candy buffet ???

[hsmamato2]

I know....another one..... I'm doing a candy buffet this week for my ds' delayed grad party..... it's mostly an outdoor picnic, but I'm thinking of having an inside table w/ the candy on it- my question, what is the protocol? how do I make it off limits till later on in the party without being awful? I'm thinking of the decorated cake in the center,with the candy all around....would that be enough to give folks the idea that it's for a dessert time? any quick advice?

 

[MrsPete]

I know....another one..... I'm doing a candy buffet this week for my ds' delayed grad party..... it's mostly an outdoor picnic, but I'm thinking of having an inside table w/ the candy on it- my question, what is the protocol? how do I make it off limits till later on in the party without being awful? I'm thinking of the decorated cake in the center,with the candy all around....would that be enough to give folks the idea that it's for a dessert time? any quick advice?

When we have parties like that, I tend to use my kitchen table to serve the meal and people go outside to sit. If I didn't want them to see the desserts 'til afterward, I'd put them in the dining room and keep the door closed 'til after the main meal. Then, at an appropriate time, I'd open the door, turn the lights on, and direct people towards that area.

 

[powellrj]

We have always had open houses so there has never been anything we have held until later. I have never been to a graduation party that wasn't a come and go buffet type of party so maybe someone who has been to that type of party can answer for you.

 

[hsmamato2]

how well does it work, having it just open the whole time? I don't mind people eating sweets whenever, I just worry it won't look pretty....after a while....so it can be done- leave it there,w/ the cake, I was thinking hand out the bags later, then most people wouldn't touch till then...(?) my house is all open, so no hidden rooms...

 

[Princesca]

Could you try covering the offerings with saran wrap until it's time? That to me is a discreet way of saying - "Move along, it's not time for this yet."

 

[mombrontrent]

Could you try covering the offerings with saran wrap until it's time? That to me is a discreet way of saying - "Move along, it's not time for this yet."

I think this is a great idea. If someone is bold enough to unwrap it to get at the candy then I'd let them eat it, they must readlly need a sugar fix

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I did a huge candy buffet a few years ago at Christmas and had the whole thing covered with opaque table cloths until it was time to unveil it. The kids went wild when I took the "wrapper" off.

 

[Cherta]

I did a huge candy buffet a few years ago at Christmas and had the whole thing covered with opaque table cloths until it was time to unveil it. The kids went wild when I took the "wrapper" off.

We had a candy buffet at my daughter's bat mitzvah reception and I also used linen table cloths (large ones with Hawaiian print, since that was the theme of the party) to cover up the buffet until I was ready to open it up to the guests. As far as I could tell, no one even noticed it beforehand, and the kids loved it when it was finally revealed.

 

[diamondpixienc]

Another vote for just covering the dishes w/saran wrap until you are ready to open the "buffet". As a childrens's party planner this has worked out pretty well considering I usually deal w/1-12 yr old party goers on a regular basis. Now, with that being said you can also opt to having the Cake in the center and place the candy dishes out right before the cake cutting. I have also done this and the quick candy buffet set up while everyone was distracted w/ an activity. just be sure to have your cloths and table props ready.

 

[shortbun]

Do you have lots of little ones that would bother your display?....well, I might bother it if I was hungry and walking by it, lol! My motto: Life is short. Eat dessert first.

 

[hsmamato2]

I know,right? I like dessert ALL the time too! I think I'm going to saran wrap the tops, b/c I have our cake in the center,and I want it to be displayed for looks throughout the party! I think I only have a couple of toddlers coming who might ignore the plastic wrap.....(skittles dumped EVERYWHERE )

 

[D L and K's Mom]

We covered our and we used tulle (netting). It was cheap, covered the candy and gave the message, "not until later" bit it also matched the colors of the party and looked really pretty.

 

[Princess_Meghan <3]

I put one together for my sister's sweet 16, and no one really touched it until dessert time. It was sitting in the kitchen off to the side, and was visible. A few people grabbed a piece or two, but that was it. It still looked really nice by the time dessert rolled around.

If you're worried about people eating it before, I would do as PPs suggested, and cover it somehow.