We’ve got the scoop on exactly how to stay cool this summer—plan your very own ice cream party! Our resident entertaining expert shares her tips for making your summer gatherings simply sweet.
BY: Stephanie Nass
The start of summer means the beginning of warm weather—and ice cream season. Celebrate with an ice cream social, a gathering where everyone’s favorite frozen dessert takes center stage. Invite your friends to a “sundae bar”—a buffet of different churned flavors, sauces, fruits, and toppings.
Décor
Display pints in Bunny Williams’ silver wire cachepots and allow guests to help themselves in pretty dessert bowls, or vintage equivalents from Chairish. Opt for cocktail napkins, as their smaller size is easier for guests to enjoy while mingling. The best ice cream scoops are from Zeroll’s. Let Sag Harbor florist put together floral arrangements in a color palette to match.
Ice Cream
Source your favorite flavors from Sundaes on Main (Bridgehampton), Buddha Berry (Sag Harbor), Sant Ambroeus (Southampton), or mail order from Jeni’s on Goldbelly. You can also make your own, but make sure that you have an ice cream machine, so you don’t end up with a frozen brick.
Toppings
Here’s where you can really mix things up! In addition to commonplace sprinkles, you can source interesting candies from Dylan’s Candy Bar in East Hampton. Sweet Loren’s cookie dough is safe to eat raw and available at Stop & Shop in the Hamptons.
Levain’s cookies are always a treat; you can use them to sandwich scoops of ice cream or break them up as a topping. My favorite chocolate sauce is from Somebody’s Mother’s. Edible flower petals are a pretty garnish. Maraschino cherries are the cherry on top. Put all the toppings in individual containers with serving spoons.
Fashion
To round out your hosting, wear something festive. It can be a fun apron, graphic T-shirt, or even sundae earrings.
