Did you know yesterday was National Ice Cream Day? Don’t worry if you missed it — it’s also National Ice Cream Month, so there’s still time to celebrate. We marked the occasion with a relaxed backyard ice cream party that was equal parts simple and charming.
Today’s giveaway post is sponsored by Skinny Cow, but the party ideas and styling are by The Inspired Room.
Do you enjoy hosting? My girls and I had a great time putting together everything we needed for a backyard ice cream party. I’ve been partnering with Skinny Cow this summer to inspire women to create a “WoCavé,” a cozy space where we can kick off our heels and relax with friends. Our backyard WoCavé was the perfect setting for a casual ice cream get-together.
A while back we rescued an old spool table from the side of the road and brought it home in the minivan. It’s been outside since then and finally earned its moment as our party table. I love repurposing unexpected finds — and free is always a bonus!
The teak tea cart was a recent flea market score and worked perfectly as a drink cart for the party. Both of these unique pieces would also be sweet for a casual backyard bridal shower or birthday.
My favorite setup is a “bar style” display where guests choose their own ingredients. We picked up small bowls for candy, nuts and fruit toppings at Target, and used a soda crate, syrup pourers and chalkboard labels from World Market to finish the look.
Washi tape made quick, removable labels for our syrup bottles — an easy, inexpensive touch that kept everything tidy and pretty.
We used small lidded jars to serve pre-scooped ice cream so guests could enjoy sundaes without the mess of melting tubs. The jars and Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches fit neatly in an ice bucket to keep everything cool.
Even Lily joined the fun — she’s clearly a fan of the party vibe.
For more party ideas, see my book Simple Gatherings. Find a copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Hosting should be about welcoming people, not chasing perfection. Simple Gatherings focuses on discovering your authentic hosting style, creating memorable moments, and celebrating people as the centerpiece of any gathering. It’s not about Pinterest-perfect parties but about relaxed, inviting experiences illustrated with full-color photos.
The giveaway is closed.
Click to explore favorite entertaining and tabletop décor picks on Amazon.
Sources cited above include: Turkish towel (great as a tablecloth), teal matte dinnerware, Simple Gatherings book, wood pedestal with handle, two-tiered wooden tray, matte porcelain dishes, bamboo rattan cup, brass taper candle holders, sage green pedestal, blue-and-white ticking napkins, white marble acacia cheeseboard, stainless steel gold flatware, farmhouse ceramic pitcher, marble and acacia cookbook holder/serving board, woven rattan napkin holder, white porcelain pitcher, blue taper candles, and gray-and-white striped cloth napkins.