Top 10 Ways to Build a Candy Buffet

1) Add a splash of color

Is your child crazy for purple?  Does the guest of honor have a favorite color?  Or are you seeking out a red, white, and blue patriotic theme for your summer events?  We make it easy for you to select your favorite color candies on our website. 

You can find our color candy layout under the “Shop by Category” link.  So alongside your bowls of M&M’s, Skittles, and gumballs, be sure to include selected colors of licorice, puffs, gummi bears, and even jelly beans.  Remember, too many different colors can be overwhelming; we recommend you choose 3 or 4 colors.

2) Pick a theme!

 Is your child crazy about Disney?  Are they a little camper at heart?  Or perhaps they have a fondness for bugs? They will delight in our great selection of edible insects with flavors from chocolate covered to sour cream & onion and everything in between.

Is this a milestone party?  Add some kick to a Sweet 16 Celebration with a fun selection of chewing gum and fizzy candies. 

In addition, we have a Retro candy selection to bring back memories of birthdays past that will also be a great addition to your color theme.  Finally, for an Ice Cream Social, designate part of your candy buffet for a fantastic selection of ice cream toppers!

3) Beat the heat! 

Don’t let the hot summer fun ruin your candy buffet.  CandyFavorites has a great selection of candy that won’t turn into that dreaded melted mess. 

For an outdoor event,  keep your candy out of the sunlight for prolonged periods, and please keep in mind that chocolate and gummi candies will melt if given a chance.

4) Consider the height of bowls and tables! 

We know your party guests come in all sizes, and we want to ensure each one gets their fair share of delicious candy treats.  Therefore, you will want to ensure your candy buffet is reachable for each happy guest.  When little ones try to reach too far for their favorite candy pieces,  they may become disheartened if they are unsuccessful.  Or worse – there might be spillage. 

5) Get chewy, sweet, and all-around twisty!

Our candy selections are just as eclectic as the tastes and preferences of your guests.  So, make your candy buffet echo that knowledge and be sure to cater to their sweet (and sour) desires with a selection of licorice, gummies, sour candy, and gumballs. 

Are you trying to avoid chocolate because of the heat?  That’s ok, we have your chocolate covered in more ways than one - tootsie rolls, jelly beans, Necco Wafers, Conversation Hearts, licorice, and even PEZ.

6) Enough for all! 

Keeping candy bowls filled might not be the most straightforward task for the day, with candy buffets being the biggest crowd pleaser for all ages.  But remember to make sure you order enough candy for each party goer to get a taste of everything, yes everything – it’s a MUST DO.  Five pounds of candy is suitable for every ten guests.

7) Free your creative side! 

Add layers to your custom candy buffet with a selection of different-sized containers and trays to showcase your candy. Plan for guests to use your candy buffet to create goody bags to take home. 

To load up on candy, supply your guests with small brown paper bags, like those used in country stores.  Add some flair with some ribbon around the edge.  You can also use Chinese take-out boxes, pouches, and miniature colored pails (found in craft supply stores).  These sweet party favors to go are a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

8) Location! Location! Location! 

Make your candy buffet the center of attention at your event.  Make sure there is enough room for people to walk around your table to reach the pieces in the back.  You don’t want them to have to squeeze past each other or trip over chair legs.  

In addition, a candy buffet is a great conversation starter and can turn people who once were strangers into friends with shared memories. 

9 ) Make it pretty!

Decorate the table with theme pieces to match your event so it doesn’t clash with the decor.  No need for pricey banners; decorate with rolls of ribbon from your craft supply store. 

Put a framed photo on display or a cute story in a decorative piece that tells about the day’s event.

Use scoops and tongs of festive colors to enhance the look of your candy buffet.

10) The Guest is Number One! 

Have someone watching over the candy buffet during your event.  This way, jars don’t sit empty, and any mess can be picked up quickly.  You want your candy buffet to stay attractive.  Also, remember that heightened food sensitivities and allergies are all too common in today’s society.  Label specialized treats:  GLUTEN FREE, KOSHER, SUGAR-FREE, FAT-FREE, and PEANUT FREE.