Have your guests make their own sundae.
Children and adults of all ages love making their own ice cream sundaes. Sundae bars are a practical "serve yourself" alternative to the mayhem of cake distribution. Your sundae bar can have as few or as many toppings as you want. Spatial flow, topping availability and fun are important when making a sundae bar. Whether you're planning an event for 50 adults or five preschoolers, a well-executed sundae bar is always a big hit. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Explain the layout and order if your guests are children. The anticipation of self-regulated candy consumption can cause riots among kids. Describe how everyone will start at topping bowl X and circle around until each person has visited every topping bowl. Buy extra kid-friendly toppings like candy and chocolate to avoid running out of a popular item.
2. Space the topping bowls a foot apart along the counter or table. Place paper plates or platters beneath the bowls to catch any stray drips or toppings. If you have a large space and dozens of guests, set up several small tables with their own toppings. For kids, stick with a linear or circular layout to indicate a clear progression of the line.
3. Pour toppings into the serving bowls and add spoons. Heating sauces right before dessert time. Keep fruit and cream toppings cool in the refrigerator until dessert is served. Wait to set out toppings or candy of any kind until dessert is ready if you have young children in attendance.
4. Nestle the containers of ice cream into ice buckets on one end of the table or counter. Provide a resting plate or bowl for the ice cream scooper. Have an adult scoop and serve ice cream for younger children. Make small tent signs indicating the ice cream flavors and contents of each topping bowl.
Tags: topping bowl, until dessert, your guests