Looking for the ultimate dessert bar this 4th of July? Set up a Red, White and Cool Ice Cream bar stocked with ice cream, fresh fruit and all the toppings for the ultimate summer party. It's easy to transform a bar cart into a retro ice cream cart and create a patriotic backdrop for your DIY Ice Cream Bar.
Start by creating an old fashioned ice cream sign for your ice cream bar. I used my Cricut to make a large sign, but you can also download and resize the free printable if you don't have a cutting machine. Download the free printable here.
When I decided I wanted an old fashioned Ice Cream cart for our party, I just knew I had to transform my vintage bar cart into a retro ice cream cooler! I measured my bar cart and then cut a piece of DIY Photo Booth Backdrop to wrap around the front and sides of the cart. You can easily secure the backdrop by punching a hole in the top of each corner and then use zip ties to secure it to the bar cart legs.
I measured the top and cut out a piece of the board to fit on top so it looked more like an old fashioned ice cream cooler.
I left the back of the bar cart open so I could still use the shelves to store supplies for our ice cream bar and it was easily accessible to replenish things like ice cream cones and sprinkles as they got low.
Next, I created an awning for the ice cream cart by attaching a dowel rod with zip ties to each side of the bar cart. Then I attached the 3D Red and White Circus Awning to the top of the dowel rod.
I attached the Ice Cream sign to the front of my new cart and added a patriotic bunting banner to complete the look.
Use the other half of the DIY Photo Booth Board to create a patriotic backdrop for your ice cream bar. I layered the board with Patriotic Fringe Garland, Patriotic Paper Hanging Fans and a red, white, and blue balloon garland.
Now it's time for the fun part! Set up your ice cream bar with everything your guest will need to create their own ice cream treat. Fill a glass jar with waffle cones, use mini square appetizer bowls for sprinkles, fill a small colander with fresh fruit, and don't forget the cups, napkins and paper straws. Be sure to download the Free Printable Ice Cream Sign here and see all the complete Red, White & Cool Ice Cream Social here.