An old style ice cream truck. Craigyc/Flickr

Spotting the ice cream truck merrily rolling down your street is a sure sign of summer. As a child, the playful tune piping from the white truck was cause for a piggy bank raid. Over the weekend, the ice cream truck stopped on my street and I bought my old favorite–a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar.

This summer, “why don’t you” just fill your icebox with colorful popsicles and ice cream bars and sandwiches to offer guests on a hot day? Serving frozen desserts from your everyday white serving tray will provide cool relief, a welcome departure from the traditional glass of lemonade, and a little bit of nostalgia. It’s certainly my idea of casual summer entertaining.

What chilly treats are you offering guests this summer and what will you order when the ice cream man stops in front of your house?