Written By: Bec
Ah, ice-cream. Whether cooling down in summer, or drawing inspiration from the weather in winter; you really can't go wrong with this sweet treat. Which begs the question... wouldn't it make the perfect dessert at your next special occasion? From a bachelorette to a birthday party, adults and children alike will go wild when given the chance to create their own cones. Ready to make this a sweet reality? Find our all time favourite DIY ice cream bar ideas below. This article contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link below. Please see our Disclaimer for more info :) Related: Glorious Food Bar Ideas Related: DIY Drink Stations
ICE-CREAM BAR IDEAS (QUICK OVERVIEW)
What better way to cool off on a hot day than with an ice cream bar? These DIY beauties are not only fun to put together, but even MORE fun to dig into! To create your own, start by sourcing some form of bowls or cones. These could be waffle cones, waffle bowls, mason jars, or small bowls from your cupboard. You will also need ice-cream, a range of delicious toppings (such as sprinkles, maple syrup, chocolate chips and wafers) and serving tools. Display everything neatly on a table. We like to arrange the cones, bowls and spoons on one side (as these are the first items people will reach for), and the ice-cream/toppings on the other. Finish it all off with some mini tags or signs (outlining what each flavor/topping is) and some thoughtful decorations such as bunting or flowers!
Check out our favourite 'Ice Cream Party' ideas on Etsy!
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KEEP DIETARY RESTRICTIONS IN MIND
Check in with guests in regards to dietary restrictions and/or preferences. You don't want anyone missing out on the fun - so options such as diary-free ice cream and gluten-free toppings are important to include if needed!
Setting Up Your DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar
THE TOPPINGS:
Source a bunch of yummy toppings and place them in mason jars (or bowls).
As mentioned earlier, toppings can be anything from sprinkles, shaved chocolate and hot fudge sauce, to fruit, nuts and crushed biscuits. If it can be used to top your frosty treats, it's an option. And the more options you have, the more flavour combinations to be explored.
Add a label (especially for any toppings with allergens or dietary restrictions) and serving spoon to each jar.
Handy Tip:
Serve your sauces and syrups in pourable containers or squeezable bottles. A fun display and easy drizzling, all in one!
Leftovers:
Leftover toppings after the party? Store in the cupboard for future baking escapades. If you used mason jars, storage is simple. Just put the lid back on and pack away!
THE BOWLS & UTENSILS
When it comes to eating icy treats, small bowls, jars, waffle bowls and waffle cones are all great serving options. So pick your favourite one (or two!) and run with it.
Cones can be arranged in baskets or in a proper ice cream cone holder, whilst bowls can be stacked (or placed in a nice basket, too). Spoons look beautiful when displayed in mason jars, and scoops are most useful when placed in the ice-cream itself.
Handy Tip:
Provide napkins for guests. They will come in handy for cleaning up any spills or sticky fingers.
THE ICE-CREAM:
No DIY sundae bar is complete without it! Start with vanilla ice cream (as it pairs well with a variety of toppings) and then add to the mix with the guest of honour's favorite ice cream flavors.
Serve each option in a tub, large bowl, jar or cup, and display in an ice-filled tray/bucket or cooler.
Please Note:
The ice won't keep your ice-cream cold for long. We suggest waiting until guests are ready to create their cones before bringing out your flavours.
Handy Tip:
Amy of 'House of Nash Eats' suggests 'pre-scoop[ing] ice cream into cups or muffin tins and stick[ing] the ice cream balls into the freezer to firm up'.
We love this idea, as your 'pre-made' ice-cream could be placed into individual cups/jars (ready for guests to decorate) or served in one large bowl (making it easy for party-goers to grab and go). Read more about Amy's set up here.
THE DECORATIONS:
Colourful tablecloths, beautiful blooms and fabric bunting can take your styling up a notch.
You may also like to add a printed sign (framed) or blackboard with directions; helping guests create the ultimate sundae in no time!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER:
Start by setting out your cones, bowls and spoons. As these are the first items people go for, we like to have them on the side of the table.
Next is the ice-cream. Set up your display tray (minus the ice, for now). This will be where your ice-cream tubs/cups go once they party is in full swing. Set out some scoops as well.
Finally, arrange your toppings. Jars can be bunched together, displayed in groups (sweet, savoury), or arranged at different heights (placed on and in front of a wooden box, for example).
Handy Tip:
Make sure each section of the table is easily accessible. The last thing you need is people reaching over each other, struggling to get what they're after (and potentially knocking things over in the process).
Creative Displays Take Time:
Play around with your set up until you're happy with the overall look. It might not happen straight away, but it will be worth it in the end! And if after a while you still want more? Flowers add instant 'wow' factor, whilst bunting and signs are great for drawing the eye.
REFILLING YOUR ICE-CREAM BAR
Keep a back-up stash of sauces and toppings nearby. You can then monitor your ice-cream bar and replenish items throughout the event as needed.
Image: Keep Calm & Eat Ice Cream
Other Ice-Cream Sundae Bar Ideas
Want to put a unique spin on your ice cream station? See below for some fun inspiration:
ICE CREAM CHARCUTERIE BOARD
The perfect way to serve sugary snacks whilst everyone is seated. Place this beauty in the middle of your table, and then hand out small bowls of ice-cream. From here, everyone will be able to create their own weird and wonderful desserts.
Interactive and fun, this unique charcuterie board is sure to be a talking-point at your event.
Interested in whipping one up? View step-by-step instructions here.
Related: Beginners Guide to Grazing Platters
ICE CREAM CHARCUTERIE BOARD
The perfect way to serve sugary snacks whilst everyone is seated. Place this beauty in the middle of your table, and then hand out small bowls of ice-cream. From here, everyone will be able to create their own weird and wonderful desserts.
Interactive and fun, this unique charcuterie board is sure to be a talking-point at your event.
Interested in whipping one up? View step-by-step instructions here.
Related: Beginners Guide to Grazing Platters
Image: Kim & Kalee
ICE CREAM NACHOS
A base of crunchy items, followed by a layer of ice-cream and then finished off with your favourite toppings. It's the perfect balance between texture and flavour. And any sweet tooth's dream! Follow this recipe for a fun, flavoursome dessert bar at your next event.
Images: Cupcakes & Cutlery
Articles Related to these Ice Cream Sundae Bar Ideas
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DIY DRINK STATION IDEAS:
Fun, stylish and easy to tie in with your overall party theme; drink stations encourage guests to create their own amazing concoctions. Making them an entertaining (and delish!) part of the event. After some inspiration? Check out our favourite options here. |
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FOOD BAR IDEAS:
Fun to style and easy to tie into a themed party, food bars will encourage guests to self-serve to their hearts content. Meaning that although there is some prep involved before the celebration, you can sit back and enjoy your meal with friends once the party is underway! For some great DIY food bar options, read on. |
Enjoy Creating Your Very Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar!
Ice Cream Bars are fun, colourful and oh so sweet. And we just know that your creation will be one to remember!
If you have any tips that we've missed, or you'd like to share your set up, we would absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Please don't hesitate to share via the comment section below, or on our socials.
Cheers to the SWEETEST event around!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
( Click here to find us on Pinterest! )
If you have any tips that we've missed, or you'd like to share your set up, we would absolutely LOVE to hear from you! Please don't hesitate to share via the comment section below, or on our socials.
Cheers to the SWEETEST event around!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
( Click here to find us on Pinterest! )
P.S. The image below is perfect for Pinterest... Go on and share these ice-cream bar ideas that make the BEST birthday, party or wedding dessert - you know you want to! :)
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