Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Kimberlee Johnson
Planning to host a party and aim to master the ice aspect? Absolutely, you do!
You don’t want your guests standing in line at the drink table waiting for their cold drinks.
Instead, put out plenty of ice and let them help themselves. But serving ice can be tricky – here are some ways to do it right.
How Do You Serve Ice At A Party?
There are a few options available regarding how to serve ice – you could either use a few large containers filled with cubes or fill up smaller bowls and colanders with cubed ice.
“Without the ice, the earth will fall.”
–Emma Thompson, British Actress
Either option works depending on the size of the event – if it’s a small gathering, it’s easier to grab some in a tray or bowl for convenience.
Then, you can use a tool such as an ice scoop or tongs to transfer it into cups.
Be sure there is enough space for guests to access the scoop and whatnot and plenty of room for the ice. Alternatively, having larger buckets of ice readily available might be smarter.
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How Do You Prevent Ice At A Party From Melting?
Keep the coolers close to the guests to minimize their time in the heat so the ice will not melt.
You can also increase insulation by using twice as much ice as you require throughout the party [1]; this way, little bits of ice will always melt, but you won’t touch the main reserve so readily.
Furthermore, to reduce the amount of air entering the cooler each time it is opened, place a damp dishcloth across the top before closing.
Setting up paper towels and trays around your coolers will make cleanup easy if any extra water should come out of them.
Finally, select a designated icemaker ahead of time to ensure there’s always a good supply during your event. But how much dry ice would you need if you throw a party?
How Should Ice Be Stored For A Cocktail Party?
To ensure you have plenty of ice without compromising quality, separate your ice into smaller batches that are stored separately in appropriate containers.
Using a bagged form of ice from the store should be transferred to airtight plastic zip-top bags so that any additional moisture isn’t absorbed, which can make the ice cloudy and melt faster.
Another great option when prepping ahead is an insulated cooler. Line the bottom with snow or ice packs and then top with cubed or crushed store-bought bags of ice.
The insulation will help keep the beverage cold while your guests enjoy them.
Lastly, prepare more than you think you’ll need, as each batch of cocktail drinks can require up to 1 part water to 4 parts ice by volume.
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Where Is Ice Stored For A Party?
Traditionally, people buy bags of pre-made ice at the local grocery store.
However, if you’re hosting a larger event, you may need more than what’s readily available and have to look for other options.
You can rent an ice machine that produces ample amounts of ice in minutes.
You can also store extra ice in large coolers or containers filled with water beforehand and keep it frozen throughout your event.
Also Read: What Things To Expect At A Frat Party?
How Many Ice Bags Do You Need For A Party?
Generally speaking, if you are hosting a 3-4 hour party with 10-20 guests, two 10 lb bags of ice should suffice.
Of course, larger soirees will call for more ice – given the same conditions, approximately 4-5 bags should do the trick.
For example, a party with 40 guests over 6 hours would require 8-10 bags, depending on weather and other factors.
Having too little ice is just as inconvenient as having too much, so you must plan accordingly.
Read: Ways To Inform Someone That They Aren’t Invited To A Party
FAQs
How can bartenders make ice crystal clear?
Bartenders use filtered or distilled water when making their ice. It will help remove any impurities in the water and cause the ice to appear cloudy.
They also use a machine called a sonic ice machine to make their ice crystal clear. But what are some tips to set up a bar for a party?
How much ice should each person have?
Each person should have about 2-3 cups of ice. That should be enough for most people. But if you want more or less ice, then feel free to adjust the amount according to your preferences.
But how can you display your freshly baked macarons at your party?
How many ice bags do I need for twenty people?
It depends on how big the ice bags are. Assuming the ice bags are small, you may need around 10-12 ice bags.
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Key Takeaways
Now that you know how to serve ice at a party, you can be sure that your guests will be impressed.
Remember these tips, and enjoy experimenting with different flavors and garnishes. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Reference:
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/7kvw5b/how-to-throw-a-great-summer-party-after-covid-pandemic
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