel colors, ribbon and a downloadable cone template.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Make ice cream cone party hats from card stock and pom poms for a festive look.

Make These: Ice Cream Cone Party Hats

Pink & Blue Balloons

Ice Cream Balloons

These floating cones are a sweet way to decorate for an ice cream party! You’ll need: latex balloons, a bottle of latex balloon sealant, helium tank, ribbon, scissors, craft knife, brown craft paper, brown wide-tip marker, pencil and double-sided tape.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Sure, plain helium balloons make adorable decorations, but ice cream cone-shaped ones are just what your party needs.

Make These: Ice Cream Cone Balloons

Watch for More Ice Cream Social Tips

Get 10 Ice Cream Social Tips for a Perfect Party 02:19

Make your ice cream party even more fun with these kid-friendly ideas.

Serve Your Favorite Flavors

peanut butter ice cream in a bowl

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream

Serve rich, creamy peanut butter cookie ice cream at your next outdoor party.

From: Chrissy Barua

Make This: Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream

strawberry ice cream recipe

Strawberry Ice Cream

Cool, creamy strawberry ice cream is best made fresh at home.

Make This: Strawberry Ice Cream

Boozy Floats

Boozy Floats

Orange Creamsicle Float

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

Make These: 10 Boozy Ice Cream Floats

3 Ice Cream Bowls You Can Eat 01:36

What makes a bowl of ice cream more delicious? When you can eat the bowl!

blondie confetti ice cream sandwiches

Blondie Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

These festive ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat for any outdoor party or hot summer day.

From: Heather Baird

Make These: Blondie Confetti Ice Cream Sandwiches

grilled-peach-web7.jpg

Grilled Peach Ice Cream

Grilled Peach Ice Cream

Make This: Grilled Peach Ice Cream

Cute Dog Enjoying Peanut Butter Ice Cream for Dogs

Cute Dog Enjoying Peanut Butter Ice Cream for Dogs

This peanut butter ice cream recipe for dogs is lip-smackin' good.

From: H. Camille Smith

Photo by: H. Camille Smith

H. Camille Smith

Make This: Peanut Butter Ice Cream for Dogs

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Crowd-Pleasing Portable Ice Cream Sundaes

Portable sundaes in jars are the perfect hand-held treat. Mix-and-match your favorite ice cream and toppings ahead of time, then store the lidded jars in the freezer till it's time to party. Homemade caramel and chocolate sauces make these extra-indulgent, and they’re a quick fix with our simple recipes. Add colorful squares of fabric to the jars' lids to match the season and occasion.

Blackberry Wine Hand Pies

Portable hand pies are the ideal sweet treat for enjoying a dessert while mixing and mingling. This recipe makes ten servings so there’s plenty to go around. Serve with napkins — no plates required. Perfect for tailgates, backyard get-togethers or any casual party.

Raspberry Mousse-Filled Chocolate Cookie Shots

These chocolate cookie shot glasses make such a fun treat for kids and adults alike. You can fill them with candy, milk — most anything — but you can’t go wrong with our raspberry mousse filling. Find the required cookie shot glass pan at kitchen supply stores or online.

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes Recipe

You scream, I scream we all scream for ice cream -- ice cream cupcakes, that is. These cute cupcakes baked and served in ice cream cones are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

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