The candy buffet bar is a space in the decoration that has been taking center stage at each event. Who doesn't like to try something sweet after a buffet? What would baptisms or a child's birthday be like without a table exclusively for sweets? These are just two of the reasons to consider when deciding which elements should be part of a party or event.
Having a table or buffet of sweets is a fantastic idea that can be adapted to any type of event: be it a wedding, birthday, baby shower, christening, quinceañera, Christmas or other parties and even corporate events. The key to organizing a table full of sweets is in the organization and attention to detail so that it stands out as a focal point within the event.
If you are not a fan of sweets or you think it is inappropriate for your event, adapting the concept of a candy table to a savory or deli station is an excellent option to offer your guests as snacks.
Now, preparing a sweet or savory table is not just about gathering your favorite sweets or the ones you find in the supermarket like treats, snacks, cupcakes or small desserts on a table and letting the guests enjoy it. Several aspects are involved in the creation of a sweet or savory table, such as:
Latest trends in fashion for candy buffet bars.
The theme of the event (vintage, cartoons, movies, etc.)
Personal style
Choice of color palette
Order and variety of sweets.
Where does the idea of a candy table come from?
Before delving into the various aspects to take into account when organizing a candy table, it is important to know its origin and conception. The idea of a sweets’ table, although not new, was not a known trend in other events besides children's birthday celebrations. If we refer to decorating candy tables as such, there is a name that comes to mind: Amy Atlas; considered the stylist in decorating personalized candy tables. Amy has been the internationally recognized pioneer for incorporating art and personalized design to the sweet. From her business in the United States, she has been able to expand her ideas to reach the rest of the world where every event now has a candy bar.
Sweet tables, known around the world also as Candy Bar, Sweet Table or bar, initially served two purposes: first, to be the sweet spot of any celebration, and on the other hand, to be a focal point within the decoration of the space. At present, it is an art show in itself that is characterized by being very charming. The idea is to attract the guests visually to taste the variety of sweets and desserts of all tastes.
What do you need to know to create a candy table?
To know how to create a sweet table you need to take into account the following aspects:
1. Event Theme
Events generally have a theme that highlights the style of a person or group of them. Being part of the decoration, you must make some congruence between the theme of the event and the sweet table. From the tablecloths, trays, ribbons, containers, flowers to desserts you must harmonize with the decoration of the place. However, you can make creative use of the sweet table decoration making it a focal point to highlight. Some examples of ideas are to play with the range of colors when choosing tablecloths or the same color of sweets and desserts, adorning with other types of flowers or centerpieces with higher flowers, finally there are thousands of ideas with which you can play a round with.
2. Latest trends in candy table fashion
Due to the growing interest in decorating this type of table, there are several trends in fashion and designs. The latter are chosen taking into account the theme of the event and personal style.
A centerpiece of high-rise flowers, trays and containers of glass, porcelain or silver are of the latest trend. This type of decoration gives a touch of elegance and distinction to the event. The country or rustic, romantic or vintage themes have also been trending for a couple of years. Elements such as vases, cages, jugs, lamps and chandeliers are used for these distinctive designs.
Identifying desserts with labels or mini flags is also very fashionable and helps the guests identify what they are eating. Without being excessive, you can name each of the elements on the table.
3. Personal style
The personal style influences the design on the candy table so that it is immersed in the small details. For celebrations such as weddings or birthdays, this aspect is more visible because elements such as personalized signs, menus with company or wedding logos, etc. are added.
If you have fun ideas to name your desserts and confectionery, it can also be a personalized touch to add exclusively to the table.
4. Choice of color palette
After choosing the design and theme of the event, it is essential to select a specific range of colors. The chosen color palette does not necessarily have a minimum of colors, but it must have a maximum of colors unless we are using a rainbow decoration theme. The color palette for the candy table can be monochromatic, with variations of a single color or gradient color with progressive tones.
Each element of the decoration from the linens, the containers, the trays to the desserts and sweets must be in accordance with this range of colors.
It is generally recommended to create a candy table from two colors and an additional complementary tone that must not take the focus off of other aspects of the decoration. If the colors are very strong it is also recommended to soften them by blending in the color white. Because the wedding candy buffet is where the cake stands out, lighter shades of the decoration colors are generally used to make it stand out.
5. Order and variety of sweets
One of the most frequently asked questions when decorating a candy table is: what kind of candies are placed and how should I place them? The general rule for the location of desserts and sweets displayed is that the cake is the focal point on which the attention of the decoration is focused. If there will be no cake on the candy table, an alternative focal element, such as a floral arrangement can be created.
Once you have chosen your main focal point, the rest of the table cannot be flat, but must be arranged at different levels. The general rule for assembling tables is to form triangles as an assembly guide, that is, with a wider base that becomes narrower at each level until it reaches a higher point. To mount the table you can also use the inverted triangle with two anchors on each side and a descending effect for the objects between the two; as well as multiple triangles to create the feeling of being satisfied.
The location will also depend on the number of guests, on average it is taken with a measure of 2 to 3 desserts per guest.
Do not forget that snack-sized desserts should be served with small spoons and sweets can vary from colored almonds, mints, and chocolates. The important thing is that there is a great variety so that guests can choose to their liking, at least 7 or 10 varieties of sweets in addition to other varieties of pastries. Other ideas to serve at the table are truffles, cupcakes, personalized cookies, mini tarts, mini-cupcakes, chocolate and candies.It is clear that the title of this section in which there has to be a variety, a mistake that you commonly see, is to include many varieties of cupcakes, or many desserts with chocolate.
How to decorate a candy table?
In addition to all the recommendations given above, keep in mind the following tips for decorating your candy table:
Chocolate sweets and desserts are usually preferred by most guests, so you cannot miss one or two varieties.
Combining black and white chocolate will bring more color to the candy table.
Adding a chocolate fondue fountain is a very interesting visual effect of the decoration.
Desserts with fruits such as strawberries, passion fruit, kiwi gives joy and color to the table. Normally, fresh and light fruits are chosen so as not to be strong to your sweet palate.
Nuts are also part of the sweet’s table, especially almonds and pistachios.
Include light or sugar-free desserts for guests who suffer from diabetes or are on a low-calorie diet.
What about cheese, savory or deli tables?
There are several alternatives for the candy table: If there is no space for this table, you can serve the desserts at each table or simply change the concept of the sweet and offer a table or buffet of cheeses, sausages, charcuterie in general accompanied with bread ,sauces and jams.
The cheese table is a fresh alternative to celebrate events such as weddings and business meetings or in general small and rustic events. In hotels and event houses in countries such as Venezuela, it is a tradition to offer a cheese table. This usually combines artisanal and foreign cheeses, as well as cow’s or goat cheese.
Among foreign cheeses, parmesan, gouda, brie, mozzarella, edam, gruyere, among others, are generally offered. To choose what kind of cheeses are best for your decoration and guest taste you should consider the smell, taste, texture, variety and color.
If you want to offer a cheese and / or charcuterie table, you need to have a variety of both products, even if you need to import from other countries. On the other hand, sausages should be chosen with a neutral flavor, so that it complements the cheeses and should be cut into thin slices in a row or around a focal center. It is best to serve cheese on trays or wooden boards, each of them carrying a type of cheese and hard or intense-tasting cheeses should be placed in the center.
For cheese lovers or those who simply enjoy trying a peculiar meal, it is of general culture that cheeses emit a certain peculiar smell, some more than others. That is why a pre-event tasting can help you choose the best option. Although the strong smell of cheese can bother some guests. Examples of cheeses that can cause this effect are Cheddar and Camembert. The cheese and charcuterie table must be presented just after being served, since if it is done well in advance, the cheeses and sausages are dried and smells not very pleasant are mixed.
As companions you can include flavored breads, cookies, nuts, cherry tomatoes, grapes, apples and pears that will give a touch of color and balance the flavors. They can also be accompanied with wine and snacks.
To decorate or present a cheese board, you must cut the types of cheese into sheets, circles or triangles depending on the thickness. How should each type of cheese be cut? This answer depends on the type of cheese. Read the cut suggestions below:
Gouda and fontina: they are cut into triangles.
Mozzarella and edam: they are cut into sticks
Provolone: ideally in small squares
Blue: cut into slices or balls are made
Camembert: as it is creamy, you can add a spreading knife and toast.