This summer has been especially hot, particularly in Atlanta, and one of my favorite ways to cool off is with ice cream. Who doesn’t love ice cream?
I teamed up with Nestlé to host an end-of-summer gathering for friends, featuring two of my favorite Nestlé brands—Häagen-Dazs and Edy’s—complete with cocktails, tacos, and, naturally, plenty of ice cream. Below are photos from the party and practical tips for recreating this easy, memorable celebration at home. Whether you’re marking a birthday, a promotion, or just an ordinary weekend, there’s definitely an ice cream for the occasion.
Creating a Cool Atmosphere
For a relaxed, casual vibe, skip the formal dining table and bring the indoors outside. Lay down rugs and scatter pillows to create a cozy seating area where guests can lounge comfortably. Floor poufs also make excellent seating around a low table.
I built the low table used here in under 10 minutes from scrap wood. Use three boards of similar length and attach three cross braces—one centered and one on each end—then nail them together and flip it over. To raise the table slightly, I set it on a couple of wooden crates to act as legs. The result is an easy, laid-back centerpiece that invites guests to relax and linger.
Food
I kept the menu light—salad and fresh tacos—so we could indulge in decadent ice cream desserts afterward. Balance is everything.
For dessert I recreated three favorites: donut sundaes, homemade matcha waffle cones filled with ice cream, and peaches-and-cream soda floats. I also added simple summer affogatos made with cold brew, a generous scoop of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla, and a homemade chocolate waffle cone wedge. The coffee-vanilla combination was an instant crowd-pleaser.
Iced Coffee Affogatos Recipe (makes 1 serving)
- One heaping scoop of Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice cream
- 4–6 ounces cold brew coffee
- Chocolate waffle cone wedge for garnish*
*To make the chocolate waffle cone wedges, use a basic waffle cone batter but substitute 4 teaspoons of cocoa powder for the matcha. Bake thin, then cut into wedges instead of shaping them into cones.
Assemble the affogato by scooping ice cream into a small glass, pouring cold brew over it, and adding a chocolate waffle cone wedge. Simple and delicious.
Ice Cream Essentials
For a casual summer gathering, stocking a few ice cream essentials goes a long way. My top pick to always have on hand is Häagen-Dazs Vanilla. With just five simple ingredients it’s incredibly creamy and versatile—perfect on its own, as a topping for pies, cakes, and donuts, or as a base for drinks like affogatos and soda floats.
It’s also thoughtful to include a non-dairy option so all guests feel welcome. My pick is Häagen-Dazs Non-Dairy Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle—rich, with fudge chunks and salted fudge swirls—so even guests without dairy restrictions will enjoy it.
Other crowd-pleasing flavors to offer include Häagen-Dazs Caramel Cone and Edy’s Slow Churned Mint Chocolate Chip. Mint chocolate chip always brings back nostalgic memories for me—food often triggers those small, personal memories for guests, too.
Keep a few simple toppings handy—hot fudge, caramel sauce, and sprinkles—and, when time allows, add homemade waffle cone wedges or full cones for a special touch. Little details like fresh cones or decorative toppings make the dessert table feel thoughtful without much extra effort.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
If you’re planning your own summer celebration, stock up on Nestlé ice cream products—there’s a savings offer available for purchases of participating products.
That wraps up my end-of-summer gathering. What are your go-to tips for easy entertaining at home? And most importantly, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor to keep on hand for parties and everyday celebrations?
—
This post was sponsored by Nestlé. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper and Stitch running.