A question for those that have done a candy buffet..

[TimeforMe]

Have you had a problem with some people -- mainly kids -- being greedy and taking more than they should? I am considering having one at my DD's graduation party but I don't want to have to police it. On the other hand, I can see how some kids (and maybe even some adults) might get excited at the prospect of all that candy and perhaps take more than they should. Ultimately, I guess I'm afraid of running out. What's your experience with this?

 

[AKL_Megs]

My friend had a candy buffet at her wedding... Nobody really tool "too much". The kids, I remember because our table was closest, were scolded by grandma when they started getting crazy at the table It stopped it! LOL

 

[SueInBoston]

We had one for my DD's 16th party last year..we basically didn't put out all the candies at once...I had a friend keep an eye and refill as needed. We gave out Chinese take out boxes, so at most that's how much each kid took, we had a few stuffing their pocket, etc...but not too bad. The kids also kind of police each other and will often tell another kid to stop taking all the good stuff

 

[powellrj]

we have done it twice and never had a problem, in fact I was sending leftovers home with people!

 

[Bethenny]

I think if you can't trust a few older teens around a candy bar, then maybe you should stick with a veggie tray.

 

[amandaluvsgoofy]

We had one at our wedding and didn't have to police it too much. In fact, we had TONS left over (maybe I went overboard in buying candy ). But as PP mentioned, have sacks set aside (or Chinese to-go containers, or whatever) so that way it controls they amount the take...hopefully!

 

[marybet]

I have never heard of a candy buffet. Do you also have other food or just candy? What kind of candy? Do you use bite size or large candy bars? I have seen a chocolate buffet on a cruise ship, which includes cakes, pies, ice cream and candy, is it something like that?

 

[horseshowmom]

I have never heard of a candy buffet. Do you also have other food or just candy? What kind of candy? Do you use bite size or large candy bars? I have seen a chocolate buffet on a cruise ship, which includes cakes, pies, ice cream and candy, is it something like that?

Do a search for candy buffet, and you should find quite a few threads on this (one in particular). Basically, you have many different kinds of candy in different containers to select from. You can decorate according to any theme you prefer.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Have you had a problem with some people -- mainly kids -- being greedy and taking more than they should? I am considering having one at my DD's graduation party but I don't want to have to police it. On the other hand, I can see how some kids (and maybe even some adults) might get excited at the prospect of all that candy and perhaps take more than they should. Ultimately, I guess I'm afraid of running out. What's your experience with this?

Little kids, maybe, but adults or HS'ers, no so much. Your easiest solution is just have Xtra on hand...not everything, just some to fill in certain jars, etc.
Good Luck, we had no issues

 

[TimeforMe]

I think if you can't trust a few older teens around a candy bar, then maybe you should stick with a veggie tray.

OK. I was thinking more of the little ones.


Thanks for all your responses. I will definitely get some sort of "containers" for them to use.

marybet: This is just a little extra that I would put out towards the end of the party after dinner has been served. I'm going to do it in lieu of favors so they have something to take home.

For dinner we are having this: http://www.biggreentruckpizza.com We've been to a party that had this and it was awesome! Kind of pricey, but it's dd's college graduation and she's worked hard to get where she is, so we wanted to do something special.

If anyone has any ideas to use for the candy bar, I'd love to hear them.

 

[vroomagain]

I just had one today for DD5's birthday! If anything, we had to encourage people to take, we even gave goody bags and we still have tons left over!

 

[Aisling]

This made me laugh, worrying about the kids being greedy. I'd worry about ME being greedy! I've seen photos of candy buffets and my mouth waters!

 

[Magic Mom]

If you are just putting it out at the end, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Put it out and let them enjoy.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

OK. I was thinking more of the little ones.


Thanks for all your responses. I will definitely get some sort of "containers" for them to use.

marybet: This is just a little extra that I would put out towards the end of the party after dinner has been served. I'm going to do it in lieu of favors so they have something to take home.

For dinner we are having this: http://www.biggreentruckpizza.com We've been to a party that had this and it was awesome! Kind of pricey, but it's dd's college graduation and she's worked hard to get where she is, so we wanted to do something special.

If anyone has any ideas to use for the candy bar, I'd love to hear them.[/QUOTE]


I bought all my candy the day after Halloween at the local RiteAid store. I think I got most of it at 75% off. Of course, DD's birthday is in November, but depending on the types of candy you buy (lollipops, pixie sticks, etc.) it will keep until May or June. I also made sure I bought only candy that did not have Halloween-type wrappers. Here's a pic:

 

[TimeforMe]

Wow--that looks great! I love all the bright colors. That's a good idea--I can wait until after Easter and hopefully get some bargains. The party is on Memorial Day weekend.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Easter will work too! Honestly, I saved a fortune by buying the day after. I even think I picked some up a few days later as well. The containers I bought in the local $1 store. I think I bought the plastic table clothes and matching goody bags in Party City. I also bought florist styrofoam and we put that in the containers and pushed the lollipop sticks in there so it sort of looked like a lollipop bush. Depending on where you live and if the party table will be outside, you might want to stay away from chocolate which will melt and be a mess. Enjoy!

 

[DisneyScraps]

I did one with 10 year olds and I had to have them go to the table in groups of 4. I was worried about a mad rush. I had little Halloween treat boxes for them about the size of a paperback book.

My rule was one handful or scoop of each item until each kid had a turn they they could fill up the boxes however they liked.

It was organized and it worked better than I expected.

Lisa

 

[LJC1861]

So, approximately how much candy do you plan on per person? We are planning a party this summer and I am seriously considering doing a candy buffet.

Linda

 

[focusondisney]

I was at a wedding that had a candy buffet as the favors. This was a huge wedding for the son of DH's boss. I think there were over 500 people there, a few school aged children. But mostly adults. I don't know if it was poor planning on their part or if people were "greedy" & took too much. But the candy supply sure didn't last long & not everyone got some. Two couples from our table went right over as soon as it opened & got their bags. DH & I waited about 20 mins & by the time we went, there was almost nothing left. And it wasn't replaced, either. I really don't think they had enough & underestimated how many people would take it & how much each guest would take.

It's a great concept, but make sure you have enough or it just seems tacky. JMHO.

 

[Disney Doll]

I was at a wedding in New Jersey last summer and they had a candy buffet and it was a free for all, and the biggest offenders were the adults.