Throw an End-of-Summer Ice Cream Social

 

Make a list of people to invite. Choose a location such as your backyard, a park or a recreation center. Then, decide upon a date and time for the ice cream social. Weeks before the event, send out the invites using paper invitations or a free online invitation service such as Evite.com.  Make sure to include instruction for how to RSVP for the event.

 

 

Create a simple ice cream buffet. On a buffet table, arrange basic flavors of ice cream such as French vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Provide tempting sauces such as caramel, strawberry, passion fruit, butterscotch and hot fudge. Also, lay out tantalizing toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, sprinkles, cherries, crushed cookies and fresh fruit. Toppings can be prepared in advance and stored until the day of the party.  Provide plenty of water for guests. Set out root beer as well so that guests can make root beer floats if they choose. Supply colorful long spoons and ice cream parlor-colored (pink and white) napkins.

 

 

Provide waffle, sugar and plain cones for those who want to make ice cream cones. Provide old fashioned glass ice cream sundae cups for guests who decide to make sundaes. Alternatively, buy paper cups and decorate them with by hand or adhere charming decorative paper to the cup (such as shelf paper).  Also provide dishes for those who choose to make banana splits.