MILKSHAKE SOCIAL

After a long, hot summer of pool parties, backyard fun, and playdates around the neighborhood, I thought we’d celebrate the end of the sunny season by inviting our neighbors over for a milkshake social. Forget about having a swimsuit-ready body! Elaborate milkshakes piled high with sweet treats take center stage, and a DIY milkshake bar encourages guests to create their own masterpieces.

As a kid, many nights after dinner my brother and I would sit on the counter and help my dad make chocolate milkshakes in a milkshake machine very similar to the one I used for this party: a metal cup, when pressed just perfectly against a lever, sets off a motor making a long metal paddle spin. A blender will get the job done, but a vintage milkshake machine like this one evokes that throwback goodness of a soda shop.

GET THE LOOK

When it comes to a party like this, bring on the color! Tall, extravagant milkshakes displayed on vintage jade cake stands were the focal point, set along the back of a bright-pink papier-mâché flamingo. A black-and-white polka dot backdrop set the stage, while black stools topped with flamingo fabric encouraged guests to take a seat and stay awhile.

THE MENU

Imagining the endless milkshake flavor combinations was so much fun for me. S’mores, chocolate, peanut butter, strawberry, chocolate-hazelnut, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cupcakes, sprinkles, bananas, cotton candy, and whipped cream mixed with sweet ice cream—the options are limitless! I created several indulgent milkshakes for everyone to share and to spark guests’ inspiration. Then I lined a window ledge with Mason jars of ingredients for guests to create their own.

Furthering the soda shop appeal, I served tiny burgers on square plates, shoestring fries in geometric aqua tumblers, and cotton candy milkshakes in tall, gold-striped glasses.

ENJOY THE PARTY!

An entertaining trick I use quite often is getting my guests to participate in the creation of the food. Getting company involved encourages conversation and commingling, not to mention takes a good amount of effort off your plate!