Candy buffets have made their mark on the party and social event scene. They are easy to make, beautiful, and more economical than the traditional pastry tables. There is no waste as all the materials are reusable.
Your candy buffet can be anything you want it to be. Below you will find the basic instructions on how to set up your buffet, but the theme, colors, ideas, and wow factors will belong to you. So have fun!
Choosing a theme and color scheme
The theme of your candy buffet is based on the celebration. Candy buffets work for (but are not limited to) weddings, showers, birthdays, holidays, and seasonal events. Choose your decorations based on the theme.
Choosing the bulk candy to order
There are so many choices of candy that it makes it difficult to choose. If you separate it into four categories it is much easier. You will need a bulk candy supplier such as Sweet Services.
- Bulk loose candy sold by the pound
- Individually wrapped candy
- Designer candy/sweets (allow one per guest).
Display candy
Mix all four types of candy, displaying them in a variety of different containers. This helps to ensure that one of each of some candy and then bulk loose candy is available for the guests to help themselves to.
SweetServices.com offers traditional and specialty candies. They offer supplies such as treat bags, and jars.
Set up the table in 3 zones with appropriate containers. You should set up table first to see how much space you have to work with before ordering the candy. You will need enough candy to fill the containers that can be displayed on a 6ft table without having to refill it. Use clear containers so that the colors show through. When using bulk loose candy be sure the openings of the containers are large enough for a scoop to fit in and short enough for the guest to reach the bottom. Some candy/jars function better with tongs.
Back Zone
Use tall containers or use boxes or jars to elevate your containers. Make sure the containers aren’t too tall so your guests can reach the candy without tipping them over. Don’t use loose candy in this area because it’s too difficult to reach and scoop out bulk candy in tall containers. Consider suckers, rock candy sticks, candy straws, and other long treats for the back zone.
Middle Zone
Display bulk candy in sets of two apothecary jars to balance the table. You can use six jars to display a lot of candy without taking up too much space. Some examples of bulk candy are M&Ms, gumballs, mints, and chocolate balls. Foil wrapped mixed throughout gives it a pretty look.
Front Zone
In the front zone is where you display in trays the individually portioned items like cotton candy bags, ribbon candy, and specialty candy. Leave room on the table between the containers for decorations.
How much candy will you need? A general rule of thumb is to order 8 ounces of candy per guest. The candy usually comes in 5 lb bags which equals 80 ounces. For the individually packaged candy you would order one per guests.
Design your table with a wow factor. The first thing they will see is the tablecloth and the centerpiece. Use a tablecloth in the colors of the event. The centerpiece is traditional, candy arrangements, floral, feathers, or any other prop to present the event. A backdrop makes the table come alive. Match or contrast your colors, use balloons, ribbons, pictures, twinkle lights, or cut-outs to decorate the backdrop.
Author Bio
Wendy Dessler
Title: Super-Connector at OutreachMama
Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. You can contact her on Twitter.