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How to Host the Ultimate Ice Cream Social with Magnum
As summer winds down and early fall sets in, we’re loving the golden light, cooler evenings, and slower pace. But you know what makes this atmosphere even better? When you add friends and ice cream to the mix.
That makes now the perfect time to host an ice cream social — a tradition that took off in 19th-century America, when communities gathered to share scoops in church halls, town squares, and schoolyards. Now, it’s ready for a modern Magnum upgrade.
Whether you’re hosting a relaxed evening with close friends or celebrating a birthday or milestone with a bigger crowd, we’ve got tips to help you make it an evening to remember.
Why Fall Is the New Season for Ice Cream
You don’t have to say goodbye to ice cream just because summer’s over. In fact, fall might be one of the best times to enjoy it.
Whether you're hosting outside under string lights or inside by candlelight, an ice cream party can bring the perfect mix of nostalgia and style. The best part? It’s easy to pull together, fun for guests, and ice cream is a fresh alternative to the usual autumn desserts. Maybe save the pumpkin pie for later — or serve it on the side!
Choose Your Magnum Lineup
The fall decor is set, the playlist’s smooth, and your dessert station is ready for its star: rich, chocolate-dipped Magnum bars, styled alongside all your favorite toppings and treats. Here are a few crowd favorites to start building the perfect dessert spread for your guests:
Milk Chocolate Bar
It's a timeless classic that always hits the spot. Our Milk Chocolate bar features smooth Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream covered in Magnum’s signature 39% cacao milk chocolate shell that delivers that satisfying crack with every bite.
Dark Chocolate Bar
The Dark Chocolate bar is for those who like their desserts bold. It has a 68% cocoa dark chocolate shell encasing velvety vanilla bean ice cream. It’s intense, refined, and most importantly, delicious.
Double Caramel Bar
The Double Caramel bar offers a luxurious pairing of creamy vanilla ice cream and buttery caramel sauce, all wrapped in a smooth milk chocolate shell. It adds a comforting note to the spread.
Double Raspberry Bar
The Double Raspberry bar will appeal to those who like their sweet with a little zing. Think vibrant raspberry ice cream, a layer of gooey chocolate, and tangy raspberry sauce, all coated in a 44% cacao milk chocolate shell.
Also read: Magnum Duets: A Double Dose of Decadence
Mini Variety Pack
Ideal for guests who want big flavor in a bite-sized treat, Magnum Minis pack all the indulgence of the classics into a smaller size. And with the variety pack, you’ve got three timeless favorites to choose from (Magnum Classic, Magnum Almond, and Magnum White Chocolate), making it perfect for sharing. Each one features creamy vanilla ice cream dipped in its own decadent chocolate coating.
Discover the full Magnum Mini range: Magnum Mini Ice Cream Bars
Build A Self-Serve Ice Cream Bar
Want your gathering to feel effortless and memorable? Set up a DIY ice cream bar that looks elevated but is easy for guests to navigate and enjoy at their own pace. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Pick Your Flavors
Start with a curated mix of Magnum bars, including Classic bars, Double bars, and Minis, to ensure there’s something for everyone
Tip: Stick to 3–5 varieties to keep the spread feeling intentional rather than overwhelming.
2. Select Toppings & Extras
Offer toppings that enhance (not overpower) the flavors of the bars. Think of them as finishing touches, not a full sundae moment.
- Fresh berries (raspberries pair especially well with dark chocolate)
- Crushed cookies (shortbread or chocolate wafers for texture)
- Flaky sea salt (a natural pairing with caramel or milk chocolate)
- Warm caramel or chocolate sauces in mini pitchers or carafes
- Toasted nuts, shaved coconut, or edible gold dust for a little glamor
- Seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chai sugar for a cozy fall twist
If you’re expecting younger guests, add a few playful options like rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, or mini marshmallows.
Tip: Group toppings by flavor family (fruity, crunchy, spiced) to help guests build combinations easily.
3. Style the spread
Presentation takes this from dessert table to something straight out of a magazine spread. Serve bars on marble slabs, rustic wooden boards, or mirrored trays to create contrast and texture. Layer in linen napkins, small bowls for toppings, and elegant cocktail picks for clean, easy grabbing. You could also add a small sign or menu card describing the bar flavors (bonus: it saves you from repeating them all night).
Tip: If you're hosting outdoors, keep bars chilled in a cooler lined with dry ice or ice packs. Just be sure to serve in small batches so everything stays picture-perfect.
4. Set the scene
Lighting and music matter. String lights or candles instantly create atmosphere, while a well-curated playlist keeps the mood relaxed. Keep drinks nearby — sparkling water, wine, or espresso all pair well with Magnum bars. Want to lean into the theme? Serve Magnum-inspired cocktails, like the Double Caramel Espresso Martini.
That’s a Wrap
For your next gathering, you know what to do. An ice cream social is the perfect way to bring people together, whether you’re marking the end of summer or celebrating something special. So unwrap your favorite Magnum bars and let good company (and great ice cream) do the rest.
FAQs
Mix textures and flavors to complement the richness of Magnum bars. Think fresh berries, warm syrups, crushed cookies, toasted nuts, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance.
For outdoor gatherings, store bars in a cooler with dry ice or ice packs, and bring them out in small batches. Indoors, keep them in the freezer and replenish the display as needed.
Definitely. Set up a dessert station on a sideboard, kitchen island, or coffee table. Add a few candles or soft lighting, and you’ll instantly create a cozy atmosphere.
PRODUCTS
Select Your Indulgence
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