August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 - klpartydecor Leave a comment

Ice Cream Sandwich Bar

School might be starting soon but it is far from fall weather here. The summer heat is here to stay for a bit and that calls for an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar. Create Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches using different flavors, shapes and sizes of cookies. I think the process of making the ice cream sandwiches is almost as fun as eating them!

Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Tips for Putting Together an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar

The Cookies

By ‘Cookies’, it really means the ‘delicious thing that can sandwich a scoop of ice cream’. You don’t have to limit yourself to just cookies. Head to the bakery and have some fun. Anything that is sturdy enough to hold ice cream and not get immediately soggy is fair game, so be creative! Put out a selection of at least four different flavors and also make the cookies different sizes, a large and a smaller size. If someone wants to try a variety of flavor combos can go with the smaller cookies. Giving people lots of options makes the assembly process more fun.

Fudge Stripes Cookies
Waffle Cookies
Sugar Cookies ‘
Oreos
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Funfetti Cookies
M&M Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Graham Crackers

The Ice Cream

Is the Ice Cream the best part? I guess it depends on who you ask. Use different pints of ice cream so you can include several different flavors of ice cream. It is nice to have a non dairy option available such as sorbet or a coconut based ice cream.

Vanilla
Chocolate
Strawberry
Mint Chocolate
Cookie Dough
Cookies and Cream
Coffee
Chocolate Fudge

TIP: Pre-scoop the Ice Cream. Scoop the ice cream onto a baking sheet and then freeze until you are ready to serve. To keep the ice cream from melting during the party, put the cartons in a big bucket of ice.

The Toppings

Sprinkles
Chopped Peanuts
Crushed Oreo Cookies
Mini M&M’s
Mini Chocolate Chips
Marshmallow Bits
Fruity Pebbles
Chocolate Sprinkles
Toffee Bits
Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Caramel Syrups
Lucky Charm ‘Just Marshmallows’
Crumbled Caramelized Biscuit Cookies

The Bar

The Supplies

TIP: Have multiples of utensils and ice cream scoops so there is plenty to use for everyone.

TIP: I know having napkins is on your mind, but you should level up to wet wipes. These will get all of the stickyness off of everyones fingers.

Display: This 3 tier tray is great to display the ‘Cookies’ or the pieces necessary to hold the yummy Ice Cream together.
Bowls for the Toppings: These ramekins are great to put all of your toppings in. I also love having them in my Party Pantry to use at other parties.
Ice Cream Scoops: This set has 3 different sizes which is perfect if you are using different sized cookies.
Ice Cream Bowls: These are great for those people that don’t want to make a sandwich and choose to throw it all in a bowl.

TIP: Offer a selection of cones and bowls for those guests who don’t feel like an ice cream sandwich.

If this post doesn’t get you excited to throw an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar then I don’t know what will. Let me know what cookies, ice cream and toppings you add to your Bar. I would love to know what combinations are your favorite.

July 3, 2023July 3, 2023 - klpartydecor Leave a comment

The BEST 4th of July Party Tips & Tricks

The summer is upon us, so that means it’s time to think about 4th of July party ideas. You know it’s summer when you can smell the charcoal grills heating up. Whether you’ve got a backyard blowout planned or a simple family hangout – we’ve got food, activities, and decorations that’ll make it more festive than ever.

Turn a basic holiday barbecue into an epic party with these 4th of July party ideas for decorations, food, drinks, and fun. These patriotic party games, party hacks, and party planning tips will help you throw the best summer party ever.

All American Food

Freeze blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries to use in Sprite for a patriotic drink. Cut up your favorite berries, add them to an empty ice cube tray and top them with water. You can also use lemonade, a clear soda like Sprite, or make an adult beverage with alcohol. When it’s time to serve, add these fruity cubes to the beverage of your choice.

Have a Festive Breakfast. Add some strawberries, whipped cream, and some blueberries on top to give the pancakes a festive look.

Enjoy the All American Meal of Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Corn on the Cob, Apple Pie, Watermelon, Root Beer Floats, Homemade Ice Cream, and Funnel Cakes.

Design a DIY Beverage Cart. Cool drinks are a must at a summer party. For a cuter take on a cooler, place the bottles and cans in a clean red wagon filled with ice.

4th of July Party Games

A big part of any party is making sure there is plenty to do and keeping everyone entertained. For a 4th of July party, you can play games like horseshoes and cornhole. Some other fun ideas include water balloon tosses and obstacle courses. If you’re not looking to DIY anything, check out these fun products!

Bring on the sparklers. Shield kids’ hands from sparkler burns with a plastic cup. Have a contest to see who can snap the best photos of the sparklers in action. Just to be safe (and to save yourself cleanup later), have a bucket of water on hand where people can dunk their used sparklers.

TIP: PASS OUT GLOW STICKS OR NECKLACES TO THE LITTLEST GUESTS.

Have a Scavenger Hunt. Give your kids a list of things to find around the house that are related to the 4th of July (an american flag, stars, and fireworks for example)

Have a water balloon fight with red, white, & blue water balloons.

Giant Yard Pong. Think of beer pong, but big trashcan sized red solo cups. What a Blast!

Red, White, and Blue Tug of War Rope. This just brings you right back to field day.

Cornhole is always a really fun game to pull out for any outdoor party. Check out this 4th of July themed one.

Stars and Stripes Topping Tower. I think I might want a large Jenga set for every holiday.

Giant Red, White, and Blue Lawn Dice.

Jumbo 4-To-Score. This one is great for the kids and adults. Who doesn’t love a good game of connect four?

4th of July Tattoos. Tattoos are always a hit when kids are at the party.

Fun Party Favors. This kit includes necklaces, handheld Flags, red whistles, glasses and mustaches.

Red, White & Blue All Around

TIP: DON’T FEEL PRESSURE TO COME UP WITH A THEME. A RED, WHITE, AND BLUE THEME IS A THEME ALL IN ITSELF.

Once you have your theme, it’s time to start thinking about decorations. Check out the list for some decorations to help you celebrate America’s birthday.

Get a tablecloth that is either neutral or goes along with your theme. You can use a tablecloth, a table runner, or even place mats. If you use a plain solid colored tablecloth in blue, red, or white it gives you a great foundation. Check out this full kit here.

Get 4th of July plates and napkins (they don’t have to be fancy)

Make a simple 4th of July centerpiece using flags and red or white flowers.

Place a box of sparklers at each plate setting. It makes a cute place setting and can be used that night.

Craft your Way through Stars and Stripes

There are lots of fun and easy crafts that can be great for a 4th of July activity.

Red, White Blue Tie Dye: Have your kids create their own shirt with tie dye. This will make a great outdoor activity.

What fun things are you doing with your family to celebrate the 4th? Let me know below if you do the same things or have another fun tradition.

June 28, 2023June 28, 2023 - klpartydecor Leave a comment

Summer Bucket List for Toddlers

These are the start of the toddler years for us, and the days are so fun. Toddlers may be super curious about everything and have the ability to find joy in the smallest things. As my little one develops, I am treasuring these moments of learning and curiosity with a Toddler Friendly Summer Bucket List.

How do you channel that never-ending supply of energy into exploration and discovery? A good summer bucket list can really help get your mind wrapped around what to do each day. This is the most fun and creative summer bucket list for toddlers organized by type of activity. You can skip ahead to the bottom and get a FREE printable bundle.