A candy buffet is a fun and exciting addition to any event or gathering, giving guests plenty of sweet treats to choose from while creating a visually stunning display that’s sure to impress. If you’re thinking about creating a candy buffet at your next party or event, you’re probably looking for some creative candy buffet ideas.
We’ve created this guide to walk you through planning a successful candy buffet and curating a variety of intriguing candy buffet ideas that might be perfect for your next event.
In this article:
- How to Plan a Successful Candy Buffet
How to Plan a Successful Candy Buffet
A candy buffet is a fun and unique way to serve guests some sweet treats at any event, from children’s birthday parties to wedding receptions. You can plan a candy buffet in a few simple steps:
- Choose a theme. Decide if your candy buffet will have a specific theme, like a holiday, seasonal, certain colors, or a specific party theme.
- Determine your budget. Establish a budget to determine how much you can spend on candies, decorations, and accessories.
- Choose your candies. Choose a variety of candies based on colors, types, and flavors to ensure there’s something for everyone. Popular options include chocolate dipped fruits, lollipops, gummy candies, jelly beans, and gourmet chocolate confections. Edible Arrangements® offers a variety of delectable treats and bundles that fit the bill, such as our that includes chocolate dipped strawberries with white chocolate Swizzle®, peanut butter cups, Jordan crackers, and caramel pecan patties. Consider a few fun arrangements of fresh fruits and chocolate dipped fruits to add balance and visual appeal to your candy buffet.
- Get the right quantity. The amount of candy to estimate per guest varies depending on the type of event and what other types of foods you’re serving. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 8 ounces of candy per guest.
- Plan your candy buffet setup. Select containers that match your theme, such as glass jars, bowls, or even quirky, themed containers. Provide scoops or tongs for each type of candy, and choose an appropriately sized table so you can arrange your sweets in an aesthetically pleasing way. You might also consider adding other decorations to your candy buffet table, such as balloons, ribbons, or banners.
- Label your candies. It’s important to label each type of candy so that your guests know that they’re choosing what they like and avoiding any allergens.
Fun & Delicious Candy Buffet Ideas
https://twitter.com/sunspto/status/1710360809258250547
For more fun and delicious candy buffet ideas you might want to try, we put out a call for ideas and curated responses below. (Note: Edible Arrangements® is not endorsing any of the companies or ideas discussed below, but we asked for suggestions to get some different perspectives.)
Keep reading to find out what the contributors who responded to our query had to say about their favorite candy buffet ideas.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller is a digital marketing expert, former Google employee, entrepreneur, and angel investor.
“Transport your event to the enchanting realm of a bygone era with a captivating ‘Vintage Carnival’ candy buffet.
Delight guests of all ages as they enter a world of nostalgia and indulgence. This whimsical concept infuses your celebration with vibrant colors and cherished treats reminiscent of classic carnivals. Imagine candy apples, cotton candy, and rock candy sticks sharing the spotlight with old-fashioned favorites like jelly beans and licorice.
Complement the sweets with popcorn elegantly presented in vintage-style boxes for an authentic touch. The visual spectacle is elevated by a charming color palette of red and white stripes, sunny yellows, and playful pastels, conjuring memories of carefree days under the big top. Create an immersive experience with carnival-themed decorations like canopy-style awnings, banners that beckon with phrases like ‘Step Right Up,’ and captivating signage that reads ‘Candyland Delights.’
Arrange the treats with artful variations in height and texture, turning the display into a feast for the eyes. To complete the atmosphere, incorporate playful elements such as oversized lollipops, charming circus animals, and even miniature carnival rides that evoke the thrill of the fair. As the event draws to a close, delight attendees with thoughtfully chosen favors, from mini stuffed animals to vintage-inspired trinkets, ensuring the magic of the vintage carnival lives on.”
Laura Kasavan
Laura Kasavan is a professional baker and recipe developer behind Tutti Dolci, a baking and desserts site that reaches 100K+ readers a month.
“My favorite candy buffet idea is aSensory Candy Buffet.
Over my 10 years as a pastry chef, I’ve had the pleasure of curating many candy buffets for events and celebrations. But there’s one buffet design that remains exceptionally close to my heart. Let me walk you through the details of how I bring this idea to life.
A Gradient of Color
I always start by laying out the candies in a gradient, going from whites and pale pastels on one end to rich, vivid hues on the other. At my niece’s candy-themed baby shower last spring, I started with white chocolate truffles, moved into creams and pinks like strawberry bonbons, and ended with deep purple jelly beans and black licorice. This visual spectacle
caught everyone’s eye and built excitement for the flavor adventure ahead.
A Range of Textures
From melt-in-your-mouth chocolates to chewy fruit gummies and hard butterscotch disks—I ensure there’s a plethora of textures to satisfy every preference. At my best friend’s bridal shower in June, I incorporated chocolate-dipped pretzels, caramel creams, crisp peppermint discs, and fluffy marshmallows. Guests raved about the variety.
Flavor Stations
I segment the buffet into flavor profiles for an organized tasting experience. At a recent birthday party, I set up:
- The Nostalgia Station: Childhood classics like Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, Swedish fish, and gumdrops.
- The Tropical Oasis: Pineapple chunks, coconut shavings, mango gummies, and more.
- Sour Power: Belts, drops, straws – every sour candy imaginable!
- Global Flavors: Lychee jellies, rose Turkish delights, chili chocolates.
Interactive Elements
A DIY candy necklace station is always a hit, especially with kids! At my niece’s shower, guests threaded candy beads onto ribbons. The birthday boy last month loved customizing his own candy bracelet as a favor.
Thematic Touches
I tailor the buffet to the occasion or theme. For a winter party, I’ll incorporate candy canes, snowflake marshmallows, and more. One of my favorite memories was a beach-themed candy bar for a summer wedding — I added seashell chocolates, shark gummies, and more as a nod to the couple’s first beach date.”
Adam Crookes
Adam Crookes is the Owner of DonutMaker.io. Adam Crookes is a culinary enthusiast turned food blogger who provides thoughtful reviews and innovative recipes from his adventures in the global food scene. Among the myriad of gourmet ideas he’s explored, one that sweetly stands out is his unique take on candy buffets.
“My favorite candy buffet ideas are:
Vintage Charm Candy Buffet:
There’s an undeniable allure to candies from yesteryears. Drawing inspiration from this, a vintage charm candy buffet showcases classic candies that many might remember from their childhood. Presented in ornate glass jars and bowls, think of candies like licorice sticks, candy buttons, wax bottles, and malted milk balls.
The color palette leans towards pastels and muted tones, complemented with soft lace table runners and pearl accents. Vintage labels and an antique-looking centerpiece, perhaps an old-fashioned candy dispenser, complete the look. This buffet is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a trip down memory lane.
Tropical Paradise Candy Buffet:
For those looking to add a dash of sun and sand to their event, a tropical paradise candy buffet is the way to go. Bright and vibrant, this buffet highlights candies that echo the flavors and colors of the tropics. Think pineapple gummies, coconut truffles, mango taffies, and blue raspberry hard candies (representing the ocean).
Display them in clear containers to show off their vibrant colors. Decorate with seashells, sand, and mini palm trees, and consider using coconut shells or hollowed-out pineapples as additional candy holders. The result is a visually stunning, flavor-packed buffet that evokes the warmth and excitement of a tropical getaway.
Monochrome Magic Candy Buffet:
There’s something incredibly sophisticated about a single-color candy buffet. Whether it’s all-white elegance, featuring white chocolate pretzels, marshmallows, and almond dragees, or a passionate all-red theme with cinnamon hearts, red gummies, and strawberry licorice twists, the monochrome magic candy buffet makes a statement.
Using varying shades of a single color, candies can be arranged in transparent containers of different heights to add depth and dimension. Metallic accents, like gold or silver ribbons, can be added for an extra touch of glam. This buffet idea stands out for its visual simplicity yet dramatic impact, ensuring it becomes the talk of the event.”
John Negoita
John Negoita is the Founder of MockoFun.
“My favorite candy buffet idea is to create a Sweet and Sour theme.
I love the contrast of flavors and colors in this type of candy buffet. You can have a variety of sweet candies like gummy bears, lollipops, and chocolate, as well as sour candies like sour patch kids, warheads, and sour gummy worms.
For the setup, you can use colorful jars and bowls to display the candies, and add some fun decorations like candy-themed signs or a DIY photo booth with candy props. It’s a great way to add some excitement to any event or party.”
Jean Christophe Gabler
Jean Christophe Gabler is the founder of YOGI TIMES, a lifestyle guide for the modern yogi that empowers millions worldwide with inspiring content for a vibrant and conscious lifestyle, delivered by a dedicated team of talented individuals.
“In my opinion, your candy buffet should be visually appealing and unique so that everyone enjoys and remembers it.
I give them a nostalgic twist by including sweet and retro candies. I prefer adding candy necklaces. These are sweet and edible treats that can be enjoyed by children and even adults. You can make it by adding small hard candies to an elastic string.
You can make the candies in different shapes and sizes and in flavors preferred by your guests, such as sour or tangy. To keep them fresh and maintain hygiene, wrap them individually.
These candies can be wrapped around kids’ necks and consumed by pulling them. They are also appreciated for their interactive and playful nature, which adds fun to the occasion.”
Simon Brisk
Simon Brisk is the co-founder of Click Intelligence, a digital marketing agency specializing in link building & SEO with offices in Cheltenham and London.
“My favorite candy buffet idea is to make the table bright and cheerful.
The idea is to give off happy vibes, and colors are the best way to do it. You can use any candy you like; it only needs to be bright in color. Think red, yellow, orange, blue, and green.
M&M’s are the best candy for this. You can also use Smarties, Skittles, and any jelly beans of your choice. The bright colors create an excellent vibe that uplifts your mood.”
Camille Sawyer
Camille Sawyer is the CEO of HIX.AI, a cutting edge AI writing tool that allows super-unique content creation.
“The Candyland buffet is the most fantastic buffet idea.
With this candy buffet idea, you can bring the charm of the beloved board game to life at your next party. This buffet gives a nostalgic and whimsical experience, which will delight your guests.
You need to think of quirky patterns, vibrant hues, and an assortment of delectable candy options. For this rich theme, buy candies in bright shades, including licorice, gumballs, jelly beans, and lollipops.
Now, embellish the background with paper cutouts of the game’s remarkable scenes or characters, and place colorful hues and sturdy boards under the candy jars to imitate the features of Candyland board.”
Sophie Nutley
Sophie Nutley is a passionate and dedicated HR professional who has more than a decade of experience in people led functions in the financial sector. She is the Head of Recruitment for Protect Line, one of the UK’s leading life insurance brokerages, and believes wholeheartedly that business is at its best when it invests in, and builds upon employee centric culture.
“I’m a Christmas fanatic. It’s my favorite time of the year, and I always like to prepare a post-Christmas dinner candy buffet, that includes three ‘courses’ — mint, spearmint and raspberry, each of which represents the three traditional colors of the festive season, red, green and white, and encapsulate the tastes that I’ve associated with Christmas spirit. And it’s always a great way to top off, and finish the best meal of the year.”
Leigh Matthews
Leigh Matthews is the Professional Administrative Assistant for Gary Massey, Managing Director of Massey and Company CPA.
“I enjoy creating candy buffets for children’s birthday parties.
The theme is usually already chosen, along with the colors.
I use numerous clear acrylic containers such as apothecary jars of all shapes and sizes, fluted bowls, stemmed vases and pedestal jars. I choose the candies that match the colors of the birthday party theme.
Below is a list of the candies that I use and can be purchased in bulk by
color:
- M&M’s
- Jelly Beans
- Jolly Ranchers
- Gumballs
- Hershey Kisses
- Lollipops
- Taffy
- Buttermints
- Sugar sticks
- Dots
- Jordan Almonds
- Tootsie Rolls
- Sixlets”
Shelley Grieshop
Shelley Grieshop is a Content Writer/Marketing Dept. at
Totally Promotional.
“Make your candy buffet fun and attractive by following a theme.If you’ve already chosen a theme for your wedding or a surprise birthday party, you’re halfway there!
Choose at least a few candies or desserts that match your theme. For example, if you have a beach-themed wedding, use plastic sand shovels as scoops for bulk candy such as gummy sharks and Light Blue M&M’s.
Even your table cover can reflect your theme by using aqua or turquoise colors to match the ocean. Customize 12 oz. plastic stadium cups with a beach design or saying such as All you need is love and the beach! for guests to fill with treats.”
Sarah Bridenstine
Sarah Bridenstine is a professional baker and chef, and has
have been running Baking Kneads, LLC, along with her husband for the past 6 years.
“Let me set the scene for you: picture a table that offers more than mere treats, a table that narrates a captivating story.
A display of blue candies evokes memories of clear blue waters I once witnessed during a
vacation in Santorini. The different shades of blue resonate with the changing tides, serving up a feast not only for the taste buds but also a grand experience for the soul.
Since we’re on this creative path, let’s expand our horizons. Consider the main cake transformed into a layered masterpiece, adorned with gentle marbled designs that reflect where the profound ocean greets the endless sky. Those donuts sprinkled with blue? They bring forth images of a serene night sky, each sprinkle a bright star, each piece on the table an opportunity to stir feelings and cherished memories.
The tall blue glasses you’ve chosen? A touch of brilliance! They bring elegance to the setting, guiding, drawing people in to explore the bounty you’ve prepared. They signal that creating a memorable experience extends beyond taste; it’s a subtle journey, an exploration, an adventure for your guests.
Here’s a novel idea: while the blue theme reigns, a sprinkle of gold or silver could bring unexpected joy. It might offer a glimpse of surprise, akin to how sunlight dances on the ocean, adding depth and contrast to your beautiful oceanic theme.”
Ruiz Asri
Ruiz Asri is the CKO & Editor of Honest Food Talks, a website dedicated to helping people discover new recipes, kitchen hacks, and the latest food trends.
“Here are a few of my favorite candy buffet ideas.
Ombre Candy Display
The concept is an exquisite play on color, with candies arranged in a gradient effect. This style brings an element of finesse, creativity, variety, and flexibility to any event.
Imagine you start on the left side of the table with navy blue and turquoise candies that can symbolize the ocean or a calming breeze. Candies like blue raspberry, blue chocolate-covered almonds, and turquoise jelly beans fit this criterion.
Then follow it up with lighter blues and soft purples, mimicking the horizon line. Opt for grape-flavored gummies and jelly beans, purple lollipops and rock candy.
Then at the end, you can display an array of candies with the shade of pink, orange, and gold to embody the warm color of the sunset. Here you may include pink cotton candy, gold-wrapped chocolates, and orange jelly slices.
With just this arrangement, you have created a sunset over the beach imagery that will be visually appealing to your attendees.
Seasonal Delight Display
This tailors the candy selection and arrangement based on seasons and brings a touch of nature and timely relevance to the table.
- For instance, during winter, a candy buffet filled with peppermint sticks, white chocolate snowflakes, and frosted sugar candies captures the essence of the season.
- For spring, chocolate Easter bunnies, floral gummies, butterfly or flower-shaped candies, and honey-filled candies fit the bill as they incorporate light flavor, floral notes, and pastel colors.
- For summer, candies like jelly fruit slices, colorful gummy worms, lemon drops, and cherry sours give a vibrant, warm summer with its bright colors and flavor.
- S’mores flavored candies, Halloween gummies, pumpkin spice treats, and molasses puffs embody rich flavors, warm spices, and the onset of the holiday season.
With this display, you allow your attendees to feel a sense of anticipation for the coming season and offer a visual theme with a variety of flavors.”
Deniz Efe
Deniz is the Founder of FitnessEquipped.com, a Former Chief of a Governmental Initiative (Cooperation with the Austrian Football Association), with Background in Molecular/Medical Biotechnology.
“A standout favorite among candy buffet ideas is the color-coordinated concept.
This method involves choosing sweets based on a particular color palette, often matching the theme or décor of the event. Not only does this create a visually appealing display, but it also adds a layer of anticipation as guests unravel the flavors hidden behind the color scheme.
Imagine a table filled with candies in various shades of blue — from light blue cotton candy, dark blue jelly beans, to turquoise wrapped chocolates. This approach not only caters to the taste buds but also adds a visual feast to the overall event display.”
Justin Soleimani
Justin Soleimani is the Co-Founder of Tumble, a homeware company that creates beautiful, practical, and affordable home furnishings, including a line of machine-washable and spillproof rugs that are sure to bring together any room.
“Seasonal candy buffets are one of the best candy buffet ideas for their adaptability and practicality at any gathering celebrating a new season. Whether it is the first day of the summer and the theme is cool blues and pastel orange, or the first day of spring and the theme is light pink and earthy greens, the colors of the seasons are always a source of inspiration.
Taking it a step further and adding unique build-your-own chocolates or baked goods as a centerpiece can really remind everyone in attendance about what the season is really about: being together.”
Brendan Brown
Brendan Brown is the founder of The Expert Editor, Australia’s leading editing and proofreading company.
“Here’s a candy buffet idea I think you’ll love:
Picture a Down Under Delight – a candy buffet that brings together Australia’s unique flavors. Think of candies inspired by the fresh and zesty tastes of our fruits like kiwi, passionfruit, and pineapple, with a sprinkle of our famed eucalyptus mint!
But here’s my simple twist: each candy would come with a little note, sort of like the blurbs at the back of books. A little teaser of what’s inside. So not only do you get to taste, but you also get a mini-story with each bite. It’s like merging my two worlds — of words and treats.”
Sally Gibson
Sally is the founder of Someone Sent you a Greeting, a holiday/celebration/party planning website.
“I really love organizing the treats by color.
We line up clear jars filled with blue, red, green and yellow candies like gumballs, jelly beans and hard sweets. It creates a rainbow effect on the table that looks amazing in photos.. Guests also love mixing and matching different colored candies in their bags.
Another fun approach is a candy buffet station filled with childhood classics and nostalgic treats. We set out old-school candies like Pez, Pop Rocks, Nerds, Candy Necklaces and Laffy Taffy. It makes for a delicious blast from the past and it’s loads of fun to watch guests get excited pointing out beloved items from their youth.”
Davin Eberhardt
Davin Eberhardt is a home designer, remodeler and the founder of Nature of Home, a website dedicated to providing home improvement information that merges building science, appearance, and principles from nature.
“Candies are irresistible and come in any form or shape.My favorite decoration or candy buffet idea is to choose pastel candies.
Creating a pastel theme looks elegant and resonates with any color theme. You can create it for a kid’s birthday party or gender reveal event. All you need to do is collect candies in different shapes and sizes in light shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow. Choose glass jars and add ribbon to them to create a party feel.”
Melody Jones
Melody Jones is the Marketing Manager at Sofilmar.
“A rainbow candy buffet is my favorite kind of candy buffet.
I like it because it is colorful and appropriate for any event or celebration. It is made up of a mix of bold-colored varieties of candy arranged in order of the rainbow colors.
I use any kind of candy, including Skittles, gummy bears, rock candy, and M&M’s. I then set them up on trays and in clear jars and containers arranged sequentially.
Sometimes, I elevate the rainbow theme by matching some of the tableware, balloons, or venue décor with the colors of the candy buffet. Either way, a rainbow candy buffet is delicious and stands out.”
Christy Pyrz
Christy Pyrz is the CMO for Paradigm Peptides. She’s a driven, flexible, proficient, and creative individual who cherishes the rigors of business development. She functions as an impetus with you, your staff, and partners pushing toward your objectives. She can lead the charge or mix in, working at any capacity to manage a successful goal orientated campaign.
“I love candy buffets that stick to a color scheme.For example, if it’s a candy buffet for Halloween, you would focus on black, orange and purple candies.
If it’s for a baby shower, stick to pastels. Green and blue for a boy and pink and purple for a girl. It just makes the buffet look nice and cohesive.
In addition to actual candy, it’s also fun to have bite-sized cupcakes with sprinkles on top, mini donuts rolled in M&Ms, and chocolate covered pretzels dipped in your chosen colors. It brings the table together and is perfect for guests who want a dessert other than straight candy.”
Jason Wyrwicz
Jason Wyrwicz is the owner of POTS PLANTERS & MORE. As an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the industry, Jason designs and manufactures products for the brand. With a degree in MBA, his expertise entails product design, manufacturing, marketing, and business development.
“Making a themed candy display that complements the celebration or company is one of my favorite candy buffet suggestions.If you’re throwing a corporate event, for instance, you might match the candy’s colors and varieties to the design of your business to give guests an eye-catching and unforgettable experience.
Alternately, if you’re planning a wedding or a birthday party, pick candies and decorations that go with the celebration’s theme or color scheme. This customized touch not only gives your event a special touch but also creates a lasting impact on your attendees, improving their overall experience.”
Amy Smith
Amy is the co-founder of amyandrose.com and a proud mother of two munchkins who always look forward to our creative candy buffets. With numerous candy-themed celebrations under my belt, my absolute favorite idea stems from our recent family vacation to São Paulo, Brazil.
“Think Tropical Extravaganza! Imagine offering guests a burst of the exotic:
- Fresh coconut candies wrapped in golden foil.
- Pineapple gummies with a sprinkle of chili – the sweet with a hint of heat!
- Brigadeiros is a Brazilian chocolate delight, that transports your guests to the heart of São Paulo.
Research shows that the human brain responds strongly to novelty. So why not surprise your guests with something unexpected? For instance, ever thought of incorporating savory flavors in a candy buffet? It’s a tad controversial, but trust me, bacon-flavored candy does have its loyal fan base!
During one of our site’s anniversary celebrations, we introduced this idea, and guess what? The savory candies were the first to vanish!”
Lori Walker
Lori Walker is a registered dietitian, passionate freelance food and nutrition writer at Easy Kitchen Guide, and creative recipe developer.
“Here are some of my favorite candy buffet ideas that will surely make your party a hit!
- Color-coordinated Candy Buffet – A popular choice for weddings, this candy buffet idea involves selecting candies in colors that match your wedding theme. You can go for an all-white candy buffet or choose colors that complement each other like pink and gold, blue and silver, or green and yellow.
- Retro Candy Buffet – This candy buffet idea is perfect for a nostalgic party theme or for people who love retro candies. You can include popular candies from the 80s and 90s like Fun Dip, Nerds, Pop Rocks, Airheads, and more!
- Seasonal Candy Buffet – For parties that fall on specific seasons like Halloween, Christmas, or Easter, a seasonal candy buffet is the way to go. You can have candies in shapes and colors that represent the season like pumpkins for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, or pastel colors for Easter.
- Healthy Candy Buffet – As a dietitian, I always recommend finding ways to incorporate healthy options into parties. A healthy candy buffet can consist of dried fruits, dark chocolate, trail mix, and other nutritious snacks that will satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth without the added guilt.
- DIY Candy Buffet – For a more hands-on experience, a DIY candy buffet allows guests to create their own candy bags or boxes. You can provide different types of candies in separate jars, along with scoops and bags for guests to use. This is a fun and interactive candy buffet idea that will surely be a hit among both kids and adults.
- Themed Candy Buffet – Depending on the theme of your party, you can create a themed candy buffet with candies that match the theme. For example, for a beach-themed party, you can include ocean-themed candies like gummy sharks, Swedish fish, and blue rock candy.
- Chocolate Lovers Candy Buffet – For all the chocoholics out there, a chocolate lovers candy buffet is a dream come true. You can have different types of chocolates from milk to dark to white and even flavored ones like salted caramel or mint. This is definitely a crowd-pleaser!
- Candy Buffet Favors – Candy buffets can also double as party favors for guests to take home. You can provide small bags or boxes for guests to fill with their favorite candies from the buffet. This is a sweet and thoughtful way of saying thank you to your guests.”
Tim Schroeder
Tim Schroeder is an avid blogger and founder of Learn About Shoes, a website devoted to anything and everything about shoes.
“At my daughter’s last birthday party, we set a Barbie theme.First, we were confused about what kind of sweet treats we could use to set up our buffet table. We decided to go for all pink candies (e.g., any shape or size).
We arranged a sturdy table that can support the weight of glassware full of candies. In order to make the buffet table visually interesting, we brought in pink props so that kids would have more fun.
For candies, we collected jellies, white and dark chocolate candies, and many others. We kept the backdrop neutral with tones of white and hung the ‘Happy Birthday’ prop in pink to avoid overdoing things.
Then, we paired the backdrop with pink and gold balloons. It had the perfect look for a candy table.”
Khunshan Ahmad
Khunshan Ahmad is the CEO of EvolveDash Inc, an IT company providing Digital Marketing and Software Development services with offices in Canada and Pakistan.
“My favorite candy buffet idea is a Halloween buffet.
Halloween is the perfect theme for any kind of food table. But it just means so much more for candy. Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand.
For this buffet, I like to collect candies in orange, white, and black. These are the Halloween colors, so it’s important to follow this theme.
I use pumpkin-shaped bowls to hold all the candy. And then I decorate the table with white sheets and spiderweb motifs.”
Eduarda dePaula
Eduarda dePaula is the CEO of FindByPlate.
“Movie-themed candy buffets keep your party original and fun!
The typical Halloween/Christmas theme is overused and, frankly, boring at this point.
You want to have some fun putting it together too, so pick a movie! Your favorite series, upcoming film, or just a simple movie theater idea is bound to be memorable.
You can go off the movie’s color theme or pick flavors that match the movie plot. For example, think pop rocks for Oppenheimer or gummy worms for Godzila. Everybody is always talking about the importance of filler candy, and this is the perfect opportunity to use caramel popcorn!
This leads to a lot of fun ideas for your party – you can ask everybody to dress up for the same movie! Like all good candy buffets, your props are going to go a long way in making your buffet a success, and this is where you hammer in the theme.”
Dr. Sarah Boss
Dr. Sarah Boss is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and the Clinical Director at Balance Luxury Rehab, the world’s premier luxury rehab center & mental health clinic. We are a team of 60+ professionals including Psychotherapists, Medical Doctors, Nutritionists, Body & Complementary Therapists.
“A pastel-themed candy and dessert buffet offers a delightful array of sweet treats in soft, gentle colors.
I decorate the table with pastel-colored candies. I also add some extra touches like confetti, ribbons, or cute plush animals for a unique touch.
I usually opt for candies that come in pastel hues, such as pale pink, mint green, soft lavender, and baby blue. Some popular choices include pastel-colored M&M’s, gumballs, jelly beans, and taffy.
Macarons are French confections that are available in various pastel shades and flavors like rose, lavender, pistachio, and lemon. They add a touch of elegance to my buffet. I bake or order cupcakes with pastel-colored frosting and decorations. They have flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or lemon, and you can top them with pastel sprinkles or edible pearls.
I also added pastel-colored marshmallows. They are either store-bought or homemade. It is a fluffy addition to my buffet. They can be skewered on sticks or served in cups. In the end, I create fruit skewers with pastel-colored fruits like honeydew melon, cantaloupe, and green grapes. These provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of candies and desserts.
I arrange these treats creatively on the buffet table. I use decorative platters, jars, and cake stands to add height and visual interest.”
Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith works as the operations manager at Ticket Squeeze, a website that offers tickets to a wide range of events, including the most recent must-see sporting events and the most popular concert tours.
“One of my favorite candy buffet ideas is a movie night candy buffet.
This is a fun and creative way to incorporate your favorite movie snacks into your party décor. You can choose a specific movie theme, such as Harry Potter or Star Wars, or simply select a variety of movie-themed candy, such as popcorn balls, candy necklaces, and sour straws.
To set up a movie night candy buffet, you will need a table or other surface to display your candy. You can also use props and decorations to create a movie-themed atmosphere. For example, you could hang movie posters on the wall or set up a popcorn machine.”
Kaitlyn Siu
Kaitlyn Siu is the founder and CEO of Teach Your Kids Code. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she is a well-versed in digital literacy and technological facts, project management, programming, IT, and website building.
“Making a candy buffet that focuses on unusual and international flavors is my favorite candy buffet concept.I believe that integrating sweets and delicacies from other countries and places makes for an intriguing and varied candy experience.
Imagine a smorgasbord that includes Italian nougat, Mexican hot mango lollipops, Belgian chocolates, and Japanese Matcha-flavored Kit Kats.This strategy teaches visitors about various worldwide confectionary cultures while simultaneously providing a great tasting experience.
The candy buffet is an interesting focal point of any gathering since it generates conversation and gives a sense of surprise and discovery.By expanding the candies’ boundaries, we produce an extraordinary sweet journey that resonates with the visitors, giving them a memorable and culturally enriching experience.”
Adam Wood
Adam Wood is the Co-Founder of RevenueGeeks.
“There are so many different types of candy buffets that the colors, decorations, and ideas are endless!
Candy buffets provide your guests with a sugar fix without the stress of a fancy dessert. Even on a budget, you can put together quality candy buffets with glass vases, pricey candies, elaborate designs, and custom cakes.
A candy buffet’s color scheme is the first decision you should make. A monochromatic theme is a great choice if you’re not sure what to choose.
You can make it look sophisticated and put-together or fun and playful by using a bright color. With hints of gold and white, we chose a monochromatic pink palette for our buffet. For the background, you can use streamers, garlands, paper lanterns, balloons, or even your favorite paintings and posters.
There is a wide variety of candies available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. Candy such as marshmallows, gummy candies, popsicles, rock candy, gummy bears, and old-fashioned stick candies always prove popular.
In addition to its eye-catching display, this tropical paradise candy buffet offers an array of candy flavors that complement the theme. This is a great choice for summer parties, beach weddings, and any event you want in a tropical atmosphere.”
Danielle Mathews
Danielle Mathews is co-owner of Reborn Renovations, a prominent player in the commercial and residential construction industries. At Reborn Renovations, we are a dedicated team of construction, design, and operations management professionals specializing in both interior and exterior home remodeling.
“As a creative person, my ideas thrive best in a Halloween candy buffet.
Halloween isn’t complete without candies. If you have a Halloween party in your home, you can go for unique candy buffet themes. It will seize the attention of your Halloween party guests.
First, I have a black candy table and paint pumpkins and ghost figures. Then, I focus on the contents of the container. I prefer colorful candies like cotton candy, gummy worms, and black and orange-foil-wrapped chocolates.
The cotton candy and gummy worms are mostly in spiderweb and skeleton hand forms. I also add other classics like caramel apple pops, lollipops, and licorice. The last part is adorning the candy container with vintage horror movie signs.”
Candy Buffet Frequently Asked Questions
Are candy buffets still popular?
Yes, candy buffets remain a popular choice for various types of events such as weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and corporate events. A candy buffet adds a fun and decorative element, and it makes a great conversation-starter, helping to break the ice at events where guests may not know each other that well.
Candy buffets are also fairly simple to plan, so they’re an ideal option when you have many other tasks on your to-do list.
How do you plan a candy buffet?
Planning a candy buffet involves several steps. First, decide on a theme and color scheme. Next, choose a variety of candies, considering guests’ preferences and any potential allergens.
Select matching containers and utensils for the candies, and design the table layout for easy access and aesthetic appeal. Don’t forget to label the candies and provide packaging for guests to take home treats.
How does a candy buffet work?
A candy buffet is a designated table (or multiple tables) at an event where guests can help themselves to a variety of candies. Candies are displayed in jars or containers, and guests use scoops or tongs to serve themselves.
A candy buffet works much like a regular buffet, allowing guests to choose their preferred candies, usually placing them in provided bags or boxes to enjoy during the event or take home.
How many ounces of candy per person for a candy buffet?
It’s typically recommended to have about 8 ounces of candy per person. However, the exact amount can vary based on the type of event, the variety of candies offered, other refreshments available, and the overall size of the guest list. It’s always a good idea to have some extra candy on hand to replenish the buffet as needed.
