What better way to ring in the New Year than with a sweet and stylish candy buffet? Whether you’re throwing a New Year’s party for kids or adults, a candy buffet is sure to be a hit with your guests. There’s something about making their own candy party favor that guests just can’t resist.
Our guide to building the perfect New Years Eve candy buffet will help you wow them without breaking your budget. We’ll show you how to customize your table, create a beautiful display, and of course, pick out the perfect candy.
Candy Buffet Supplies
Here’s what you need to set up the perfect candy buffet.
- Table
- Glass or Plastic Containers
- Scoops or Tongs
- Goodie Bags or Boxes
- Decorations (optional)
- Bulk Candy
We’ll get into each of these in more detail below.
Setting Up Your Candy Buffet
First pick out a table or other flat surface where you’ll lay out your buffet. It should have plenty of room for all the candy and decorations and should also be easily accessible for all your guests. Think about whether guest will be able to reach everything on display.
Next, choose an array of containers to hold the different types of candy. Clear glass or plastic containers of different shapes and sizes make the best displays and allow the colorful candy to shine through. You can collect your own or save time by buying a Candy Buffet Supply Kit.
For a truly stunning display, containers shouldn’t all be the same height. One easy way to create different levels is by stacking books or boxes on the table and then covering them with a table cloth. Set the containers on the platforms you’ve made to create a professional looking display.
If you want to get really creative, buy some thrift store candlesticks and glue jars to the top to make tall apothecary jars perfect for a candy buffet. This blog will give you some inspiration.
Make candy easy to access. Wide mouth containers work best. Provide tongs and scoops so people can serve themselves without putting their fingers in the candy jar.
Finally, print some pretty labels for the containers so guests know what they’re getting. Websites like Avery.com provide free templates that you can download for Microsoft Word. Or get creative and design your own.
Once it’s all set up, your display is ready for candy.
Choosing Candy for Your Buffet
When it comes to candy, there’s really no wrong choice. You can certainly choose whatever bulk candy you like best. The odds are good that your guests will like it too. But if you want a candy buffet that really wows them, you’ll want to put some extra thought into picking out the perfect candy.
The best looking candy buffets stick to one or two colors (unless you’re going for a rainbow display). New Years eve is traditionally a classy affair, so think black and white or silver and gold. To make finding the perfect candy even easier, you can search SweetServices.com by color.
Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/455074737325277465/
Your candy should look great in the jar and also be easy to scoop or grab with tongs. Shimmer gumballs are always a popular choice . Candy beads have a sweet tangy taste and everyone loves sweet and chocolaty Sixlets . Gummi Rings, M&M’s or jelly beans work well too since you can buy bulk candy in specific colors. These are all unwrapped candies, but with scoops in each jar, that’s okay.
If you’d prefer wrapped candy choose chocolate balls or Hershey Kisses wrapped in the foil color that matches your theme. Suckers or twist pops are always a hit, especially with kids, and come in an array of colors to match any candy buffet.
Of course you’ll want to include ring pops, to help your guests “ring” in the New Year, and gold coins for prosperity in the year to come.
Just make sure you have enough candy for everyone. About 8 oz. of candy per guest should be just right according to Soiree Event Design. Remember, guests might not eat all their candy today. It’s as much a party favor as it is a treat.
If choosing candy sounds like a hassle, we’ve got you covered. Just order one of our Candy Buffet Assortments instead.
Finishing Touches for Your Candy Buffet
The candy is the main attraction, but if you want your display to be both tasty and visually appealing, you can add some finishing touches. Pixie lights bring some instant magic, and have the advantage of lighting up the table in case your party has mood lighting. You can tie ribbons around the jars for an extra pop of color. Or introduce some drama with a curtain behind the table. Strings of beads or carefully draped fabric can dress up any table top. There’s almost no limit to what you can do. But remember, that the candy needs to stay accessible.
Of course, our favorite way to decorate is with more candy. Distribute Gold Half Dollars or Diamond Candy Gems across the table to add some sweet sparkle. If you want to really make a statement, you can craft topiary centerpieces out of lollipops. The directions call for Dum Dums but any rounded pop will work.
To make these beautiful, and edible, decorations, you’ll need wooden candleholders, spray paint, and a foam sphere. They look complicated, but they couldn’t be easier. Just spray paint the candle sticks to match your décor. Insert the sticks of the lollipops into the foam until the entire surface is covered, and set the foam balls on top of the candlesticks. For a more stable display, leave the bottom of the foam ball exposed and glue it directly to the candlestick.
Find step-by-step directions and photos at diynetwork.com.
Enhancements for Your Candy Buffet
Make your candy buffet even more unique by adding on other tasty treats. Cupcakes topped with candy crumble make a great addition.
And don’t forget the drinks. Bubbly drinks are a traditional part of the New Year’s Eve festivities. Preload some champagne glasses with cotton candy, gummy bears , or rock candy. Add champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the kids.
Your candy buffet is yours to create. With bulk candy and a little imagination, you’ll have a New Year’s Eve Candy Buffet your guests will be talking about all year.
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