The holiday season is upon us! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, or all of the above, one of the greatest and most common holiday traditions is gathering with friends and family for an ice holiday party.
If you want to make sure your guests have a holly, jolly good time at your holiday party this year, try one of these new ideas inspired by our favorite element – ice!
Garnished Ice Holiday Themed Buckets
Every celebration calls for a toast, and the holidays are no exception. Keep your sparkling sodas, champagne, and spirits chilled with an easy-to-make garnished ice bucket. Each bucket requires an empty milk carton or 2 liter soda bottle, water, beverage bottle, and fresh ingredients such as rosemary, mint, cranberries, pomegranate arils, and citrus slices for embellishment.
Carefully cut the tops off of each milk carton or soda bottle. Next, place the glass bottle inside of the soda bottle or carton and fill halfway with water. Then, stuff your fresh decorative elements between the glass bottle and carton, packing in as much as possible. Feel free to add more water if necessary. Place in the freezer overnight and remove about 20 minutes before your guests arrive. Use a utility knife to cut along the side of the plastic, and then peel it away to reveal your beautiful, homemade ice sculpture. Display your ice buckets on a tray or platter to collect drips as it melts through the night.
Block of Ice Buffet Platter
Serving appetizers and hors d’oeuvres is a great way to get the party started as your guests arrive. Give your serving platters the night off and use blocks of ice instead. Not only will they keep your cold appetizers perfectly chilled, they also add an elegant and festive touch to your spread. Sit the ice block on a tray to keep your counters and table dry. Arrange the food directly on the ice and use rosemary and cranberries to create a decorative frame around it.
Festive Frozen Berries
While packaged ice is a staple for every well-organized party, frozen berries can also be used to keep drinks cool. Purchase bags of frozen berries from the grocery store or freeze them yourself the night before your party. Throw into cocktails and punchbowls for a festive presentation.
Snow Ice Cream
There’s something whimsical about eating snow. In areas of the country where snow is a guaranteed part of every winter, making snow ice cream is a common winter activity. Although snowfall is a rarity here in Dallas, you can still treat your holiday party guests to this magical treat. Combine 8-12 cups of fresh snow ice with a can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Use a wooden spoon to make sure that the ingredients are evenly mixed together and serve promptly. Since this must be prepared immediately before serving, it can be made into a fun activity for the children at your party. Add sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream for delicious snow ice cream sundaes.
From ice blocks to snow ice, Emergency Ice can fulfill all your ice needs this holiday season. Call today to schedule your one-hour ice delivery for your ice holiday party!