Want a creative candy buffet at your next event but feeling unsure of how to make it happen?

You’re in the right place! 🎉

In this post, I’ll share the 8 steps I take to create (medium-sized) candy buffets myself, using my daughter’s Rock Star-themed birthday set-up as an example. You can use these same steps with ANY party theme and occasion you want, though!

*You’ll also find a complete Candy Buffet Checklist at the bottom of this post.*

A Note on Candy Buffet Sizes

Back in the day, when candy buffets first started getting popular, this Rock Star buffet would be considered more of a small or mini set-up! At that time it was ALLLLL about big glass apothecary jars and “the grander, the better” layouts.

Of course, this also translated to pretty dang expensive, with styled candy buffets EASILY running $1000 or more. 😬 The cost of all that bulk candy really adds up!

These days I’m usually creating candy buffets for kids’ birthdays or holiday parties – and things have definitely changed! I typically focus on a smaller, simple set-up with shatterproof containers and LOTS of creativity.

8 Steps for a Creative Candy Buffet

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STEP #1.

Decide on the treats you want to include + give them fun, themed names whenever possible.

You’ll need 8 to 12 types of treats for a medium-sized candy buffet.

For the Rock Star theme, I used these candies & names:

• Pop Rocks = ROCK FEST
• Twizzlers Pull’n’Peel = TWISTED SISTERS
• Banana Gummies = WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
• Airheads = GROUPIES or HEADBANGERS
• Tattoo Fruit Rollups = TONGUE TATTOOS
• Rolos = ROCK AND ROLOS
• Gummi Bears = SWEET CHILD O’ MINE
• Abba-Zabba = AB/ZB (a play on AC/DC)
• Whoppers = ROLLING STONES
• Jelly Bellies = JELLY BELLY BEATS (served in mason jar “drums”)
• Slime Lickers = TONGUE PAINTERS
• Rock Candy Sticks = *MOHAWKS* (displayed in styrofoam mannequin heads)

STEP #2.

Set out the (empty) containers for everything and figure out a good arrangement for your table. Use risers – like floating wall shelves and dessert stands – to add height to the layout.

STEP #3.

Decide which candy/treats to put in what containers, taking the colors and sizes of the treats into account. (See above how the treats that are all-yellow or multi-color treats are spread out evenly instead of bunched together.)

STEP #4.

Typeset the candy labels (using the Design Hero Customizer on my website).

STEP #5.

Print and cut out the candy labels, as well as the dessert table sign and any other printables you plan to use.

STEP #6.

Embellish the candy containers with decorative trims and labels, using hot glue or glue dots to secure them. (I bought these rock-star-themed trims at JoAnn.)

STEP #7.

Add the sign(s) and accent decor to your table.

In this case, that meant I needed to create the rocker mannequin heads/stands + turn the mason jars into little “drums” to hold the jelly beans.

I’ll share a detailed DIY of the rock star mannequin heads and stands later. For now, here’s a little behind-the-scenes. :)

I bought the styrofoam mannequin heads at Michaels and the rock band sticker pack on Amazon.

STEP #8.

Now for the final details! Add mini scoops/tongs (if needed for unwrapped treats) and set out little favor bags or treat containers for your guests to use.

There can be other details to consider, of course – one of them being a backdrop. Backdrops aren’t always needed, though… it really depends on where your buffet is set up.

I used a simple silver foil curtain as a backdrop here, and WISH that I would’ve added some oversized black letter balloons to spell out YUM or ROCK at the top of it, but didn’t think of that detail in time to make it happen. It happens. 🤪

I’m still happy with how it turned out… and my daughter absolutely LOVED it, which is the most important thing! She’s really into music, and it really felt like “her”. ❤️

(BTW – For more creative-AND-affordable table styling tips, check out my Modern Pop Star Party Dessert Table and Simple & Sparkly Unicorn Dessert Table Ideas.)

General Candy Buffet Checklist

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Materials:

• Tablecloth (optional)
• Backdrop Curtain (optional)
• Candy Containers
• Candy/Treats (8-12 varieties for a medium buffet)
• Decorative Trim (to embellish containers)
• Risers for (wall shelves, dessert stands, etc.)
• 8×10 Dessert Table Sign(s) + Frame(s)
• Candy Labels
• Favor Bags
• Accent Decor

Crafting Tools:

• Printer & Cardstock
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue Dots