What party and event treats are
We provide a range of party and event treats you can serve at family gatherings, birthday parties, school events and neighborhood celebrations. The main options are scoop service, a self serve sundae bar, a staffed milkshake station, plated desserts and warm drinks like hot chocolate. Each option changes how guests experience flavor, texture and presentation, and it affects planning details like portion sizes, serving equipment and timing.
Why party treats matter locally
In Draper and the surrounding communities, dessert often turns a small gathering into a memorable moment. Parties bring together families with kids, teens and tweens, college students, couples and tourists. We think about local tastes, seasonal produce and how a theatrical presentation can make an ordinary party feel festive. Our colonial themed decor and playful naming add a conversational element that fits birthday parties and community events alike.
Key concepts for choosing treats
Start with the experience you want, then match the service style. Below are the practical concepts we use when planning treats for events.
- Service style, meaning scoop service, sundae bar, milkshake station, or plated dessert, each creates a different pace and level of interaction.
- Portion size and sharing, which affects how many guests a single container serves and whether you should plan for second helpings.
- Flavor selection and variety, which balances crowd pleasing staples and one or two adventurous choices inspired by our Founding Flavors menu.
- Dietary options, including dairy free choices and simpler flavors for children with sensitivities.
- Presentation and plating, which covers vessels, garnishes and how theatrical staff presentation enhances the moment.
- Packaging and takeaway, for events where guests will want to bring treats home.
How we think about each treat option
Scoop service
Scoop service is straightforward. We portion scoops into cones or cups behind the counter, which is fast for medium sized groups and familiar to most guests. Scoop service highlights the texture and swirls that define our flavors.
Sundae bar
A sundae bar gives guests control. We provide bowls, sauces, swirls and chunky mix ins so each person builds their own dessert. A sundae bar works well for family oriented events where interactivity is part of the fun, and it pairs naturally with our playful colonial presentation.
Milkshake station
A milkshake station is highly visual and feels like an activity. Thick milkshakes are served with garnishes and theatrical touches. Because milkshakes are richer and more filling, plan for smaller counts per guest if you pair this with other desserts.
Plated desserts and hot chocolate
For seated events or date night style gatherings, plated desserts and drinking chocolate offer a more composed experience. Hot chocolate is also a cozy option for cooler evenings and pairs well with scoop service or a simple dessert plate.
Comparison of common event treat options
| Option | Best for | Guest interaction | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoop service | Quick service for medium groups | Low, staff served | Simple portion control, suited to walk in guests |
| Sundae bar | Family parties and interactive events | High, self served | Requires table space and topping management |
| Milkshake station | Small to medium celebrations with showmanship | Medium, staff assists | Slower per guest, visually engaging |
| Plated desserts and hot chocolate | Seated gatherings and date nights | Low to medium | Requires plating vessels and timing for service |
Portion sizes, sharing and practical markers
Portion choices shape cost, guest satisfaction and waste. We think about who is attending and the role dessert plays in the event. For family gatherings you may want slightly larger portions for kids to share. For adult only events, smaller plated desserts allow sampling of multiple flavors.
Planning checklist for treats
- Decide how many guests will want dessert and whether children or adults will likely have seconds.
- Choose a service style that fits your venue and guest flow, such as scoop service for fast line movement or a sundae bar for social time.
- Consider dietary needs and include simple dairy free or lower sugar options.
- Allocate table space, napkins and waste bins for toppings and drips.
- Plan presentation, whether simple scoops in themed cups or plated desserts with garnishes.
Flavor selection and menu ideas
We recommend a balance of crowd favorites and one or two signature choices that show what makes our menu unique. For example, pair a vanilla based option and a chocolate based option with one bold Founding Flavors choice inspired by early American ingredients. For younger guests, include simple flavors without mix ins.
Explore our core menus to match event needs. Read about our ice cream options on the Ice Cream page, see creative sundae ideas on the Sundaes page, and learn about thick milkshakes on the Milkshakes page. For warm drink events, view our Hot Chocolate page.
Dietary options and labeling
Clear labeling helps guests with allergies and dietary restrictions choose with confidence. We mark dairy free selections and note flavors that contain common allergens like nuts. If your group includes dietary restrictions, plan for distinct serving utensils and separate topping areas.
See our Packaging and Takeaway topic for guidance on safe transport and on Portion Sizes and Sharing for common portion strategies.
Presentation and staff theatrics
Presentation matters for memorable photos and for creating a festive mood. Our colonial themed decor and light hearted staff theatrics are part of the experience we offer in the shop. Staff presentation can be scaled up or down depending on your event, and simple touches like themed garnishes or swirls make desserts feel special.
Pro tip: For events with kids, choose one interactive element such as a sundae bar or a milkshake station so the moment stays playful without becoming chaotic.
Related services and when to use them
Match your event style to a service. Below are the related pages that explain each option in more detail.
- Ice Cream for classic scoops and cup or cone service.
- Sundaes for build your own bars and plated sundae presentations.
- Milkshakes for thick, camera friendly shakes with garnishes.
- Dessert for plated sweet courses and composed options.
- Hot Chocolate for warm drinking chocolate and winter style pairings.
Related locations we serve
We are based in Draper and welcome guests from nearby neighborhoods and communities. If you are planning an event in any of these areas you can use our location pages to learn more about store details and local visits.
Helpful resources and topics
These pages go deeper into elements that matter for events, from packaging to portion planning and staff presentation.
- Packaging and Takeaway for transportable containers and food safe handling.
- Portion Sizes and Sharing for guidance on how much to plan per guest.
- Presentation and Plating for ideas that make desserts photo ready.
- Staff Theatrics to learn how themed presentation can add to the guest experience.
Common questions event planners ask
Below are the frequent practical questions we hear, so you can plan with confidence and know what to expect when you visit the shop or arrange treats for a local gathering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest option for a small birthday party?
Scoop service is often the easiest for small parties, because it is familiar, fast and requires minimal setup. Choose two to three flavors, include a simple topping or two, and plan portion sizes for the expected mix of kids and adults.
How do I include guests with dairy restrictions?
We label dairy free selections clearly and can suggest flavors that avoid common allergens. For events with multiple dietary needs, separate utensils and a distinct serving area reduce cross contact.
Can you accommodate a self serve sundae bar?
A sundae bar is a great interactive option. It needs enough table space for toppings and utensils, a plan for waste management, and staff oversight when children are present. Our Sundaes page outlines typical sundae bar components and suggestions for portioning.
What should I consider for outdoor events?
Temperature matters. For hot days choose cones and quick serve options and provide shaded areas. For cool evenings, warm drinking chocolate pairs well with small plated desserts. Packaging for transport is important if treats are prepared off site.
How many flavors should I offer at an event?
For most events offer three to five flavors. That provides variety without overwhelming guests. Include a simple vanilla or chocolate, a fruit forward option for lighter palates, and one signature bold flavor that represents our menu.
Key takeaway
Choose the service style based on the kind of experience you want, account for portion sizes and dietary needs, and use presentation to make the moment feel special. For detailed options see our pages on Ice Cream, Sundaes and Milkshakes, and consult location pages for store visit planning.
Further reading and next steps
If you want to refine choices for your gathering, our topic pages dive deeper into packaging, portioning and presentation. Learn about packaging options on Packaging and Takeaway and about sharing sizes on Portion Sizes and Sharing. You can also visit the Topics hub for a full list of guides and articles about our craft.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer seasonal flavors for events?
Yes, our menu rotates with seasonal and limited run flavors, which can add a unique note to a celebration. Check our Seasonal Flavors topic to see examples of how seasonal ingredients influence flavor choices.
Will staff wear costume or present desserts theatrically at parties?
Our staff lean into the historical theme in a light hearted way. Presentation level can be discussed depending on the event context and venue, and we recommend choosing one or two theatrical elements so presentation enhances rather than distracts from the celebration.
What is a good dessert plan for mixed age groups?
Offer both simple flavors and one or two playful options. A sundae bar works well because children can build their own treats while adults sample composed desserts or smaller plated options.
See our store and menu
Read customer reviews and get directions on our Google Business Profile, and explore more event planning resources on our Topics hub.