We find lots of reasons to celebrate at my house, and this spring is no different. I look forward to seeing NCAA® March Madness, and I love hosting our annual get together to celebrate!

You won't need too many bells and whistles with this easy party plan. I kept things simple with red decor, fresh fruit, fast recipes, and tasty (and cold!) drinks. Whether you're planning a party on a budget or just want to host a swinging shindig for NCAA® March Madness, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Create a theme. It's easy to have a Pinterest-worthy party when everything “matches.”

I kept it simple with kraft paper placemats, vintage Coke items from a serving platter to glassware, and red paper products.

We party mostly outdoors since our weather is so nice, so I like to have disposable plates and napkins when possible.

2. Set up a DIY Coke Float Station. You're going to need to do this at your next party. 

Coke Float

Supplies Needed:

• Glassware
• Straws
• Cherries
• Coke Zero, Coke, Cherry Coke, Vanilla Coke
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Chalkboard for menu (or photo frame with recipe ideas included inside)

With several different soda flavors, the combinations are limitless! Guests can serve themselves and mix and match according to their favorite tastes. I will say that there are two Coke Float recipes that are a MUST to try.

Cherry Coke Float Recipe

1. Add two scoops of ice cream to a tall drinking glass.
2. Top with half a can of Cherry Coke.
3. Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.
4. Enjoy!

You probably can't resist the sweet flavor of Cherry Coke paired with a crisp vanilla ice cream. It's absolutely refreshing.

Coke Zero has long been my favorite soda, so I was happy to taste test my way to a delicious Coke float. Though, there was ONE other combination that was AMAZING.

Vanilla Coke Chocolate Float Recipe

1. Add two scoops of ice cream to a tall drinking glass.
2. Pour in one to two ounces of chocolate flavored soda.
3. Top with half a can of Vanilla Coke.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.
5. Enjoy!

A Chocolate Sundae Coke Float sounds almost too good to be true, but it is possible. I couldn't believe it. It's REALLY good, and your guests will definitely love it!

3. Serve some sweets. After a cool drink, a tasty treat is in order. You can make this Cherry Coke Cake with just two ingredients, and you will have a moist dessert that is perfect to serve with Coke Floats.

I'm sure you've seen various Coke cake recipes on the internet over the years. I feel like they're a Southern thing since I see them SO frequently. I had never experimented with soda in my sweets until this party, but I had wanted to re-create this classic recipe. Instead of using traditional Coke, I used Cherry Coke. I am so glad that I did!

Cherry Coke Cake

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

A sweet treat!

5.0 Stars (3 Reviews)

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Ingredients

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• 1 box of devil's food cake mix
• 1 can of Cherry Coke
• Cherries to garnish
• Powdered sugar to sprinkle on top

Instructions

1. Mix one box of devil's food cake with about ten ounces of soda. You could use the entire can, but I found that I liked the consistency a bit better by using almost the entire can.
2. Bake according to package instructions, but I prepared mine with a pre-heated oven set to 325 degrees for about 30 minutes.
3. Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center of the cake.
4. Let cool.
5. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or frost with your favorite icing.
6. Cut into pieces and garnish with cherries.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 430Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 642mgCarbohydrates: 99gFiber: 1gSugar: 65gProtein: 3g

The nutritional information here is an estimate. While I try to provide accurate information via Nutritionix, this information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that it will be completely accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and any information sunnysweatdays.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

It's a simple method to prepare a dessert in a new way.

5. Grab a Seat With Coke Escort Cards.

You can also use these same glasses either prepared as the Coke shot or empty to do Coke escort cards. I'm a bit of a wedding junkie and find myself drooling over place settings, escort cards, and photography. Some wedding ideas I read about are able to be used in everyday situations. An escort card is a name card or item that lets you know where to sit at a party.

By using mini chalkboards, twine, and chalk, you can attach escort cards to these Coke glasses. Greet each guest with a smile and sweet drink!

6. Focus on what matters. A party guest may not remember the names of the teams playing or what the weather was like the day of your event. They will remember the food and the drinks though! That tip is something I've always shared with my engaged friends or those who are throwing family reunions or other large celebrations.