Tips For Setting Up a Candy Buffet at Your Reception

Candy Buffets have been steadily gaining in popularity of the last few years. They are not just for wedding receptions anymore either! Any type of reception or party can be a candidate for a candy buffet. Some of the events that can incorporate a candy buffet include:

Birthday Parties
Bar Mitzvah or Bah Mitzvah
Corporate Events
Political fundraisers
Any type of fundraiser
New Product Launches
Baby Showers
Bridal Showers
Grand Openings and more!

If you are intrigued by the idea of a candy buffet and want to do it yourself, try incorporating some of the tips below.

Provide containers for your guests to fill and take home. Use Chinese style to go boxes or cellophane treat bags for guests. You can also embellish the take home containers with stickers or printed ribbons with the bride and grooms name and date or a company name or product.
Use candy colors that match your event or company logo.
Add signs or words for the decor of the table like - Love Sweet Love, Sweet Dreams, Love is Sweet, Our Sweet Day, etc... Add flowers, photos or other decor that matches your theme to really make it a special display.
Use different heights and shapes of jars and vases to make the buffet interesting to the eye.
If you use the cookie jar type jars, take the lids off for presentation. It makes it easier for guests to fill their treat bag or box
Create risers if the jars and vases you are using are close to the same height.
Cover the risers with fabric or table cloths that coordinates with your colors or theme.
You will need 8 to 10 types of candy and about 15 to 20 lbs or each type for a large event. For showers or small birthday parties 6 to 10 lbs of each candy is usually plenty.
Buy your candies in bulk form for the best prices. If ordering online, allow plenty of time ahead of the event for shipping.
Don't forget to provide scoops for dipping out the candies!

Get creative! While Clear glass containers are the standard (they allow the colors to show through), if you have a theme, consider mixing in containers or other decor that capitalize on the theme. For instance, if you have a western theme, use a cowboy boot vase for licorice sticks or another tall candy. If you are using a garden theme; place a small, decorative watering can on the table with flowers or greenery at the base.

If your candy buffet is part of a product launch or company event, showcase your product on the candy buffet as part of the decor. The ideas are limitless! Have fun with it, after all, Candy is Fun!

Mandee Sears has been part of the event industry for 20+ years as a caterer, venue manager, venue owner and event decorator. Learn more tips and tricks for wowing your guests at your next party by visiting Setting Buffets or How to Decorate a Buffet

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Candy Buffet Ideas

You can create any unique candy buffet for a variety of occasions, including weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, or anniversary parties. Include small boxes or cellophane bags and decorative ribbon so that guests can bring home candy to enjoy later.

Chocolate candy buffets: You can order items dipped in milk, white, or dark chocolate and display them on silver trays or in clear elegant glass vases and containers. Consider chocolate dipped pretzels or Oreo's. If you intend to serve chocolate nuts, be sure none of your guests have food allergies. Remember that chocolate candies come in any shapes, from hearts to footballs, so it is easy to create a chocolate themed candy buffet.
Baby shower candy buffets: In large glass bowls or even teddy bear shaped jars, place baby blue or light pink candy in a number of different flavors. You can order oversized colored marshmallows, in pink and white or blue and white. Or you can order various shades of pink and blue jelly beans, which create a delightful visual aid. Finally, consider flavored candy canes or pastel colored mints.
Children's candy buffet: Children love shapes and colors, so choose candy that is appropriate for them. Also, you may wish to use large plastic containers and colorful plates to display the candy. Some children's favorites include gummy bears, lollipops, and M&M's or other small candies. You can choose specific colors of M&M's or other bite size treats and can even have them customized for your guest of honor.

Kathryn Hilton is a party planner has more ideas with pictures about candy buffets.

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