The Art of the Candy Bar

How to turn a childhood favorite into a playful—and surprisingly chic—party moment.

There are certain party ideas that never really stop being fun, and a candy bar is one of them.

I first wrote about creating one years ago, when elaborate dessert tables seemed to be everywhere. Looking back at it now, I still love the idea—but I would approach it a little differently today.

Less candy store. More beautifully styled indulgence.

Choose a Color Story

This is what keeps a candy bar from looking chaotic.

Rather than buying every candy that catches your eye, choose two or three colors that work with the rest of the party and build around them.

For a sophisticated celebration, I love white, blush, and gold, or perhaps all-white candy with glass and silver. For a children's party, this is where you can have much more fun with color.

Blush, Cream & Gold Candy Bar

Pink & White Candy Bar

Mix the Containers

Clear glass jars are still wonderful because the candy becomes part of the decoration.

But I wouldn't use twenty identical apothecary jars. Mix taller glass vessels with bowls, footed dishes, cake stands and trays to create different heights.

And don't fill every inch.

A little breathing room makes the whole thing look much more considered.

Candy Can Be Beautiful

Choose candy partly for how it looks.

Gumdrops, rock candy, jelly beans, wrapped chocolates, marshmallows, lollipops and beautifully colored sweets all add different shapes and textures.

Then add one or two things that aren't candy—perhaps macarons, chocolate-covered pretzels or mini cookies.

Colorful Candy Bar

Make It Easy to Take Home

This may be the best part.

Set out small bags or boxes so guests can make their own assortment to take with them. It becomes dessert, décor and the party favor all at once.

For a more grown-up celebration, beautiful little glassine bags or simple boxes tied with ribbon feel much more polished than traditional cellophane treat bags.

Candy Bar Containers

MBellished Entertaining Notes

Edit the colors. The quickest way to elevate a candy bar is to control the palette.

Vary the heights. Cake stands, bowls and jars make the display more interesting.

Buy more than you think you'll need. Half-empty containers don't have quite the same effect.

Don't forget the scoops and tongs. Pretty and practical.

Let guests take some home. A candy bar makes an effortless party favor.