A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ICE CREAM SOCIAL

You may have attended an ice cream social at your local church or even in your town meeting hall. Your grandmother may have told you about the ones she went to as a small girl or your parents took you to some when you were young. Now, let your own children, as well as neighbors, friends, and relatives enjoy this form of entertaining.

It is relatively simple to host an ice cream social. Just make sure to serve plenty of smooth, creamy scoops of luscious flavors of ice cream and a table filled with delectable toppings and sprinkles. The best time is on a week-end when there is plenty of opportunity to chat and visit as well as indulge in sinfully rich combinations of made-to-order sundaes. There is always a lot of laughter, fun, and, of course, great eating. You can even add some excitement to your event - tell your guests to dress in the cool colors of summer and to be ready for calorie-rich, taste-temping delights. You can add several different types of pie, cut into serving slices, and give your guests the opportunity to add a scoop or more of ice cram and “the works” on their selected choice of pie. You then have a Pie and Ice Cream Social.

Vanilla and chocolate ice cream are very basic and should always be served. These are super as bases for exotic, fanciful flights of the imagination when it comes to creating the supreme ice cream delight. Other flavors can be fruity, minty, nutty or a combination of all three.
Set your containers of ice cream in buckets or bowls of ice to keep them frosty cold.
And the toppings - oh, the array is endless. There are prepared toppings that range from hot fudge, strawberry, butterscotch, to pineapple and the full gamut of the fruit world.
Or you can make your own However you choose, the only limit is what your table can hold.

Then comes the “add ons”. These can be fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, apricots, some plain, some soaked in brandy or wine for adults, and in flavorful fruit juice for children. Then add chopped nuts (any and all kinds), colored candy sprinkles, mint or peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, crumbled cookies, crushed mints, maraschino cherries, chocolate-covered nuts or raisins, crushed candy bars, M&Ms, and crushed malted milk balls. The list is endless and the creations will bring laugher and giggles from everyone.

Serving tables should be sturdy and have plenty of napkins. Have pitchers of clear, sparkling water, and lemonade. Adding a plate of delicate cookies, as well as waffle-creme filled logs, will give you that old-fashioned flavor.

An ice cream social is an easy way of entertaining, puts your guests at ease and in the mood for fun, and everyone can be messy. Use inexpensive kitchen towels as lap covers - your guests will be very appreciative especially if the temperature are high. Have some lively music, and a few games for the guests. As for the bees that are not invited, keep garbage containers covered and away from the main activity.

Enjoy a great week-end party, splurge on some luscious ice cream creations, and have the time of your life. Entertain with an old-fashioned ice cream social - it may just become a yearly event.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June