Last Fling Summer Parties: Throw an Ice Cream Social

It's no secret that ice cream is one of my favorite splurges---  and an ice cream party or social is an old school idea that never goes out of style. It's super easy and always sure to please every guest on the list.

Start with big containers of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Find a way to keep it frozen. I use a cheap metal pail from the hardware store (you can use it for bobbing for apples or to wash the dog after the party) and fill it with ice. Add rock salt to keep it really cold. Dry ice can be dangerous. If you use it, make sure you have it away from the party area.  

You'll need tons of toppings and mix-ins. Set up a buffet. Start with bowls and a variety of cones. Next, comes the ice cream station. It's a good idea to have an adult scooping for the kids. Reserve a large area of the buffet for the toppings and mix-ins. If it is a kids' party, I always make a table just for them--- covered with butcher paper or a water-resistant cloth. You can find great vinyl fabric with a cotton backing at most fabric stores that are cute and cheap. The one for this party was about $5.   

Have some backyard games or contests with prizes for the winners. We made a fun beanbag toss game from an old piece of plywood. Kept the kids (and adults) entertained for hours!

So, how are you spending these last days of summer? Share your pictures and party ideas with us!

Easy Easter Party Ideas: Make a Peeps Cake!

Photo: Arden PhotographyI walked through my favorite Target yesterday and the Peeps were there! No, not my "peeps"--- THE Peeps--- the little marshmallow birdies you can only find around Easter. And I could not believe all of the new Peeps items and colors available this year. With Easter just weeks away, it's time to start planning the big bunny's visit. This Peeps cake will easily be the hit of the party and it makes a great centerpiece, too.

There are several ways to do this cake. You can start with an iced cake and cover it with the Peeps. I thought it would be fun to stack the Peeps as high as I could and use skewers to keep them from toppling over. You can use icing to "glue" the Peeps together instead of skewers. This one is also fun for the kids to create. (Refrain from the "one for you, two for me" system of stacking like I used-- it's a real diet killer.) Have fun with this one and be creative. I used a ribbon to top our cake but you can use bubble gum tape, licorice whips or anything else you like.

See more Easter egg hunt decorating and party ideas in my Easter Egg Hunt slideshow. You'll find ideas for your Easter egg hunt, even if weather forces you inside. Find tips for a kid-friendly Easter egg hunt party buffet that include healthy choices that even the kids will love. A craft table is always a good idea to keep the kids occupied and busy between party activities. We had a bunny race with some of those wind-up bunnies that hop. Very fun. Hop on over to my Indoor Easter Egg Hunt article for more Easter party ideas.

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