A simple ice cream sundae bar buffet is something that everyone enjoys. Young and old. We all love making our own sundaes.
The ability to add as much, or as little, to our ice cream sundae masterpiece. To create a dessert we know we will love, because we made it. Yum!
No matter what time of year you create a diy ice cream sundae bar, it’s best to set it up inside. Outside it might be too hot and melt the ice cream quickly. Or there might be bugs. Both of which will quickly ruin your ice cream buffet party.
Putting together a sundae bar is relatively easy. There are just a few things to consider, and it will be a success.
How to Create a Simple Ice Cream Sundae Bar Buffet
Step 1: Determine the theme colors for your diy ice cream bar buffet
It’s often easiest to start with color(s) when planning a theme for a party.
What color(s) represent your theme and are typically associated with it? What color decor or tableware do you already own? Is there a color you love that you would like to work into your ice cream social theme?
Because this is a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar, I lean toward colors associated with ice cream. or fun and cheerful.
So maybe, brown (for chocolate), off-white (for vanilla), and pink (for strawberry).
Or do what I did and use bright cheery colors: orange, pink, and raspberry red, with a pop of light blue.
It’s easiest if you work around colors you already have, so you won’t feel the need to invest in “more stuff.” Haha!
I used an antique white dresser cover and a small neck scarf to cover and protect my buffet tabletop. The scarf has all of my theme colors and added color to the base of the buffet.
Plus it added a little visual interest and fun to the ice cream buffet display.
Step 2: Buy and/or make your ice cream decorations
You need to have ice cream decorations when throwing an ice cream party. Decor that screams “ice cream!” LOL!
You can easily make an ice cream cone hanging backdrop and the ice cream place card holders I diy’d. They’re both SUPER EASY and cheap!
Just follow the simple instructions for the wall decor and then hang it over your buffet table. There’s no mistaking that you’re throwing an ice cream sundae party.
Then use the diy ice cream cone place card holders to hold small cards identifying the toppings. That way there’s no confusion and your guests will know what to avoid if they have any allergies or food preferences.
Step 3: Set up your ice cream sundae bar buffet
Now for setting up your diy ice cream sundae station. You need to make sure you have everything your guests need to create their amazing sundaes.
You will want to set up the buffet table in the order of where the guests start, to where they end, going through the buffet line.
Since this is an ice cream sundae party, you will want the beginning of the buffet table to have bowls and sundae glasses. Cones aren’t required but are an option.
After the glasses, set out the ice cream options. A great way to keep the ice creams cold is to place them in a large bowl (like the punch bowl I used) filled with ice. This will keep the ice cream from melting too quickly.
Be sure and have a plate or bowl of warm water on the buffet for the ice cream scoop when it isn’t being used.
Next on your simple ice cream sundae bar buffet are the toppings. You can either go crazy with tons of options or keep it simple with your basics. At a minimum, you should have hot fudge and caramel sauce, along with sprinkles, nuts, and whipped cream.
Don’t forget to provide spoons for each of the toppings.
*Did you notice I used the cups that go with my crystal punch bowl for the toppings? That’s a great way to use them – not just for drinking punch!
Then at the end of your build-your-own ice cream sundae station, have containers filled with straws (some people like to stir their sundae into a shake and drink it) and spoons.
*Note how the spoons are face down in the glass jar: that way people won’t accidentally touch the part someone else will use to eat.
Yay! You have your ice cream sundae bar buffet all set and ready to go.
Now right before your guests arrive, add the ice cream and toppings…
Enjoy making and eating your ice cream sundaes!
I love this idea. I’m always looking for ways to get people together. An ice cream bar is a perfect gathering.
Yay! So kind to hear that you like it. Thank you.