CAKES + desserts ENTERTAINING

How to Create an Amy Atlas-inspired Candy Shop Table

Posted on September 17, 2009

candy shop dessert table

Amy Atlas has made a name for herself in a niche market. She specializes in dessert and candy tables. I am not alone to love her sense of style. With Halloween in 6 weeks, it is good to review what you need to set up  an awesome candy table.

candy store table by amy atlas

Therefore, I read Amy Atlas’ interviews and examine her marvelous portfolio to sum up how you can try to design your own sweets buffet at home.

  • Start with a theme
  • Put attention to the table linens and service ware. They should be beautiful and coordinated to get a refined look
  • Vary the heights of trays, stands, bowls, jars and footed plates. Design cute tags for every vessel.
  • Repeat elements to create a sense of collection.
  • Add festive decorative elements to enhance your table. Your goal is to impress.
  • Create a backdrop to your buffet table.
  • Survey the bakers and candy purveyors on your area. Make sure to taste everything; it has to be delicious not just pretty.
  • Order desserts or candies based on what you want the table to look like instead of limiting the quantities to the number of guests. Plan for refilling, when applicable.
  • Provide goody bags for your guests to take home desserts or candies. The goody bags can be a container that fit with your party theme.

How much candy you need?

halloween sweets table by amy atlas

You need an abundant choice to create an impact. Get 8 to 10 candy varieties. You need a least 8 ounces of candy per guest. To give you an idea, 6 ounces fill a small gift bag. Better to add more and round up because people will take some home.

I read on Martha Stewart that you need 8 pounds of jelly beans to fill a 1-gallon bowl. The same 1-gallon bowl will hold 5 pounds and a half of malted-milk balls or 3 pounds of wrapped taffy. Estimate that three quarter of your guests will take individual wrapped candies like pinwheel lollipops.

One practice that is not common is to host a sweet party later at night. Now that you have some guidelines, think about it.

MORE:
+ Amy Atlas

An ex-lifestyle and entertaining expert and UX designer who became a STEAM educator. At Bidouilleurs, I helped kids aged 5-12 become inventors and makers. An innovative mom who cares about gender equality and to get more girls and boys interested in STEM/STEAM.

  • Alexis
    September 18, 2009 at 00:09

    I love Amy Atlas! Great guidelines, thanks so much..I am working on an ocean themed candy buffet, there are so many choices, you have to stay focused.

  • tara
    September 18, 2009 at 15:29

    Great job culling key points from Amy’s work – her tables are always stunning and never fail to bring a smile to my face. It is wonderful that the individual elements need not be terribly expensive, as it is how they look together that makes them seem truly special.

  • Martine la banlieusarde
    September 22, 2009 at 06:31

    Chaque fois que ma grande a vu une étoile filante, elle n’avait qu’un seul et même souhait: “je veux des bonbons!” Je crois bien que je vais lui montrer ces photos, en lui disant que c’est ce qui arrive quand on voit une pluie d’étoiles filantes! 😉

  • amyatlas
    September 22, 2009 at 21:40

    Thanks Kim for the blog love! http://bit.ly/oGKjF

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • amyatlas
    September 22, 2009 at 21:42

    Thanks @KimValle for the blog love! http://bit.ly/oGKjF

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • MaggieFord
    September 23, 2009 at 00:25

    LOVE this candy shop table! http://bit.ly/uRtk5

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Lise M.
    September 23, 2009 at 01:02

    Hi Kim,

    Great work! I just love all the Amy Atlas work, unfortunately she is based in the US and I’m based in Europe. From now on I will follow your blog closely.

    Have a lovely day!

    Lise M.
    http://www.urbanstylevibes.com