Nothing captures the spirit of summer quite like ice cream – and with National Ice Cream Month in full swing, there’s never been a better excuse to indulge in your favorite ice cream recipes. But this classic frozen treat isn’t just for dessert plates. This season, I’m making it the centerpiece of my entertaining plans, and embracing the return of a nostalgic, joy-filled tradition: the ice cream social.
There’s something delightfully universal about offering guests a chilled scoop or a frosty drink (my current favorite is a tart, whipped lemonade). But turning ice cream into a true hosting moment requires a little creativity and a touch of old-fashioned charm. With the right setup, a few standout flavors, and plenty of toppings on hand, a simple backyard gathering can transform into a celebration that feels both effortless and unforgettable.
So, roll up your sleeves, pull out your favorite vintage dishes, and cue up the ice cream maker. Here’s how to host an ice cream social that’s every bit as stylish as it is sweet.
Try out a variety of recipes
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It’s no surprise that a knockout ice cream social is all about the flavors – so take some time to perfect a few different recipes. I always come back to my favorite vanilla ice cream recipe, which is a brilliant blank canvas for everything from fruit compote to decadent chocolate sauce. (I’ll be making it in my new GreenPan Frost ice cream maker, which can whip up frozen desserts in just 15 minutes).
Of course, you can save time by simply bulk-buying your favorite ice creams at the store and focussing the homemade element on quick toppings. ‘My go-to recipe is Em the Nutritionist’s salted miso date caramel, which she makes in the Ninja Creami,’ says our kitchen appliance editor Lydia Hayman. ‘It’s dairy-free and has no added sugar, yet still tastes amazing. I like to top it with toasted peanuts for a bit of crunch.’
Gather your ice cream essentials
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An ice cream maker will, of course, cut down your prep time, but even if you’re working without one, there are a few more essential pieces of kit to keep in mind.
‘You’ll definitely want to invest in the OXO ice cream scoop,’ says Lydia. ‘It’s hands-down the best I’ve tried: solid, comfortable, and cuts through frozen pints like butter.’
Sundae spoons, napkins and a large cooler will also making for seamless serving.
Prepare in batches
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If you’re anticipating an impressive turnout at your ice cream social (or you just want to stock your freezer with plenty of treats), batch-making ice cream and toppings is the way to go. You might want to invest in an ice cream maker with a larger bowl (the GreenPan Frost, for example, has a family-size capacity, while the Ninja Swirl Creami is better for smaller individual portions), or work on preparing everything ahead of time.
‘I had dinner at a friend’s house a few weeks ago and she served homemade dark chocolate magnums with a creamy tahini center, using these popsicle molds from Amazon.’ Lydia notes. ‘She said her only regret was not buying more, so she could batch-make a dozen and store them in the freezer for the future.’
Invest in statement serverware
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The ice cream might be the main event, but the key to a truly show-stopping ice cream social is some statement serverware. I love showing off scoops in dainty glass dishes, as well as using my favorite Weck Jar hosting hacks for sauces.
‘I recommend investing in some pretty ice cream coupes,’ advises Lydia. ‘I recently served a pistachio, chocolate, and cherry sundae in these beautiful Anthropologie coupes, which was a total hit. I also served chocolate sauce in a Le Creuset jug, which kept it nice and warm for drizzling.’
Experiment with toppings
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In my view, a bowl of ice cream is only as good as what’s on top – and although I love a dollop of hot fudge sauce and some sprinkles, I’ve been trying to broaden my horizons when it comes to toppings.
Right now, I love making blondies to crumble up and serve with rich chocolate ice cream, or blending up a quick date caramel to pair with classic vanilla (this is even better drizzled with honey).
I’ve also started to love a particularly unique ice cream topping: olive oil. ‘I pour extra virgin olive oil on pretty much everything I eat, but it goes particularly well with chocolate ice cream,’ Lydia confirms. ‘The herbaceous, earthy flavor enhances the richness of the chocolate – a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt goes a long way, too.’
Try a pint night
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If you don’t feel like going down the traditional hosting route (or you’re looking for something a little more casual), try a pint night: the internet’s answer to having ice cream for dinner.
Ask your guests to arrive with their favorite flavor in tow, and make sure to stock up on classic toppings (and, of course, lay out plenty of dishes and spoons in advance so everyone can dig in). I find that traditional, nostalgic ice cream brands work best here (pint night is all about the sugar rush, after all) but you can elevate the evening by having some sorbet and berries on hand – poached peaches will always be a winner.
Think about the drinks
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Toppings are a must-have for any ice cream social, but there’s one more element that I often forget: drinks pairings. This could mean some exciting summer cocktails, but you can also bring out a few bottles of wine.
‘Don’t forget the wine,’ Lydia emphasizes. ‘Ice cream and wine pairings are one of this summer’s hottest food trends.’ Vanilla ice cream and red wine sounds like a great idea to me.
Shop all the essentials for your next ice cream social
Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker
If you’re not tempted by the Ninja Creami or the GreenPan Frost, the Breville Smart Scoop Ice Cream Maker was recommended by our expert testers for its versatility and speed. While it’s certainly an investment, you get plenty of bang for your buck: there are 12 preset options available, and the self-refrigerating technology eliminates the need for overnight prep. I’m a big fan of the keep-cool function, which ensures that your desserts remain at an optimal temperature before you’re ready to serve.
Round Up Dusty Rose Coupe Glasses
Serve up a scoop of ice cream in one of these elegant coupe glasses and your guests will be delighted. I love the subtle scalloped design and the contrasting stem.
I can’t wait to show off these spoons at my next ice cream social: the vibrant colors and dainty handles are sure to make an impression. They’re perfect for lavish ice cream sundaes (or for eating straight out of the tub).
While I’ve got plenty of ice cream ideas on my list, I can’t forget about serving popsicles, either – my favorite are these white chocolate popsicles with plum and star anise. They’re perfect for batch prepping, too.
