June is HERE and you know what that means…school is winding down and those long summer days are about to begin. If you’re like me, with a toddler who’s too young for camps but old enough to get bored, the summer days are LONG indeed. I will admit that I actually look forward to summertime; we have no obligations and we get to be a little creative with our days and activities.

I LOVE throwing theme parties; I’ve hosted everything from Miss America watch parties to Christmas Pajama parties, Kentucky Derby soirees, and even a Toddler Olympic Games. I feel a theme makes an ordinary activity feel exciting and festive! 

So needless to say, when it was my turn to host my tribe’s monthly playdate last summer, I wanted to do something a little special! My Grammy was famous for making us banana splits (she even had official banana split dishes), and so I thought a Banana Split Bar Party would be a perfect party idea to follow in her footsteps. And let me tell you, it was hands-down one of the easiest and most fun little theme parties I’ve ever put together. I had the idea literally the night before and it was executed by the time everyone charged through the front door the next morning!

I hopped on Pinterest to get an idea for some fun banana split toppings. And of course, as Pinterest does, it will let you take this as far as you wanna go—leaving you feeling like a complete rock star or completely inadequate…I decided to settle somewhere in the middle. (I love this Banana Split Bar on The Farmwife Cooks and this one on The Southern Couture.)

I happened to have some summertime paper products I snagged at the trusty Dollar Tree. I whipped out my red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, some Wilton Armatele dishes, and some plastic utensils. (See how consistent my fanciness is?) And voila, I give you a Banana Split Bar party! 

Banana Split Bar Toppings  

-Chocolate chips

-M&M’s

-Pecans

-Butterfinger candy bars

-Strawberries

-Blueberries

-Cool Whip

-Ice cream

-Hershey’s chocolate syrup (DUH)

-Cherries on top

 I mean, doesn’t THIS make EVERYBODY happy?

There are a million other toppings you could add, like toasted coconut, flavored syrups, sprinkles, cookie crumbles, gummy worms…the list is endless.

I will certainly be repeating that little banana split bar party this summer. And since I’m planning ahead, I’ll definitely be ordering these plastic banana split bowls with colorful spoons and paper umbrellas from Amazon. (Seriously, is there anything they don’t have?)

I hope this gives you some inspiration for one of your summer days ahead. This banana split bar party was definitely a crowd pleaser for our crew! And in my book, a full house and a full tummy is a full heart.

And a sugar-coma is a long nap.