DIY Fourth of July Ice Cream Float Bar

Hosting a backyard barbecue for July 4th? End your party with desserts that delight! Set up a charming little ice cream float bar where guests can choose an ice cream, a soda and toppings to create their own desserts. We’re sharing step-by-step instructions and a free chalkboard printable, too!  You […]

 

Hosting a backyard barbecue for July 4th? End your party with desserts that delight! Set up a charming little ice cream float bar where guests can choose an ice cream, a soda and toppings to create their own desserts. We’re sharing step-by-step instructions and a free chalkboard printable, too! Ice Cream and Soda Floats in Kate Aspen Mason Jars

You can build an impressive display with a few rustic serving pieces and fresh flowers. Add height with crates, a cake stand, and varying vases. Incorporate color with fresh flowers from your local farmer’s market or even your own back yard! We chose sunflowers with a clipping of blue hydrangea and red carnations for accents. Use our free printable to design and print simple instructions to set out in bright gingham frames and you’re ready to go!

Ice Cream Soda Float Bar Kate Aspen

1. Choose an Ice Cream Flavor

Ice cream will be the first thing you prepare and the last thing you put out. Prepare party-ready ice cream cups the day before. First, scoop the ice cream into mason jars. Two scoops nearly fill the jar, and one scoop leaves more room for soda. Pack plenty of chocolate and vanilla options, and then pop the jars in the freezer overnight.

You can set up the whole bar ahead of time, and leave a space for the ice cream tray. When you’re ready to serve, place the jars on the tray and then surround them with ice to keep them cool.

Planning Tip: Run your ice cream scoop under warm water before each scoop so you can form perfect servings. Don’t worry if they look a little messy! The jars will develop a nice frost from their stay in the freezer.

Ice Cream in Kate Aspen Mason Jars

2. Pick a Soda Pop

Classic soda bottles make a nice nostalgic presentation for the center of the ice cream float station. Create a cute printable chalkboard sign in a gingham frame to tell guests what to do. You can even tie custom bottle openers to the bottles for guests to keep as a favor! We used red and white baker’s twine to add another splash of color.

Pick A Soda Pop Ice Cream Float Bar Kate Aspen

Planning Tip: Set out a container between the ice cream and soda bottles in which guests can discard bottle caps. This will keep your display nice and tidy throughout the party.

Ice Cream and Sodas Kate Aspen Ice Cream Soda Float Bar

These mini bottles are the perfect size for filling a few jars. You can offer a few different soda flavors, too!

Pouring Soda Into Mason Jar Kate Aspen Ice Cream Float Bar

3. Top It Off

Set out whipped cream and cherries for guests to top off their creations. Save yourself the clean up, and simply cover up the labels on the store-bought containers! We used corrugated kraft paper and a personalized bottle label on ours.

Hostess Tip: For the adults at the party, you can offer a splash of vanilla vodka for boozy floats!

Top It Off Cherries and Whip Cream Ice Cream Float Bar Kate Aspen

4. Pop, Fizz, Float!

Once guests have completed their ice cream concoctions, they can cap them off with pretty yet practical daisy drinking lids and select a straw! Personalized party straw flags make these floats even more fun to sip!

Party Tip: Add chocolate sprinkles in a mason jar so your straws stay put. It also adds a cute touch to the decor!

Paper Party Straws Kate Aspen Ice Cream Float Bar

Placing Straw In Ice Cream Soda Float Kate Aspen

Ice Cream Soda Floats Kate Aspen

Customize free printable chalkboard signs | Shop BBQ party favors & decor

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Would you set up an ice cream float bar at your backyard barbecue? How about a late night treat at a summer wedding?

Pouring an Ice Cream Float Kate Aspen

Happy Planning!