Party Planning - Ice Cream Social Inspiration

It's been a month since Grace's Prom extravaganza, so I'm finally getting my party groove back on.  Next week is the last week of school for us!  It couldn't come any sooner!  It has been one doozy of a year - a great year for Grace but one to be forgotten for me in my work life (and I'm guessing for a number of people I work for.)  So, I wanted to have a little way of happily sending this year off - and what is happier than ice cream in summer!

If I could, I'd create one of those unforgettable summers for my kids like the movies portray from the 50's and 60's.  I long for the summers like the ones in My Girl and The Wonder Years - when the kids could roam the streets with their sparklers at night or decorate their bikes with streamers and ride aimlessly around the neighborhood.  I can't create that every day for my kids, and for safety reasons, some days not at all, but everyone has to have a goal...

So, that little ideal picture in my head set in motion the theme for our ice cream social.  I did not want to break the bank on this party so I am going with a red and light blue theme which is the same colors as Ethan's upcoming carnival birthday party.  Many things will be making two appearances :) 

I am planning this last minute - way last minute!  Every vendor I contacted has been so gracious in helping me get the items in such a short time  Here is the inspiration for our neighborhood ice cream social.

My go-to-gals at Anders Ruff graciously did a color change for me for the invite and put this adorable invite together.  I love, love, love it!!!

I also turned to Carli from Dimple Prints who also graciously agreed to do a color change of her ice cream printables.  Her ice cream printables create the perfect nostalgic feel! I can't wait to see the color change!

Are you a fan of LoraLee Lewis?  If not, you are missing out.  I want to plan a party just to use her stationery and party supplies!  They scream nostalgia!  Reading her blog, I think we are long lost kindred spirits!  I can't wait to use these bottle wraps and the adorable whipped cream wrapper!

I am obsessed with my kids' outfits matching the theme of the party.  I know - I'm crazy.  I found these adorable shirts for Grace and Ethan from Stitch This.  I think they will be perfect to wear all summer and for the 4th of July!

How about this funky retro shirt?  This one is for me :)

These beautiful sugar cone wrappers from Refresh My Heart will make a great added touch!  Another super vendor to work with for my rush request!

What more says summer than ice cream AND bubbles!  These are great, inexpensive favors for the kiddos!

And finally, keeping with my sparkler fantasies, I found these perfect sparkler wrappers. 

Here's to a great kick off to an even better summer!