National Ice Cream Day may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw a super scrumptious ice cream social to celebrate summer. We know that ice cream cake is a given (because, really, why should you have to choose between ice cream and cake), but why not make your decor cool as well? These 15 DIY ice cream-themed party ideas will make you want to throw an ice cream social weekly.

1. Ice Cream Cone Favor Bags: Send your guests home with treats in this sweet little bag. The retro brown paper bags offer a dose of nostalgia, and the ice cream shapes feature two of our favorite things: Glitter and polka dots! (via Pottery Barn Kids)

2. Ice Cream Cone Piñatas DIY: Is it a piñata? Is it ice cream? With this DIY, you can have both! Fill them with goodies, or if your heart is breaking at the thought of destroying these, just hang them as decor. (via Oh Happy Day)

3. Jumbo Popsicle Garland: While ice cream is always a great treat, sometimes on hot summer days we just crave a refreshing popsicle. Plus, this garland is made using pool noodles, which makes this the ultimate ode to summer. (via Oh Happy Day)

4. DIY Playful Yarn Balls: These yarn balls can be used for all kinds of projects, but our favorite is these adorable ice cream scoops. Use these whimsical faux-sundaes as centerpieces. (via Hostess With the Mostess)

5. Ice Cream Balloons: At Brit HQ, we’re suckers for crazy creative balloons, like these easy-to-make ice cream cone ones. Make them big and small, in every color of the rainbow and with interesting prints on the cones. (via Pottery Barn Kids)

6. DIY Paper Popsicle Memory Game: These colorful popsicle printables are originally made for a memory game (which we love!), but you can also string them together to create a playful popsicle banner. (via Eat Drink Chic)

7. Ice Cream Party Invites: With invitations this inviting, you won’t get any RSVP regrets! Simply print them out and fill in the details of your ice cream bash. (via One Charming Party)

8. Ice Cream Party Hat DIY: You’re never too old for a party hat… especially one as awesome as this. An ice cream social is the perfect time to embrace your inner child. (via Mermaidens)

9. Ice Cream Cone Garland DIY: This festive garland is the perfect backdrop for any ice cream-themed event. You can also use the individual cones as a fun photo booth prop. (via Oh Happy Day)

10. DIY Ice Cream Cone Balloon Weights: We’ve already shown you how to craft ice cream balloons, but why not try something different and go with balloon weights instead? Line these up in your hallway to set the tone for your party as your guests arrive. (via Studio DIY)

11. Watermelon Printable Ice Cream Cone Wrappers: Combine two perfect summertime treats into one with this watermelon cone wrapper. Fill them with some sorbet to continue the fruity theme. (via Design Eat Repeat)

12. Paper Punch Ice Cream Cones: These little cutouts are super simple to create and give you a chance to go nuts with glitter. Use them as labels for different tubs of ice cream. (via Damask Love)

13. DIY Ice Cream Lanterns: Light these ice cream cones up when the sun starts to set for a surprising effect. And when the party is over, keep the lanterns for a year ’round festive look. (via DIY Inspired)

14. No-Melt Pop Invitations: Go retro with these ice pop invites. The slightly sheer paper gives them a creamy feel that’s almost good enough to eat. Plus, we’re always a sucker (get it? sucker?) for anything color blocked. (via Martha Stewart)

15. Paper Party DIY: The options are endless with these teeny tiny ice cream cutouts. Make a garland, decorate your straws… use your imagination! (via One Charming Party)

Will you be throwing an ice cream party this summer? What’s your favorite way to celebrate summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Natasha Reddy
Engineer by day, blogger/baker/DIY-er by night. Lover of mimosas, books, hot sauce and traveling the world. When Natasha's not working on her blog, Frankly, my dear , she can be found making to-do lists, giving in to her unabashed love of teen TV (PLL, anyone?) and waiting for Zara to go on sale.