Create a Candy Buffet Bar: Tips from Jackie Sorkin

25 Replies

I see candy buffet bars at more and more events! I’ve never put one together myself, but think it would be fun creating one after receiving some helpful tips from Jackie Sorkin, owner of Custom Candy Buffet Bars. Jackie is an event planner in Southern California and has created candy buffet bars for clients ranging from American Idol and The Emmy Awards to The American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts. In addition to working with major corporations and celebrities, Jackie and her staff create special candy buffets and dessert bars for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and other events (all photos shown are provided by Jackie Sorkin).

Jackie and her staff even create special candy creations like this revolving Ferris Wheel…now that’s pretty impressive!

With the spring season coming up, there are lots of opportunities for you to create your own candy buffet bar…Easter, Mother’s Day, graduation, birthday celebrations, and children’s parties, to name a few. Here are tips from Jackie to help you get started!

Pick a theme or color scheme that will serve as direction when picking out props, candy colors, and treats.

Locate a space that is visible to your guests which will allow your candy buffet to be a beautiful or fun decorative addition to your event…like a foyer, existing bar, or on a patio.

Select interesting vessels and containers for your candy. They don’t have to be the same; mix them up but make sure they all flow together. Vintage shops and thrift stores are great for finding interesting pieces.

Select your candy by color–you can also include some custom treats which are made in your color scheme or theme from your local bakery.

Don’t forget scoops and tongs–always keep it clean!

Provide your guests with goody bags or boxes to grab some treats as a to-go favor.

Jackie also adds, “Personalization is everything! Every event should feel unique and special and your candy buffet or dessert bar is a fantastic way to do this.” You can have personalized decals for containers or bags, special signs and labels for your buffet bar, and decorative touches like ribbons, bows, and glitzy rhinestones (always a huge hit with brides). Jackie says her Cotton Candy Trees are popular displayed on buffets, too.

So use these tips for inspiration and create a unique candy buffet bar for your next party or event!

Now after looking at all this candy, I think I’m gonna have to go and grab something sweet! 🙂

Linked to Sunday Showcase, Potluck Sunday.

25 thoughts on “Create a Candy Buffet Bar: Tips from Jackie Sorkin”

Stefani February 26, 2011 at 2:29

I have never heard of a candy buffet bar before but how awesome is that!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
dsgnmom February 26, 2011 at 4:01

This post is a FEAST for the eyes! The colors are magnificent. Thank you so much Nancy! I added you button to my favorite blogs on my page…. dsgnmomonline.wordpress.com. Thank you for all your kind words and much continued success!
Janiece

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorFebruary 26, 2011 at 4:03
  
  Thank you so much Janiece! Hope you are having a nice weekend! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  1. dsgnmom February 26, 2011 at 4:08
    
    You too! Spring come on! 😉
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Jackie Sorkin " Candy Girl" February 26, 2011 at 6:05

WOW! Very cool post Nancy! Thanks so much, everything looks great!

Warmly,
Jackie ” Candy Girl”
http://www.customcandybuffetbars.com Home of The Hollywood Candy Girls!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorFebruary 26, 2011 at 8:19
  
  Thank you, Jackie! I’m glad you like the post! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Athena fedenis February 27, 2011 at 8:23

I just LOVE your work! I wish somehow I could see more pictures of your work. But I can’t find You anywhere else but here! I wish I could see your cotton candy tree better. THANK YOU for sharing your ideas and tips! I do lots of different fundraisers and the next one is cops for kids. I live in Michigan and it is so sweet to want to help others out1 Truley blessed You are!
Athena

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorFebruary 27, 2011 at 9:27
  
  Thanks for your comment, Athena! The photos I’ve posted are all of Jackie’s candy creations and you can see more pictures at her website, http://www.customcandybuffetbars.com/. Hope that helps, and thanks for stopping by! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Jackie " Cand Girl" February 27, 2011 at 9:41

Hi Athena!

Awesome compliments, thank you! We’re actually franchising in Michigan. I can get you in touch with Kristy our stylist out there! She’s awesome!
http://www.customcandybuffetbars.com

LikeLike

Reply ↓
MommyMatter February 28, 2011 at 3:04

What a cute idea, this would be perfect at so many functions, thanks.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Jeanna February 28, 2011 at 3:27

I would love to do something like this… I have the Stylish blogger award for you. Come on over and pick it up @ dramaqueenseams.blogspot.com

Jeanna

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:12
  
  Thanks so much, Jeanna!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
nancyc Post authorMarch 1, 2011 at 5:45

Thanks, Jeanna–I’ll try doing that!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
UrMomCooks March 2, 2011 at 5:36

We are doing a candy/ice cream/cookie bar for my daughter’s wedding in November so I appreciate any tips I can find!!! The idea of personalized labels is a great one – will I lose my mind before I can get that done???

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorMarch 2, 2011 at 7:56
  
  What a great idea for your daughter’s wedding! I’m sure it will be beautiful! You’ll have to post pictures of it on your blog afterward!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
thewonderingchef March 6, 2011 at 8:32

These look amazing! I wish I were a child so I culd have a Bday party like this:)

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Greenderella March 20, 2011 at 10:43

I think I just had a little sugar rush just by looking at these pictures. I love all the colors, so cool! Thank you for sharing! : )

LikeLike

Reply ↓
lyn June 13, 2011 at 9:18

how do i find out the cost of a jackie zorkin candy buffet franchise ?

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorJune 13, 2011 at 11:05
  
  You can contact Jackie at http://www.customcandybuffetbars.com/modules/contact.html This link should take you to the “contact” page on her website. Hope that helps! 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
nancyc Post authorDecember 11, 2011 at 12:33

You’re welcome, Margaret! Glad you found the tips helpful!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. Candy girl December 11, 2011 at 1:19
  
  SO GREAT!!! Thanks Nancy! Make sure everyone watches our fabulously fun new Candy Show on TLC- Mondays at 10 pm and 9 central- CANDY QUEEN!!!!!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  1. nancyc Post authorDecember 11, 2011 at 1:28
    
    How exciting! Congratulations on your new show! Will be watching for it! 🙂
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
Candy girl December 11, 2011 at 1:29

WONDERFUL!! It’s all over TLC.COM- Search Candy Queen!!!!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
thehungrymum March 24, 2014 at 6:52

Misses 6 & 8 would faint if I organised a candy bar at their party 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
1. nancyc Post authorMarch 24, 2014 at 7:14
  
  I can imagine how much they would love it!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓

Comments are always appreciated! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: