Pass a hot summer afternoon, relive your childhood, and step into a world of indulgence as we unveil the ultimate guide to hosting a Sundae Social—the perfect gathering that combines the joy of ice cream with the camaraderie of good company. In this article, we’ll share scrumptious menu ideas featuring an array of ice cream flavors, mouthwatering toppings, and delectable sauces that will ignite your guests’ taste buds. With hosting tips to create a charming ambiance, set up a DIY sundae station, and keep the fun flowing, get ready to treat your loved ones to an unforgettable ice cream extravaganza that celebrates the sweetness of summer and the joy of shared moments.

Menu Ideas for Ice Cream Bar:

Assorted ice cream & frozen yogurts: make sure to include some universal flavors as well as some unusual flavors. Top-selling flavors generally include:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Mint Chocolate Chip
  • Cookies and Cream
  • Butter Pecan
  • Cookie Dough
  • Coffee
  • Rocky Road
  • Neapolitan

Sundae basics:

  • bananas
  • whipped cream
  • maraschino cherries
  • chocolate sauce
  • chopped nuts

Shakes & Malts:

  • Milk (for making shakes)
  • Malt Powder (for malts)
  • Rootbeer (for a Rootbeer Float)

Assorted cones:

  • waffle
  • cake
  • sugar

Additional toppings:

  • caramel sauce
  • assorted fruit – diced pineapple, strawberry, coconut flakes
  • fruit sauces – Pineapple, Strawberry, etc…
  • sprinkles
  • candy: M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, Malted Milk Balls, etc…
  • crumbled cookies & brownies

Hosting Tips:

  1. Sundae Bar Extravaganza: Set up a dazzling DIY sundae bar with an array of ice cream flavors, both classic and unique. Provide an assortment of toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, sprinkles, crushed cookies, fresh fruits, and chopped nuts. Include fun and unexpected toppings like gummy bears, mini marshmallows, or edible flowers to spark creativity and add a whimsical touch to the sundaes.
  2. Ice Cream Tasting Flight: Turn your Sundae Social into an ice cream tasting adventure. Offer a flight of smaller scoops of various ice cream flavors, allowing guests to sample and compare different tastes. Provide tasting cards or score sheets for guests to rate their favorite flavors and share their thoughts, adding an interactive and fun element to the event.
  3. Sweet DIY Decorations: Infuse the party with a touch of sweetness by incorporating DIY ice cream-themed decorations. Create colorful paper ice cream cones to hang as garlands, use pastel-colored balloons to mimic scoops of ice cream, and place small potted flowers in sundae glasses as centerpieces. The delightful decor will add to the festive atmosphere and create a perfect backdrop for capturing Instagram-worthy moments.
  4. Hostess Tools: Make sure to have plenty of assorted ice cream dishes—various sizes, shapes, and colors work perfectly! Remember, tall glasses work best for shakes and floats, while shorter ones are perfect for sundaes. You’ll need a blender to make those custom shakes. Also, have plenty of ice cream scoops handy and containers of warm water for “cleaning scoops.”

By adding these creative touches, your Sundae Social will stand out as a memorable and delightful experience, making your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a whimsical ice cream wonderland.