With the school year coming to a close and summer quickly approaching, I’m sure summer parties and get-togethers are on our minds. And what summer get-together is complete without ice cream?! Ice cream is something I can eat year round, but it is especially delightful in the summertime! Sometimes the best way to keep cool is with a bowl full of your favorite flavor or a cone stacked with a good old fashioned twist. I also love the variety of potential ice cream has; even with a basic flavor like vanilla, you can change it up every day depending on what you add. Here are a few different ways you could serve up ice cream at your next family barbecue or summertime get-together:

Use mason jars! I love mason jars and think this is such a cute way to use them! Build your own delicious bowl of cuteness;).

Cone bar. Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to cones- my husband loves sugar cones, but I prefer a basic one most of the time:). This would be such a cute and fun way to let everyone have a choice- and you really wouldn’t need a centerpiece because this could definitely do the trick! (The sprinkles are not necessary but could definitely be an added bonus;) ). I also saw a cute idea where each cone was wrapped in beautiful paper and labeled with a name- definitely a little more work, but a more personal and classy way to serve them!

Cookie Bowls. If you’re not a cone person but want some extra sweetness, these cookie bowls would be so fun! You could also do a few different flavors to add some variety.

Cute Sprinkle Cups. If you want to save guests the hassle of scooping their own ice cream, you could coat the rims of small dishes with sprinkles and have everything ready to go beforehand- all you need to add is the toppings;).

Ice Cream Trench. Not for the faint of heart! I think this would be a BLAST for kids, but you might want to have a couple extra dishes for those who may not want everything loaded on their ice cream;).

Cupcake Liner Bowls. If you want to keep things small and simple, scoop a serving of ice cream into cupcake liners before the party and keep frozen until it’s time to dig in!

I love all these ideas. Ice cream is delicious anyway, but when you find cute ways to present it and serve it, things just get more fun! Of course, no ice cream bar would be complete without a great selection of toppings! Here are a few ideas:

-caramel sauce, chocolate, or strawberry sauce (or any sweet sauce you have!)

-peanut butter or Nutella

-chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, cinnamon chips, etc.

-M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces

-marshmallows or marshmallow crème

-shredded coconut

-strawberries, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, or any delicious fruit!

-Oreos, crumbled chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, Thin Mints, etc.

-gummy bears

-bubble gum pieces

-peanuts or candied pecans

-crushed candy bars (Butterfingers, Heath, Twix, Snickers, etc)

I am totally craving ice cream now:). What are your favorite ice cream toppings? And do you have a fun way to serve ice cream? Please share your thoughts in the comments below! They make my day:).