Build a Better Candy Bar

Candy Bars and Buffets aren't a new concept for events these days, but clients that I work with still ask the same questions when putting one together for their upcoming event or wedding. 

How much candy should I purchase?

This usually depends on how many guests you are expecting, but a general rule to use is 5 lbs of 6-7 different types of candy. If you are expecting 200+ guests, I would increase the amount to 5-7 lbs of 7-8 types. If you are expecting less than 100 guests, 5 lbs of 5-6 types should be plenty!

What type of candy should I purchase?

I advise my clients to purchase candy that they like to eat and are their favorites, not to base it on their event colors. Sometimes when you purchase candy based on colors, you are limited with the kinds you can buy and there tends to be tons left over that no one likes. You should also consider the time of year for your event. If you are having a summer event, you probably want to avoid a lot of chocolate or other coated candies that could melt easily in the hot weather. Lastly, if you have a limited budget, name brand candies are usually more expensive so go with a generic version if you can. 

Where should I purchase the candy?

I recommend buying from a bulk candy vendor. I order from CandyWarehouse, but there are lots of other sites and local stores to choose from. CandyWarehouse usually has coupon codes for discounts or shipping offers. You can also search by color, type of event or type of candy which makes choosing your candy a lot easier. 

How many jars do I need to purchase?

For an average candy bar, you'll be ordering 5 lbs of 5-6 different types of candy so you will need 7-8 different jars. Apothecary jars, vases and bowls can all be used as candy jars and it's good to use a good mix of high, low and medium to create levels. For apothecary jars, try to use ones that don't have too small an opening because guests will have trouble getting the candy out of them. Also, take into account the age of your guests. If it is a kids' party, you'll want to have jars that are lower and can't easily be knocked over. My favorite site for jars is SaveOnCrafts. They have a variety of vases, bowls & jars to choose from at great prices. Make sure to order your scoops too! 

How do I decide which candy goes in which jars?

I always wait until the candy comes to plan out the buffet, so I can see the actual size of the candy and which will fit best in which jars/vases. Put your jars out and try different candies in each to see what looks best. Your larger candy may be better in tall vases to fill the whole container. You can also decide if one type of candy is going to go in multiple vases, jars or bowls on the table. Post-it notes and taking photos can help plan out the candy bar for easy set-up the day of the event.

What bags or containers should I buy for my guests to take the candy in?

Small bags are the easiest option. You can purchase custom bags on Etsy and other websites which can be displayed on the candy bar table or the guest place settings. Boxes can be good too, but only if you have a place to display them. 

Do I need to decorate my candy table?

You don't need to do much and can always re-purpose decor items. For weddings, use a floral arrangement from your place card table for the candy table since the place card table is normally re-purposed for favors. A simple sign thanking your guests for coming or adding to the theme of your event is also a good idea to decorate the table. Another way to decorate is adding some ribbon to the jars or vases.

Make sure you get some photos of your candy bar before your guests dig in!

Still have questions about your candy bar? Email me at Classiceventsbykris@gmail.com and I'll help you!

Chalkboard Sign Tutorial

Chalkboard signs have become increasingly more popular these days. With chalkboard paint readily available, it is so easy to turn a mirror, frame, old window pane or just a wall into a chalkboard sign area. There are also lots of gorgeous designs for artwork and designs available if you don't want to actually make a chalkboard or buy one.

I decided it was finally time for me to make a chalkboard of my own! This has been a project on my To-Do list for a while now and I'm happy to report that it was NOT a "Pinterest Project Failure" post. A couple purchases (mirror from Home Goods and Chalkboard Paint at Lowe's) and two coats later, I was in business to start posting quotes, lists and more on my new chalkboard.

If you aren't confident with your own handwriting skills, you can always print out the letters and trace them onto the board. Recently, I helped a friend create a sign for her MIL's retirement party. We were nervous about handwriting the main letters, so we found this easy process after a quick Pinterest search.

1. Print out the letters or saying that you want to put on the chalkboard. Make sure the letters are large enough for your sign. You may need to cut each letter out to be able to place them where you want on the board.

2. Turn over the paper and cover the backside of the paper with the chalk.

3. Place the paper, chalk-side/backside against the chalkboard and outline the letter with a pen or pencil. When you take away the paper, you will see a faint outline of the chalk letter which you can go over again with the chalk on the board. 

4. Continue with all the letters/sayings/design that you want to put on the board until complete. 

We did a very simple design for our first try, but you could put different designs or sayings on the board from printed out images from websites. Need ideas for what to post on your chalkboard when you're not using it for a certain event? Check back here for my "Chalkboard Ideas" on Pinterest and follow my pages for ideas! 

New Catering Option: Food Trucks

Food trucks seem to be the new trend for festivals and outdoor events, but have you ever thought of hiring them as a caterer? By offering one to two different food trucks (maybe one for the meal and one for dessert), your guests can choose their entrees and dessert from a customized menu. A lot of food trucks are offering favorite food options like pizza or sandwiches in a gourmet way. Here are some of my favorite food trucks in our area that you may consider hiring for your next event:


The Pizza Wagon

The Pizza Wagon is a mobile, pizza shop offering a large variety of brick oven pizzas. Their pizza menu includes traditional favorites like The Three Cheeses and BBQ Chicken or more creative options like "Roasted Mushrooms and Arugula" and "Farmer's Corn and Bacon". I tried their pizza at the Kennett Square Brewfest and it was delicious!

Forno Inferno

Forno Inferno is another pizza catering company in the Chester Country area offering traditional or specialty pizzas. Their pizza menu includes Margherita, Pesto, Philly and a Ferno Gourmet which is a white pizza topped with roasted red peppers, artichokes, goat’s cheese with a drizzle of truffle oil. 

Ka'Chi Truck

Offering Korean food with a twist, Ka'Chi Truck's menu includes tacos, rice, salads and specialty sandwiches. Similar to other food truck caterers, you are able to customize your order by choosing a protein, sauce and either rice or coleslaw for their tacos or bowls. One of their sandwich options is a slider and you can choose BLT, SPAM, Spicy Meatball or Grilled Kimcheese. 

The Sunflower Truck Stop

I discovered The Sunflower Truck Stop at the East Goshen Farmer's Market last year. Using fresh and local ingredients, they create customized menus depending on where they are going to be located that day with the truck. One delicious menu items included is their Crab and Artichoke Grilled Cheese with lump crab, spinach and marinated artichoke with gouda, cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese on seeded bread. Most of their menu items are serviced with their own tortilla chips and a pickle.

Nomadic Pies

Nomadic Pies was another food truck that I found out about at the East Goshen Farmer's Market. I had been browsing the vendors for meal ideas for dinner and came across their truck selling savory pies, quiches and sweet pies. I knew it had to be good since they were almost sold out of every item! I was able to snag the last two Steak, Mushroom, Onion and Gruyere pies though which were amazing. They serve their pies hot, ready to eat or you can warm-up at home for later. 

Dia Doce Cupcakes

You can't forget dessert! As a winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, Dia Doce makes some of the best cupcakes in our area. I had known about their company for a while, but recently had the chance of meeting them at the Kennett Square Brewfest last fall where I tried their Pecan Pie Cupcake. It was so good and I definitely recommend them for any event coming up! Their cupcake menu includes traditional flavors, but also offer more unique and seasonal flavors. Some of their summer flavors include Berry Lemonade, Pina Colada and Mango. 

I hope you are able to check out some of these amazing food trucks this summer and maybe include them as a caterer for your next event! 

Happy Tasting! 

October Halloween Special!

Happy October Everyone! 

Classic Events By Kris will be offering 15% off party planning and favors for your upcoming Halloween Parties!  Whether you are planning a spooky dinner or cocktail party for adults or a fun monsters bash for the kids, Classic Events By Kris can help with planning your decor, favors, menu and more! Please email me at classiceventsbykris@gmail.com so we can get started on your event.

Spooky Decor Ideas...

Help with Halloween Treats...

Assistance with set-up...

Favors and More!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon to discuss your Halloween Party plans!

Dinosaur Themed 3rd Birthday Party!

I recently worked with Allison on her son Jack's Dinosaur Themed 3rd Birthday Party! She was nice enough to share some pictures from the birthday party:

All the food was labeled as Dinosaur Themed items; Food Signs  and favors created by Classic Events By Kris

Dinosaur "Dig" Site

Allison did an amazing job setting up for the party and turning her backyard into a Dinosaur adventure!

I put together these fun Dinosaur buckets as favors including an activity book, water bottle, crayons, "grow" dinosaurs and dinosaur egg candy.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jack!

Dinosaur Party Favors

I recently had the pleasure of working with a fun West Chester mom, Allison, on her son Jack's Dinosaur Birthday Party. She had won my donation at a charity event for customized favors so I got to work on Dino-themed party buckets for his guests. We decided to include water bottles, dinosaur stick-on tattoos, coloring/activity book, dinosaur crayons, "grow-in-water" dinosaurs and dinosaur egg gum all in a dinosaur themed bucket. Items were purchased at Dollar General, Party City and Oriental Trading.

I hope Jack and his buddies enjoy the Dinosaur favors!

Need ideas or help with a kid's party coming up? Contact me today!!

Summer Special: 15% OFF Customized Favors!

Summer is finally here!

Enjoy 15% customized favors for any type of event in June, July or August!

This offer includes:

- Wedding Welcome Bags

- Candy Bar for any type of event

- Kids' party favors (bags, buckets, etc...)

- Bridal or Baby Shower favors

- Bachelorette Party Bags

Any type of favor for ANY type of event... Contact me today at classiceventsbykris@gmail.com to claim this offer and discuss ideas for your upcoming event!