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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

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.

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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.

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.

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)
  • Giant Yard Pong. Think of beer pong, but big trashcan sized red solo cups. What a Blast!
  • Jumbo 4-To-Score. This one is great for the kids and adults. Who doesn’t love a good game of connect four?
  • 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.

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How to Host a Friendsgiving!

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.

The Holiday Season is here! It’s time to embrace old traditions and start some new ones for yourself and your friends. You should host Friendsgiving! What is a Friendsgiving Party? It is exactly what it sounds like: Thanksgiving with your friends.

It is often held on a day other than Thanksgiving but can be the main event for those who don’t have a family dinner to attend on actual Thanksgiving. To host the perfect Friendsgiving, you can either embrace a traditional dinner style held during the afternoon or a party style held in the evening. Either way, your Friendsgiving will be a crowd pleaser with your close friends. Why not make it an all-day event. Guests can arrive to the hosts house by around 11am. Eat appetizers and sip wine, talk and play games while the turkey finishes cooking.

Even though hosting anyone at your house causes a little stress, these ideas are meant to keep things fun and easy so you can enjoy yourself too. BONUS: Most of these tips work for celebrating Thanksgiving too!

How Do You Host a Friendsgiving?

Usually, the Host will cook the turkey and whatever else they choose, while everyone else brings a side dish or dessert to share.

LOCATION

Make sure to pick a location with a big table and kitchen. Whether you have five friends or 15, choosing the perfect location is crucial. Make sure you have plenty of room for all guests and the food of course. This should definitely be the first step of your planning.

INVITATIONS

Send out some form of an invitation. You can mail out invitations on a holiday themed card or send out an E-vite to all of your besties. For a less traditional route, make a group text of Facebook group with all of your friends to get the word out.

PLAN AHEAD

No matter how much time I give myself to get prepared the day of a party, I’m always way less stressed if I’ve done most of the work the day before. Make a plan to do the work ahead of time. The only thing I’ll leave until the day of the party is the food prep for whatever part of the meal, I’m in charge of that can’t be done ahead of time. By getting the majority of the to-do list out of the way, when the stress level is low, you’re setting yourself up for success.

KEEP THINGS SIMPLE

No matter how elaborate the plans are in your head, nobody else knows what you set out to do. Life gets in the way and and sometimes keeping things simple truly is the best way to ensure that you have success.

THE FOOD

Consider having a potluck. A potluck is a way to make everyone feel included and take some of the pressure off of you. Spend a minute doing a little organization to make sure you don’t end up with 14 pies. When someone only has to bring one or two things, they tend to pull out all the stops and make delicious dishes. This could be the key to having a stress-free Friendsgiving party. Trust me, your friends won’t mind bringing a dish and it will save you so much time/money. If you have a friend that maybe isn’t into cooking, just have them bring a pie they can get at the grocery store.

Party Tip: Be prepared to share your recipes with the others so they can add it to their holiday menu. Print out a few copies beforehand so you can hand them out.

Hostess Tip: Have some disposable containers on hand so guests can take home leftovers for lunch the next day.

Serve your Food Buffet Style

This is the easiest way to serve food because people can just get up and get more food when they’re ready. Set up a table that is specifically for all the food. It works out great.

Set up a Drink Station

A serve-yourself drink station is such a great idea. People are happy when they have something to sip on, so make it super easy for them.

WHAT TO WEAR

Pick out your best Friendsgiving outfit. The holidays are all about spending time with loved ones while dressing warm and cute. Pull out that cozy sweater and leggings for that friend group photo. For bonus points, organize a theme with your friends so that you have a consistent color palette in photos. Try wearing warm fall colors or jewel tones.

DECOR

Make your home festive with decor. Who says you can’t go all out when you Host a Friendsgiving?

PLAYLIST

When you host a Friendsgiving having music is key. Pick out a perfect playlist to get the holiday vibes going. Is it really a party without music.

CAPTURING THE MEMORIES

Make lasting memories with your besties. Friendsgiving is an event where you can truly express to your friends how much they mean to you. Be sure to take pictures so you can reminisce in the years to come.

FRIENDSGIVING ACTIVITIES

Usually, Friendsgiving guests come from your close friend group. But in case there are people who may be newer to the crowd, think about having a few activities to help break the ice.

  • Play a game of football. Our house is pretty small so getting at least some of the people outside from time to time keeps everything feeling a little less cramped. Plus, it’s fun to do something active.
  • Plan a game night. This is a great time to play with lots of people and have a chance to laugh and just enjoy each other’s company.
  • ‘These Cards Will get you Drunk
  • The Best Friend Game: What could be a better game than this for Friendsgiving?!
  • Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids: If there will be kids at the party, you should have something for them to do.
  • Friendsgiving: Such a sweet book to read with your littles about Friendsgiving and why you should do it.
  • Thanksgiving Party Scratch off cards: This is such a fun and different game to have.
  • Conversation starters for friends: This game would be great if you have a mix of friends that don’t know each other.

CLEANING UP

Organize a cleanup crew. Unfortunately, your delicious feast will come to an end at some point, and then it will be time to clean up. Divide and conquer amongst your friends so that cleanup is a quick and easy process. Make sure to wrap up all the leftovers and send some home with each guest.

After all of this fun, schedule what you need to Host a Friendsgiving next year. Even though Friendsgiving may be over for this year, you can start planning out next year’s event to make it bigger and better.