Retro Ice Cream Sundae Bar {surprise}

Earlier this summer, we took the boys to an old fashion soda fountain in a nearby quaint farmtown. This helped inspire me to create our own little retro style ice cream shop at home for a family event. I am the biggest fan of the party trend of sweet stations, bars, and buffets. And what could be better than an ice cream sundae bar in JULY?!

Our visit to an old fashion soda fountain in a little farmtown

I planted anticipation in their little hearts by whispering to them that I was going to bring the ice cream shop home with us but that is was a big SECRET on how I would do that! {wink}

Kotah being Kotah outside the old fashion soda fountain shop

I decided to create this ice cream bar for our 4th of July celebration.
I wrote about our All American Soiree here if you want to see all those details.

I bought a beautiful fabric pendant banner from sweet cottage dreams on etsy that I am in love with! It gives that CLASSIC children's charm.





In the past my mom has dipped cones in chocolate for a fun touch and I copied her idea! I dipped them in melted chocolate then covered them with festive sprinkles.

I also printed and cut paper cones for some of the cones.


Nothing beats homemade ice cream balanced on an adorable cone for a hot summer day!


The big empty basket is ready to hold the ICE cold homemade vanilla ice cream!


For the centerpiece I added little touches of retro to complete the look I was creating: A tin of marbles, vintage red and white paper straws twirled in a jar, and vintage art of children from a 4th of July past.

Just in case there were any crazy little people who didn't want ice cream, I made some homemade sugar star cookies! Licorice is a timeless treat, appropriate for a retro theme.


Why are choices so exciting? Strawberry, Caramel, Chocolate, or all three?

The more topping varieties, the more excitement there is! Crushed oreos, mini M&Ms, red and white gummy bears, nuts, chocolate & peanut butter chips, and sprinkles of course!


The boys were the perfect helpers to help sort out the candy so we exclusively had red, white, and blue.


No sundae bar is complete without a bowl full of cherries...



The ice cream was served buffet style, with the super cute parfait cups ready to grab in a basket beside the table.

I covered the canned whip cream in red paper to subtract any commercialized look from the table.


My mom's candy jar nearby fit the style too!

Anxious tiny ones are lined up, ready to create their sweet treats!

I am extra happy about the ice cream sundae bar concept and want to use it again! You can take this idea and change it in many ways. A banana split bar with bright cheerful colors is another idea to have set up for the neighborhood after a day on the big yellow slip and slide. If you've tried this before, please share! I am interested in some serious eye candy inspiration. :)


To See the FULL Celebration, visit ALL AMERICAN SOIREE post.

CREDITS: a BIG HAPPY THANK YOU to: Tweedled Designs, Martha Stewart, Vintage Holiday Crafts, andThe Pink Orange for paper printables





This post is linked to:


Motivate me Monday, Inspired By, I'm Lovin It Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff Thursday, Be Inspired, Topsy Turvy Tuesdays, Making the World Cuter, Its so Very Creative, Tasty Tuesday,Get Your Craft On, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Market Yourself Monday, Works for Me Wednesday, Show and Tell, Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday