As I began researching Candy Buffets, I had so many questions, like how to figure out how much candy I would need. I had no idea how many m&m’s are in a 5 lb bag or how many I would even need to fill an apothecary jar! So, referring to some of the long time pros & some trial and error, I have found 6 steps, along with tips to help you set up your next candy buffet. Here’s our example, this Baby Shower Candy Buffet table for 24 guests.
6 Steps to Setting Up A Candy Buffet!
Candy buffets are a fun and unique way to add that something extra to your party. They have even become the preferred party favor. They are interactive, fun and a definite wow factor to the decor of any party. This one is pretty obvious, it’s for a baby shower to welcome a little girl into the. However, for your not so obvious themes start by picking your favorite piece of decor or prop from you desired theme and build your candy buffet around that. This buffet went with a pink & white theme. Now, where can you find all pink and white candy?
There are so many types of candy to choose from. To make it easier, most separate candy into 4 categories:
– Bulk loose candy: sold by the pound
– Individually packaged candy: offer one per guest
– Designer candy/sweets: offer one per guest
– Display candy: used for decoration & filler
Confirm how much actual space you have to work with by getting your table set up.. This way you don’t over order on candy. You’ll know how many jars will fit on a 6′ foot table and you order only what you need to fill your container without having to refill. You’ll want to use a 6′ (for smaller events as shown here) or 8′ (for larger events). When doing a color coordinated candy table, always use clear containers so the color of the candy shows through. Remember to use containers that will properly display the types of candy you chose in Step 2. When selecting your containers be sure they are appropriate for the types of candy you will be filling them with. For bulk candy, make sure te opening is large enough to fit a scoop. For wrapped candy make sure the opening can fit a hand through and short enough that guests can actually reach to the bottom. If after setting up your table, you realize you don’t have enough space to display 100 individually packaged candy like swirl lollipops for example, you will have to adjust your choices to include more bulk candy instead that can be displayed in one large jar which takes up less table space.
Middle Zone: The middle area of the table is where you should display bulk candy in 2 sets of apothecary jars to balance the table design with 3 jars on each side of the table for a more balanced look. Using 6 jars allows you to display a lot of candy here without taking up too much of the table space. In this zone 6 apothecary jars were used to hold all the bulk candy—m&m’s, gum balls and chocolate balls. Apothecary jars from Koyal Wholesale are some of the most sought after containers to display candy. They have a fabulous set of 3 for $39.98 that are affordable and a must-have in your collection as they hold lots of bulk candy, can be used in almost all party themes and weddings and take up minimal table space. The set (shown here) includes (1) 14″ tall with 6″ opening diameter, (1) 13.75″ tall with 5.6 opening diameter and (1)12″ tall with 5.3″ opening diameter.
Front Zone: The front of the table is where to use trays or shorter containers to display individually portioned items like cotton candy bags, ribbon candy, swirl lollipops and jumbo marshmallows embellished with Sparkle Sticks!
Step 4: Figure Out How Much Candy You Will Need
Candy Warehouse’s general rule of thumb is to order 8 ounces of candy per guest. Most of their candy is sold in 5 lb bags which equals 80 ounces. This candy table is setup for 24 guests, so you would need 192 ounces of candy or 15 lbs of candy. For larger guest counts order more bulk candy and less individually portioned items.
When your guests enter your party , the candy buffet should be a WOW-FACTOR! The first things they will see is the tablecloth, backdrop & centerpiece.
Here a fabulous vinyl pink tufted backdrop from Bubblegum Backdrops is used. It really sets a strong scene for the the table—it’s girly and matches the color palette perfectly. The backdrop comes with a top rod pocket for easy setup on a backdrop stand. They have a huge selection of backdrop designs to choose from to match any party theme.
For a huge touch of girly sparkle, you can cover the table with a gorgeous blush colored sequin tablecloth from Candy Crush Events that is breathtaking! These come in other colors and are a show-stopper touch!

This is my favorite part…adding the details! Once you have all the candy to match your color palette, the last thing to do is add all the finishing touches to enhance the theme of the table. It’s the little details that really bring this table together and give it it’s previous baby bling.
Having a printable collection like this “Girly Baby” printable collection adds a modern, girly look to the table. Also the the cupcake toppers, Lolli-tag™ sticks with bows, table sign and labels to add a personalized touch to celebrate the expected of arrival of the baby girl!
Decorate w/ Candy!
I am IN LOVEwith these BABY letter ceramic dishes from The Tomkat Studio Shop! They come in every letter so you can create any word you like! For this baby shower table, the word BABY was perfect and allowed for a cute decorative display for the jelly beans.
TIP: For baby showers, it’s completley acceptable to use candy as game prizes. Use new empt baby bottles for a perfecly matched theme favor. Simply fill them with jelly beans, place a stick with a printable down in them and place them on your table to add a decorative element to the table until game time.
Styling & Photography: Soiree Event Design
Printables & Cotton Candy Bags: Soiree Event Design Shop
Candy: Candy Warehouse
Apothecary jars, white mini cupcake stands & glitter cupcake wrappers:Koyal Wholesale
BABY ceramic letter dishes, square plastic milk bottles, plastic gumball tubes: TomKat Studio Shop
Bling tongs & scoops: Talia’s Creative Printing
Sparkle sticks: Made By A Princess
Acrylic cupcake tower, risers & pink acrylic gems: eFavorMart
Sequin tablecloth: Candy Crush Events
Vinyl backdrop: Bubblegum Backdrops
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