How to Design a Candy Buffet

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Candy buffets are always a welcome treat at parties and weddings, and they seem to instantly bring about that wonderful “kid in a candy store” feeling, no matter what your age! As much a party decoration as they are an edible treat, you’ll quickly discover that there’s definitely a right and wrong way to do candy buffets. Here are some guidelines to help make sure you end up with a display that looks as sweet as it tastes!
You’ll need:
• Several glass containers in a variety of shapes and sizes (bowls, jars, vases, canisters, pedestal servers)
• Candy
• Candy Scoops
• Small cellophane bags or mini boxes for guests to fill with candy
• Ribbon, labels, and other embellishments to decorate the jars

How much candy do you need?
The number one thing to keep in mind when creating a candy buffet? Don’t skimp! Instead of thinking in terms of how much candy each guest will actually eat, it’s best to think of your candy buffet as a decorative element and focus on creating a display that looks visually stunning, just as you would do with flower arrangements or other “regular” party decor.

For Large parties or weddings:
8-10 types of candy / 15-20 pounds each

For smaller parties or occasion showers:
7-10 types of candy / 6-10 pounds each

The quantities above are a general guideline, but the more abundant and full the candy buffet looks, the better!

Tips & Tricks:

To help create a full look to your buffet when you’re on a tight budget, use other decorative “filler” items on the table around the candy jars. Paper lanterns, flowers, flower petals, and picture frames are great “filler” elements. You can even sneak in some jars of inexpensive, coordinating cookies to help fill space and create a decadent, abundant look to the buffet.

Use a variety of types of candies – individually wrapped, unwrapped with a hard candy shell (i.e. m&m’s, skittles), hard candies, gummy candies, lollipops, old-fashioned candy sticks, etc.

Purchase candy at bulk candy stores – either local or online (see Resources below). If it’s possible for you to buy bulk candy locally, bring your containers into the store with you to make sure you purchase the correct amount.

If you’re ordering candy online, be sure to place your order well in advance so that you have time to stage the buffet at home before the party and order more candy if necessary. You also want to avoid rush shipping fees, as bulk candy can be very heavy!

Consider your environment. For example, if you’re having an outdoor wedding in the summer, you may want to avoid chocolate, yogurt-covered malt balls, and other types of candy that can melt in the heat.

To narrow down the wide selection of candies available, which can be overwhelming when you’re deciding on the candy “menu”, focus on creating a buffet that matches your party colors and/or theme.

Use different shapes, sizes, and heights of containers, and make sure their mouths are wide enough for guests to scoop candy from. Cylinder vases and apothecary jars are widely available in home/craft stores (Target, IKEA, Michael’s, etc.) and online, and it’s also great to check discount stores like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls.

Embellish containers with ribbon, custom labels, and other decorative embellishments.

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Shopping Resources:

Bulk Candy:
http://www.sweetfactory.com
http://www.candywarehouse.com
http://www.candyfavorites.com
http://www.blaircandy.com
http://www.groovycandies.com
http://www.oldtimecandy.com

Containers & Candy Scoops:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.save-on-crafts.com
http://www.target.com
http://www.jamaligarden.com
http://www.ablekitchen.com
http://www.acemart.com