Summer is heating up with backyard BBQs, fireworks, sparklers and parades – all the fun things we love! This 4th of July, let's cool off with a patriotic Red, White, and COOL ice cream social.
Set up a perfectly patriotic ice cream bar and gather friends and neighbors to celebrate the 4th of July with this fun and festive backyard party.
Guests will love visiting the DIY ice cream cart to create their own ice cream sundae in Patriotic Snack Bowls or making a double-dip patriotic ice cream cone complete with sprinkles and a cherry on top!
I have fond memories of visiting my grandparent's farm in the summer, especially around the 4th of July, and making homemade ice cream before we spread out on the lawn to watch the fireworks show. There is something so sweet and nostalgic about ice cream and summer, which is why I decided to celebrate the 4th of July this year with a patriotic ice cream bar.
I started by creating a backdrop for our ice cream social by using the DIY Photo Booth Backdrop Board. I added layers of Patriotic Fringe Garland, Star and Stripes Hanging Fans, and a DIY balloon garland. Not only does this add visual interest, it also provides the perfect space for guests to snap photos as the party goes on.
Rather than set up a big table for our ice cream party, I decided to create a retro-inspired DIY Ice Cream Cart. Be sure to check out my tutorial for How to Style an Ice Cream Bar to see how I transformed one of my bar carts into this cute little ice cream cart. Be sure to download the Free Printable Ice Cream Sign here too!
I wanted to keep things simple, but give guests several options to make their own sweet treats. So on my bar cart, I included paper bowls for ice cream sundaes plus cups for root beer floats.
Here's a tip: before the party starts, fill several bowls with a variety of ice cream flavors and place them in the freezer. When it's time for the party, put them in a cooler with dry ice to make serving guests quicker and less messy.
I filled a glass jar with ice cream cones and placed it on the ice cream cart. I transformed the Patriotic French Fry Holders into ice cream cone holders by trimming the taller part in the back to match the front. They fit perfectly over our large waffle cones.
You can never have too many sprinkles, right?! I used mini square appetizer bowls and filled them with red, white and blue sprinkles.
Don't forget to have whipped cream, chocolate sauce and fresh fruit on hand for guests to top off their ice cream creations.
I also filled a red metal bucket with ice and added classic red, white, and blue Bomb Pops. These treats are a childhood tradition and a must-have for our red, white, and COOL themed celebration.
I added a list of the flavors available to my bistro chalkboard and put it beside the ice cream cart. This just helps make it easier for everyone to choose.
This party is all about the ice cream, but after all those sweets you'll need something refreshing to wash it down. Fill a cooler with cold drinks and be sure to put out these super fun patriotic slap can coolers so guests can keep their drinks cold.
I always like the kids to have something to do, especially after eating all that sugar. I filled the Patriotic Ice Pop Pinata with some of the Bulk Patriotic Giveaway Assortment and 4th of July Candy Assortment. I also had a craft where they could put together their own Patriotic Cool Treats. Both of these activities were big hits!
This social gathering is a fun and easy way to celebrate the USA and perfect for all ages. Create your own Ice Cream Bar and celebrate this 4th of July with a Red, White, and Cool Ice Cream Social!
