At every get-together, there’s always someone that has to make a quick run for more bagged ice. With so many event details to plan, it seems like getting enough ice tends to fall through the cracks. To avoid serving warm beer, juice, and cocktails at your next celebration, follow these guidelines to ensure you have enough ice.

Why Is Ice Needed at a Party?

Bagged ice is needed for chilling drinks and making them, so make sure you have the right type for each purpose. Whether you’re partying in- or outdoors, keep the beverages chilled by pouring chipped or crushed ice into your coolers. The small pieces allow more ice to be poured in, and more ice means faster chilling and slower melting.

If you plan to serve punch, use ice blocks to keep the bowl cold. These chunks have a low surface area to volume ratio, so they’ll chill quickly and melt slowly. Water, sodas, and fruity cocktails are best served with small nugget ice that can be chewed. If there will be an open bar at your event, you should also stock up on clear, cubed ice. Like blocks, this ice form will melt slowly when liquor is poured over it, and it looks elegant in a clear glass.

How Much Bagged Ice Should I Get?

When calculating how much ice to purchase, think about how many guests will be in attendance and how long the event will be. Generally, every glass should be filled with eight ounces of ice, and on average, people will have two drinks per hour. For example, a three-hour party with 20 guests will need 60 pounds of ice plus an additional 10 to 20 pounds for chilling beverages.

Whether you’re throwing a small backyard barbecue or a coordinating your wedding reception, Hawaiian Ice Company has a variety of bagged ice products to suit your celebration’s needs. This locally owned and operated supplier has manufactured ice for events across Oahu since 1998. They even provide island-wide delivery if you order 15 or more of their packaged ice bags. View their products online, or call (808) 538-6918 to request a quote.