Here’s the scoop: Fabulous ice cream cups for your registry

As the summer sun grows hotter, we all scream for ice cream. And when a box of creamsicles just won't do, try your hand at making some homemade ice cream. Check out the recipe for Walnut ice cream with Padre Peppe over at delicious days (dot) com. Someone get me an ice cream maker quick!!! This recipe is unbelievable.

(l to r: ice cream cone dishes, spoons, $39.00, $24.00, Williams- Sonoma; Galzone Ice Cream Waffle Sundae Cone, $ 3.99, Barfly).

I grew up with ice cream. It elicits really good memories of growing up. At family reunions, summer backyard parties or Fourth of July celebrations my family would bring out the traditional hand-cranked tub and make some of the best ice cream you’d ever want to taste! Plan a ice cream party for your friends and family this summer. It's a fun, affordable way to bring people together. Here are some tips and ice cream cups that will make your next party oh so sweet!

(l to r: Venezia dish, $5.25, C.S. Post and Co.; Soda Fountain milkshake cups, $40.00 & ice cream cups, $30.00, Rosanna).

Set everything up like a salad bar on the dining table allow guests to walk around all sides, choosing exactly what they want from the ice-cream buffet. Use parfait glasses, long spoons and colorful napkins to set the tone of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

(above: Banana split bowl, s4, $19.50, Sur la table).

(l to r: Dessert dishes, s4,$28.00, Uncommon Goods; Andy Warhol ice cream cone set $25.00, Plumparty).

Stock up on both favorite flavors and a number of unusual ice cream flavors for your guests to enjoy - - - Lavender, Ginger, Wasabi, French Toast and Jalepeno are just a few of the crazy varieties with which to experiment. Don't forget the mix-ins. Ready-to-bake cookie dough has got to be my favorite! For more variety, and more fun, offer peppermint patties, malted milk balls, gummy bears, caramel corn, shredded coconut, peanut butter cups, and fruit, fresh or dried. Jars and bowls full of hot fudge, marshmallow cream, strawberry sauce, crushed pineapple, caramel, wet nuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries top it all off.

(l to r: Ice cream dish, s6, $19.95, Bormioli Rocco Glass; Sherbet Glass, s4,$15.50, Sur la table).

Plan to have enough ice cream for each person to have 1 to 1 1/2 cups.

(l to r: Silver Plated ice cream container, $95.00, Vivre; Ice cream pail with rope handle $84.00, ice cream cone, $42.00, Mariposa).

Don't forget the camera: people’s faces enjoying their homemade ice cream treats are priceless!

(above and below: Dessert bowls, s4, $82.00, Shevon Gant ceramics; Sweet dream ice cream bowls $30.00, Rosanna).

(l to r: Big Love ice cream cup and spoon, $45.00, hivemodern; retro aluminum, s6, ice cream cups, $24.99, Target).

Making ice cream together is great fun for the family or a summertime party with friends, whether you use a traditional hand-cranked tub or an automatic machine. It’s the summer time, eat lots of ice cream, relax with family and friends and enjoy the simple things that make summer so special.