Charming Boho Ice Cream Social

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SoHoppinGood #TopYourSummer #CollectiveBiasNow that we’re nearing the end of summer (Wow, is it really August? Summertime always goes by way to fast!), I’m getting ready to send my little Jade off to school. Pre-school, but still all I can see are the next 12 years of her life revolving around a school schedule. Now that our back yard is finished (and we’ve finally hung our twinkle lights), I wanted to host something outside so we could enjoy each others company and the last bit of this warmer weather. So, in true Chelsey fashion, I decided to host a charming Boho Ice Cream Social. Just a little get-together to spend time with our friends before school starts, an end of summer soiree if you will.

If you didn’t already know, I’m kind of an ice cream connoisseur, hence the ice cream social theme. My first job was at a popular ice cream shop where we hand-mixed gourmet ice cream creations, so I’m the real deal and I know quality. It’s safe to say I’m pretty picky about having real, loaded with flavor and very high quality ice cream in my freezer. I love serving and having Blue Bunny® ice cream on hand for those very reasons. For this sweet Boho Ice Cream Social, I served a few of my favorite ice cream flavors: Blue Bunny® Pistachio Almond, Blue Bunny® Bunny Tracks® and Blue Bunny® Double Strawberry. I LOVE their new clear packaging because I liked being able to pick the container with the most flavor swirls and goodies. To keep the menu light, I also served fresh fruit, Keebler waffle cones, Smucker’s Spoonable Hot Fudge and Smucker’s Strawberry Spoonable Ice Cream Toppings for a great and inexpensive way for my guests to add some fun to their ice cream.

If you’ve been wanting to host a little ice cream party or soiree for your kids before they go back to school, it’s not too late. With a couple of tubs of your favorite Blue Bunny® ice cream, my super easy ice cream cupcakes (recipe below) and by shopping the house, you’ll have the makings for very budget friendly party. You won’t believe how much of this decor I already on hand for this party, almost all of it! Here are my best tips on how to recreate this magical Boho Ice Cream Social.Set the Scene

To create this dreamy backdrop for your party, consider the time of day. I started this party at 7:30pm to make sure the lighting would be bright enough to enjoy without being too hot. Use what you have and try to incorporate as many parts of your backyard into the decor. By using the colors of the rock wall, the green plants, and string lights I was able to add a few indoor items to tie it all to gather, and it felt so dreamy. I used the legs of a teepee that my daughter had in her room, replaced the existing bright chevron canvas with a pink ruffled bed skirt, added flowers, a green leafy garland, an arrow, and a DIY dream catcher to tie it all together (see the full tutorial below). By using quilts and pillows from my entire house (I may have a pillow hoarding problem), I was able to add an inviting feel to everything that made it feel more cozy and welcoming. Flowers and Garland

To tie in our fireplace and mantle, I used an old evergreen Christmas garland that I added more fake flowers to. I added a white floral garland, peach flowers, twigs with berries and small pink flowers to match the rest of the decor. I also added two large DIY dream catchers (tutorial below) to each end of the garland, to match the one on the teepee.
Go For Vintage

One of the best things about the boho/shabby chic look is how you can use vintage pieces (like an old suitcase and old pallets) that add charm. Find things around the house, garage and yard that are old-looking, mix metals and get creative with them. By using two old pallets, I was able to create the perfect little table to hold the Blue Bunny® ice cream and other treats. I created additional seating by using pillows around the pallets for the kids to sit on.Easy Activities 

I had bubbles for the kids to play with, a flower crown station and lots of ice cream for all of us to enjoy. Luckily, I was able to reuse the floral crowns and boutineers I made for Jades birthday party last year, the kids loved wearing them and they looked great.DIY Dream Catcher Tutorial
Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how I made these dream catchers.What you’ll need:

• An embroidery hoop
• Thin rope or jute cord
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Leather cording
• Feathers
• Lace

Starting with the cord knotted at the top, work the cord around the hoop every 3-4 inches and add a single knot before moving to the next section (it will look more like a twist). Make sure to keep the knot direction consistent as you go around the hoop (i.e. always loop around left to right).
Continue around the hoop making knots every 3-4 inches, until you get back to where the first knot started.
Next, loop (in the same direction) the string sections you just created.
Keep the cord tight, it will pull the inner strings together and create a new inner line between the two new points.
Continue around in the same direction working around and around, always looping in the same direction.
When the sections are too small to work with, tie a simple knot (at an even spot in the pattern) and trim the excess to finish the center of the dream catcher.
Finish by tying a generous amount of ribbon, leather cords, lace, string beads and feathers to the bottom of the dream catcher to add color and flair.Use your dream catcher to decorate your teepee or mantel!
Make The Dessert Ahead

One of my best tips for throwing a party (that you can actually enjoy every moment with your guests) is to serve something that you can make ahead of time. Which is why I think these easy-to-make (yet SUPER impressive) Blue Bunny® Ice Cream Cupcakes are the way to go!Easy Blue Bunny® Ice Cream Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS/SUPPLIES:

• Blue Bunny Ice Cream (I used Blue Bunny® Bunny Tracks® and Blue Bunny® Double Strawberry)
• Store bought chocolate and vanilla cupcakes
• Gold sprinkles
• Candy roses
• Cupcake liners
• Clear cups
• Wooden spoons

Step One:

Add gold sprinkles to the cupcakes, keep in mind you may need to press them in a little with your fingers to help them stick. Place store bought cupcakes in the freezer until the frosting hardens, about 20-30 minutes.
Set out the ice cream about 10-15 minutes before you’re really to work with the cupcakes, to soften. Remove frozen cupcakes, carefully peel off the existing wrapper and place onto a cutting board.Using a serrated knife, cut the cupcake in half. Place the bottom of the cupcake into a new cupcake liner, and place that liner into a clear plastic cup. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream and layer on top of the cupcake bottom.
Replace the top of the cupcake and gently press down and center it. Try to avoid touching the frosting, as it could leave finger prints and melt the frosting.
Add candy roses, toppings and wooden spoons as garnishes and place finished cupcakes into the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Remove from freezer when you’re ready to enjoy!
This party turned out so beautifully and it was so much fun! I’m so grateful that my daughter and I both have such wonderful friends!You can find all of these flavors and a ton of topping options at your local Walmart in the ice cream aisle in the frozen food section. For more recipes and ideas to add more fun to your ice cream check out the Blue Bunny® website here. What is your favorite flavor of Blue Bunny® ice cream?

 

Photography by Diana Putnam Photography