Ice Cream Party Inspiration!

July is National Ice Cream Month…so that means it’s time for an ice cream party!  I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure that I could ever say “no” to the icy treat on a hot summer day…AND it’s a easy dessert to have ready in the freezer for dishing up a celebration!  So in honor of this fantastic month, I’m sharing some whimsical ideas for setting up an ice cream sundae party that’s filled with color, fun, and will make kids of all ages scream for ice cream!  You can take the simplest goodies and party supplies and turn a hot afternoon into something festive…

ice cream party…summertime fun!

i don’t often get a chance to celebrate with the little ones anymore as i have one boy grown and the other on his way!  but an awesome project allowed me to have a ton of fun planning for littler guests for a change!  so while these ideas can spark inspiration for any ice cream party, this bright spread had the littles in mind!

paper & plastic products are perfect for kids but also for any kind of outdoor entertaining…nothing is breakable!  how cute are these darling ice cream cups & spoons for adding joy to the table?

pretty tumblers with stripey straws add to the colorful tabletop and are also shatterproof!

fun thing about summer parties, the more color the better so go ahead and mix and match!

i sprinkled the table with a few handfuls of salt water taffy, another treat that brings back memories of summer!  it’s sort of like edible “confetti”!

what is it about the chewy, gooey candy that makes it a summer staple?  the colors, flavors, the perfectly wrapped morsels…or all of the above!?

you may have noticed the yellow fellow who is star of the party!  this cheerful octopus is actually a chandelier but makes the perfect centerpiece for a whimsical table!

tape made it easy to attach a few of the honeycomb ice cream cones which i cut from the garland hanging in the window…

and speaking of the window…one of my favorite party decor hacks is to cover the inside of the window glass with wrapping paper!  tape or push pins can hang the “backdrop” and you can perfectly match your party for just a few dollars (and wrap gifts with it too!)

now for the icy fun!

off to the side of the table i rolled a kitchen cart and filled it with desserts, favors, and fixins’ for a sundae!  make it easy and pre-scoop some ice cream and keep it cool in a covered ice bucket!

extra paper cups and spoons are out for second helpings…or for some grown-up indulging!

i filled up some tiny containers with fun toppings that are perfect for little hands!  cupcake cups hold mini mallows…

toy goblets were filled with chocolate candies…

and itsy-bitsy ice cream cones dipped in icing and sprinkles hold MORE sprinkles!

and you can eat the containers too!

i just lined them all up for a colorful assortment of grab-and-go toppings that aren’t as messy as fudge and syrups!

mini cakes are decorated with a single pink candy…a really simple but cute way to top a tiny cake!

and you can’t have enough cake at a party (in my opinion) so i topped another small layer cake with a pom pom to mimic the candy on the cupcakes!  the simple confection is perched on a stand decorated with a yarn tassel garland!  i just pushed the knotted ends into the perforations!

festive favors!

it’s always fun to hand out party favors…especially when the guests are of the younger variety!  these “ice cream cones” filled with candy & a trinket will be sure to please!

you can easily make these with balloons, craft cones, tissue garland and goodies!  just use low temp hot glue to attach the crepe paper to the cone, fill with the treats, and then place a few dots of glue on the top edge of the cone to secure the balloon. (low temp won’t pop it)  when guests pull off the “ice cream”, the gifts will spill out!

a fun way to say “thank you for coming!”

once guests grabbed their cups from the table…

they could fix up their cool & sweet sundae…

and enjoy!  hope you loved the icy inspiration.  stay cool this summer and remember to always…

scream for ice cream!

pin for later~

products in this post can be found at~

Chandelier by NK:  octopus chandelier

Amalfi Decor:  cake stand

Confection deception:  naked cake

Bakers Party Shop:  ice cream spoons, unicorn sprinkles mix

Target:  yarn garland, tissue tassel garland, ice cream cone, honeycomb garland, napkins

Michaels:  colorful tray, favor supplies,

Home Goods:  melamine plates, place mats, paper fans, wrapping paper

Party City:  favor sign, sixlet candy

Ikea:  toy goblets

Joy Cones:  mini cones

see more ice cream party ideas HERE!