ICE CREAM BAR PARTY IDEAS ~

4th of July | Celebrations

My children absolutely loved the ice cream bar that I created for them a few years ago on the 4th of July. I think it time to redo it again soon for them! I shopped mostly from Dollar Tree and Aldi to create the bar. These are two of my favorite stores and easy on the pocketbook for sure to set up and display the ice cream bar party ideas. Although we had our ice cream bar for the Fourth of July in the Summer, you can create an ice cream bar for any occasion such as birthday party, wedding reception, or event. Even any time of the year, especially if ice cream is your favorite dessert…or food. LOL! 

It was very easy and fun to do. They all enjoyed it! And you can create one too in no time, let me share with you how. 

 

Dollar Tree Items:

Ice cream cones

Sugar waffle cones

Rainbow sprinkles

Cake Mix (I purchased the Betty Crocker)

Brownie (I purchased the Marie Callender’s)

Peanuts ( I purchased Planters)

Pecans

Marshmallows

M & Ms

KitKat

Reese Cup

Gummi Bears

Chocolate chips

Decor Items from Dollar Tree:

Napkins

Plates

Bowls

Cups

Table scatter

Aldi Items:

Bananas

Strawberries

Caramel

Cherries

Most of the dishes came from Dollar Tree or from Aldi. It is ALWAYS BEST to shop your home first! I had a lot of the non-paper ware on hand already. I tend to pick the dishes that I have on hand by how the item can be served and if there are multi items that are similar; such as the toppings. I knew I had a lot of little ramekins from the Dollar Tree. I knew I could place them all together and they should be all together because they are all similar toppings.

When using what you have do not be afraid to switch up the main purpose for that item. It may be a cake or cupcake stand but you can use it prop a decorative picture or item up.

If it is a bowl, flip the bowl over and use it as a tiered stand or to prop something up against it as well. I used the star low profile bowls to give the table some interest so that everything will not be all at one height. You would want to do that throughout your buffet setting so that it will appeasing to the eye which gives everything a chance to be seen by your guest. It shows more interest and it makes it hard for them to miss each and every food item that is displayed.  

I like to use a menu board or food labels/tents when having some parties. I think it makes it more fun! Also, it takes the guesswork out of what is on your buffet or bar. I really like to do this for my kiddos. My middle son gets a kick out of it! I take a little extra time for him.

I used just a chalkboard that I had on hand and wrote out (terrible writing) what was displayed. Although, to take it up a notch you can find tons of printables through a simple Google search, Etsy or creating them yourself. I have done all three! Many bloggers have them on their website for free with many different themes but normally they do not cost much.

I hope you give the ice cream bar a try! It does not matter what occasion….who needs a reason when it ice cream. RIGHT!?! Have fun, put your own spin on it and be creative.