Making a candy tray is a fun way to create a decorative and delicious centerpiece for a party or gathering. With some planning and creativity, you can design a candy tray that fits any theme or color scheme. The first step is deciding what type of candies and other treats to include on your tray. You’ll also need to think about how you want to arrange and display the candies. Once your tray is assembled, it will be sure to impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth!
What is a Candy Tray?
A candy tray is a platter or tiered dish filled with an assortment of candies and other sweet treats to serve at a party or event. Candy trays are usually placed on a table, counter, or buffet so guests can easily help themselves to the selection of candies.
Candy trays are fun because they provide an interactive decoration – the candies are meant to be eaten and enjoyed by your guests. They also allow you to showcase a variety of colors, textures, and flavors.
Benefits of Making a Candy Tray
There are many benefits to making your own candy tray:
- Customization – You can choose your favorite candies and treats to match any theme or color palette.
- Cost effective – It is less expensive than buying pre-made candy trays or bowls.
- Creative display – You can arrange the candies and dishes however you’d like for a unique presentation.
- Conversation starter – A candy tray helps break the ice and gives guests something to talk about.
- Fun activity – Assembling the tray is an enjoyable, low-stress activity for the host.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baby shower, birthday party, or any celebration, a thoughtfully crafted candy tray is sure to be a hit with your guests!
Choosing Candies and Treats
When planning your candy tray, the first step is selecting the types of candies and other sweets you want to include. Here are some tips for choosing your candies:
- Go with your favorites – Choose candies you and your guests will be excited about, like chocolate truffles, gumdrops, licorice, etc.
- Consider a theme – Match your candy types to your party theme, like red candy for Valentine’s Day.
- Include variety – Mix up colors, textures, sizes, and flavors for visual appeal.
- Try classics – You can’t go wrong with classic candies like jelly beans, lollipops, candy corn, etc.
- Add novelty – Fun candies like popcorn balls, cake pops, or candied nuts are unique additions.
- Think beyond candy – Cookies, mini cakes, doughnuts, or other sweet treats add more variety.
Aim for around 5-10 different candies and treats for your tray. Spreading them out over a few dishes prevents your tray from looking cluttered.
Candy Tray Ideas
Here are some fun theme ideas to help you get started:
- Chocolate Lover’s Tray – Truffles, chocolate bars, kisses, drizzled pretzels
- Fall & Halloween Tray – Candy corn, caramels, pumpkin candies, lollipops
- Valentine’s Day Tray – Conversation hearts, red licorice, chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Patriotic Tray – Red, white and blue candy, star sprinkles, rock candy sticks
- Neon/Rainbow Tray – Skittles, gummy bears, jelly beans, M&Ms, sour candy
- Nostalgic Candy Tray – Candy necklaces, PEZ, Necco Wafers, salt water taffy
Get creative with your color schemes, candy types, and dish displays! Your guests will love the fun presentation.
Choosing Candy Dishes and Display
Once you’ve selected your candies, it’s time to figure out how you’ll arrange and display them. Here are some tips for choosing dishes and creating an eye-catching display:
Types of Dishes
- Tiered platters/stands – Allow you to layer and display more candies
- Bowls – Low bowls let candies spill out for a bountiful look
- Clear glass dishes – Showcase colorful candies underneath
- Fancy/ornate platters – For elegant occasions
- Themed dishes – Match your party (hearts, Hanukkah plates, etc.)
Mix and match dish shapes, heights, and sizes for dimension. For large events, set up multiple small candy trays for guests to easily access rather than one large overflowing tray.
Arranging and Displaying
A few tips for an eye-catching candy tray display:
- Use color blocking – Group same-color candies together
- Overlap candies – Create height and cascading effects
- Scatter accents – Candy sprinkles, nuts, flowers
- Use risers – Place small bowls or vases underneath to boost height
- Add decorative touches – Ribbons, flowers, candles, figurines
- Include serving tools – Small scoops, tongs, spoons for guests
Get creative with the look you’re going for – geometric patterns, asymmetrical layouts, or splashes of colors all work!
Assembling Your Candy Tray
Once you’ve selected your candies, dishes, and decorative touches, it’s time to assemble your candy tray masterpiece! Follow these tips for putting it all together:
1. Setup and Style the Base
Choose your base platter or tiered stand and decorate it to match your theme. Drape ribbons over the edges, accent with flowers or greenery, add figurines, candles, etc.
2. Arrange the Larger Items
Add larger items first to take up more space, like whole cookies, cake pops, doughnuts, candy apples, etc. Space them out evenly for balance.
3. Fill in with Loose Candies
Pour candy varieties like M&Ms, jelly beans, and gummies to take up empty spots and fill in gaps. Use a funnel if needed.
4. Top with Specialty Candies
Dot your tray with candies that need special placement, like lollipops, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or candy corn.
5. Accent with Finishing Touches
Add final decorative touches like sprinkles, crushed candy, nuts, flowers. Spritz with edible glitter spray if desired.
6. Display Serving Tools
Place serving spoons, tongs, or scoops attractively on the tray so guests can easily serve themselves.
Candy Tray Ideas and Inspiration
Need more ideas for assembling beautiful candy trays? Here are some photos for inspiration:
| Colorful Easter candy tray with bunnies and eggs | Spooky Halloween tray with themed dishes and figurines |
| Romantic Valentine’s Day candy tray with hearts and flowers | Festive Christmas candy tray with varied colors and shapes |
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when creating a stunning candy tray display. Let your creativity shine through!
Serving Tips
Once your candy tray creation is complete, keep these serving tips in mind:
- Set out just before guests arrive so candies stay fresh
- Make sure tray is accessible – not too high or crowded
- Provide small plates and bags for easy grabbing
- Keep extra candy bags handy to replenish if needed
- Consider food allergies – label candy ingredients
- Use decorative covers to store leftovers
Encourage guests to enjoy the candies so none go to waste! Refrigerate chocolate and other meltable candies afterward.
Storing and Saving Candy Tray Items
To save your candy tray items for future use, here are some storage tips:
- Store leftover packaged candy in a cool, dry place.
- Place chocolate and meltable candy in the refrigerator.
- Freeze candy apples or cake pops for longer storage.
- Seal cookies or doughnuts tightly in plastic bags.
- Wrap large candies individually in plastic before storing.
- Clean candy dishes thoroughly and store with padding.
- Save decor items like ribbons, liners, and flowers in a box.
Proper storage will keep your candy fresh and ready for your next event or holiday! Just be sure to check expiration dates and watch for any melting.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful candy tray is an enjoyable way to make a statement at your next gathering. Follow the tips in this article to choose your theme, candies, dishes, and decorative elements. Arrange your treats in colorful, bountiful displays your guests will adore. Keep your leftovers and supplies organized so assembling your next candy tray is quick and easy. With a little planning and creativity, you can put together candy trays perfect for any occasion!