Christina Petanovich here from Obsessed Events, and I’m posting my first blog on a hot new trend right now in party planning! I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Pinterest…in fact it has become a staple in most parties these days from small parties and baby showers to large weddings.
In today’s post I’m sharing what I’ve learned on How To Set Up A Candy Buffet! Truthfully, this can be done is 6 simple steps. Be sure to scroll down to view my references for this post.
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.
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!
Step 1: Decide on a Theme & Colors
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?
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?
Step 2: Pick Out The Types of Candy You Want
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
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
The best way is to use a mix of all 4 types of candy. Be sure to use a variety of different containers to add depth and character to your buffet. Make sure there is enough for each guest to have one of each of some of the candy and then bulk loose candy that guests help themselves to a scoop or two.
Candy Warehouse is an excellent resource for candy as they have excellent reviews and have high-quality candy in a wide variety of colors. Play around with their Candy Buffet Builder on their website and search for candy by a specific type or even more fabulous…by the color you are looking for! This makes this step of picking out the types of candy to match your color-coordinated candy buffet a breeze!
TIP: If you have a candy request from the guest of honor that is not available in your colors, like Skittles for example, simply divide the candy into favor sized portions and package them up in individual color coordinated favor boxes or bags so the guest of honor’s favorite candy is on the table and still matches your color palette.
Step 3: Setup the Table in 3 Zones w/ Appropriate Containers
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.
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.
Divide your table into 3 horizontal zones and use height appropriate containers in each zone.
Back Zone: Use taller containers or use props or stands to elevate containers in this zone. Make sure the containers are not too tall so your guests can reach the candy inside them and avoid tipping them over. You should definitely test this in advance. Sixlets were used in the bottoms of the 4 stemmed hurricanes to make the rock candy sticks sit higher in the container so they are easier for guests to get to. Also used are 2 glass jars with lids to hold the marshmallow poles in this zone but had the containers lowers to allow for better reach.
TIP: It’s not recommended to use bulk candy containers in this zone because it is difficult to reach and scoop out bulk candy in tall containers at the back of the table especially when the candy starts to get low.
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.
TIP: For larger guest counts (50 or more), its best to have 4 sets so you have 12 large vessels to hold bulk candy which serves more people with minimal table space.
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!
TIP: To display swirl lollipops, re-use the cardboard trays that the swirl lollipops were shipped in by wrapping them with paper, embellish with a ribbon and printable circle, then reinsert the lollipops into the pre-punched holes.
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.
For individually packaged candy, always order one per guest, that part is easy! But what do you do when you go to order loose candy and it’s all sold by the pound! OH NO! How do you figure out how much 10 lbs of jelly beans actually looks like and would it be enough to fill one or more of my fabulous apothecary jars?
Candy Warehouse also has a great video here that shows how some of their most popular bulk candy fits inside a standard 1 gallon glass jar so you don’t have to wonder how much you will need to order. You can also click here for a handy Candy Shelf Life Chart that will help you figure out how far in advance you need to order the candy so it is fresh for your event.
TIP: When shipping candy in the summer months, it’s a good idea to use faster shipping options for only the items that may melt and then use a more economical ground shipping option for the rest. That way you don’t have to pay rush shipping on your entire order!
Step 5: Design Your Table w/ a Wow-Factor Tablecloth, Backdrop & Centerpiece
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.
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.
Matching Backdrop:
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.
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.
Show-Stopper Table Linen:
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!
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!
TIP: You can squeeze a few pennies out of your budget by using a fabric by the yard from your preferred fabric store
Themed Centerpiece:The centerpiece should be one of the first things people will see on your table, so make sure it is fabulous and matches your party’s theme. Use a tall narrow cupcake tower centerpiece to bring attention to your center piece and emblish it with items that match your theme. To add the needed height to the centerpieces, use clear acrylic plates and tubes from eFavor Mart to showcase the bears high above the table to ensure it is visually powerful. The bears are dressed in rhinestone studded “baby girl” t-shirts, pink bows and are holding silver rattles and crystal pacifiers.
The cupcake tower gives the middle of the table height and is a great way to add additional sweets to your table. This acrylic 5-tier cupcake stand from eFavor Mart is a must have party supply! It sets up in minutes, displays up to 48 standard sized cupcakes and the inside clear tube can be filled with colored acrylic ice gems to match your colors. Once set up, I display store-bought cupcakes and give them a designer touch with glitter cupcake wrappers from Koyal Wholesale, pink shimmery pink pearl sprinkles and printable cupcake toppers.
Step 6: Finishing Touches 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.
Themed Party Printables!
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!
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!
Add a Little Bling! What is a girly candy table without a little bling! These fabulous bling tongs & scoops from Talia’s Creative Printing adds just that bit of sparkle detailing that will have your guests talking! The bling Sparkle Sticks™ from Made By A Princess is the perfect addition to really glam up simple jumbo marshmallows!
Embellish w/ Bows & Ribbon!
Glam up the candy and containers with bows and ribbon. Here the designer added black ribbon to the swirl lollipops and decorated their display cartons with wrapping paper, ribbon and printable circle.
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.
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.
VENDOR CREDITS:
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
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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