HOW TO HOST AN ICE CREAM BAR

 I've designed a few ice cream bars in my days of sharing here on the blog. It's my fall back desert - it's fun, interactive and I haven't yet met someone who doesn't like a spot of ice cream! You might remember my sisters baby shower, Australia Day party, family photo shoot & wedding that all had an ice cream desert.

When we were planning our farewell party, I again pulled out the ice cream bar from my bag of tricks as I thought with a large crowd it would be a really simple option and let our guests create their own sundae's. Not being a 'stylist' as such, I think ice cream bars are a really easy to make look pretty too. A win in everyones books!

Do you want to see where I begin when starting any kind of project or event? 

I always sketch up my ideas and make notes to consolidate my thoughts.

And here's the finished product.

Image // Gerty Photography


It definitely helps when I'm shopping and collecting props and things for an event, and keeps things on track when I'm tempted to squeeze in every idea into the one event!

I thought I'd share some tips and things I've learnt along that way, that might encourage you to host your own little ice cream get together!

Here Goes....

Mock up - I always do a little mock up a few days before an event. I like to just set things out and make sure I actually have the room for that big 20 Litre tub of ice cream! Also it gives me time to do any last minute running around and purchases if I need to.

Image // Gerty Photography

Keep things in order  - I like to place things on the table in order that you use them. From cups and ice cream right down to toppings and garnishes. It might sound common sense, but sure helps things flow nicely, particularly if there are a lot of guests.

Glasses or paper cups - I've only had the opportunity to use sundae glasses at my sisters wedding. Otherwise I use plain paper cups and decorate them to match my theme. You can use party dots, ribbon, stamps, wrap with fabric, a cup wrap (eat drink chic) or coloured cups are also an option.

Image // Etta Photography


Good quality ice cream - you can't build a sundae cathedral without a good foundation! Phone around your local ice cream shops and get prices on buying their bulk tubs, big and yum! I have always had a Sorbet for those people with allergies too. Trust me, they'll thank you for it! : )

Mix ins -  Think cookie dough, marshmallows, crushed Tim Tam's or chocolate bars & after dinner mints, macarons, ferrero Rocher etc for a classier 'do'.

Image // Etta Photography


Garnishes & Toppings - again depends on the style of bar you're creating, but can be anything from glace cherries, sprinkles, nutella, to fudge sauce, crushed nuts, gold leaf etc.

Essentially, let your imagination take you away! It's summer here at the moment in Canada, so it's getting to be perfect ice cream weather. Can't wait!

Need invites, buffet labels & tags for your next ice cream bar? You can find printables for some of these ice cream bar themes in my shop!

FAREWELL PARTY IN THE PARK

This week we had to crack open my computer to print some stuff for my visa paperwork, which was actually a big 'Yay' for me. As sad as it may sound, being without my computer is like a part of me is missing - I miss my creative outlet, and my usual programs and tools to make my ideas happen! So nice to feel a little bit normal : )

It has also meant that I have access to the photos from our farewell party which I have wanted to share with you for a while, double yay!

Given we didn't have our own house and the fact we wanted to invite as many of our friends & family as we could to our farewell party, we held it in a nearby park. I had no 'plan B', so thankfully, it was a beautiful day and didn't rain!
Hot Dogs & Ice Cream were on the menu, which made it easy for a big crowd. It's times like these that I am extra thankful for a big helpful family and a chef as a brother in law (I dare say hot dogs were a little below his level, but he was very obliging! : )

I love that photo of Levi and one of his little buddies! xo

I created a new stationery design for the occasion (which will be in the shop when it re-opens), and put together an ice cream bar. Easy and always fun! We had some delicious flavours of ice cream and I tried to choose Australian style lollies along with the standard sprinkles & toppings.

I think my favourite little details are the blue glass spoon holder from Ikea, and the pastel paper doilies (thanks Chelley Bean Designs for such a speedy delivery!). My favourite hand made detail were the crepe paper chandeliers that I hung in the tree. They looked a little different than I anticipated due to the wind (didn't think of that!), but they were quick to make and made a nice impact.

We sent everyone home with a giant freckle in a glassine bag with our contact details - so there's no excuse not to keep in touch! : ) Tied with bakers twine, they looked so cute all packaged up.

We had some props set up for friends to have their photo taken too. A few laughs!

I want to say a humungous thank you also to some lovely friends who helped make this day so awesome -
// Tash from Whimsy Petite Styling for her fabulous props, games & tables - she hires these out did you know? They really made it all come together when I just wasn't feeling it.

// Jess from Gerty Photography - seriously, so thankful she was able to capture so many photos of our friends and casual fun. Evertime I looked up there she was snapping away so many memories for us.  Please check out her website and facebook page. I will treasure all her photos.

// Daneve from Ah-Tissue & Chalk-It for those snazzy chalkboard labels. Love this product, thank you for a lovely going away gift xo

// And the photobooth props were from Oh Happy Day for a bit of fun. Thank you for the last minute inspriation! : )

I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my last Aussie event. Have you ever hosted a party for a lot of people? I'm curious to know what you served for food!

ICE CREAM CONE WRAP

Don't you want to just jump in and lick those drips?!
I'm so excited for summer! The weather lately has been warming up nicely and it's almost pool weather.
In getting in the spirit of the warmth that's on its way, I wanted to create a new element for my popular Ice Cream Sundae printable collection. I designed an ice cream cone wrap for a great addition to your ice cream bar.

An ice cream bar is such an easy and fun way to serve dessert to party guests, or why not let people create their own dessert at your next summer BBQ. I can guarantee it won't be just the kids having a great time!

You can find this wrapper and the complete Ice Cream Sundae collection in my shop.

{Images: Polkadot Prints}