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Want to be the sweetest mom or co-worker ever?! Create a mini Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet that everyone can enjoy throughout the entire month of February (or at least till Valentine’s Day)! All it takes is a visit to your local 99 Cents Only store, some imagination, and a little bit of your time.
The 99 Cents Only store is one of my favorite stores to shop and stay on a budget. There are new things weekly, so I like #DoingThe99 a few times a month to pick up snacks for the kids, household items, fresh produce, and special decorations for holiday events.
And since Valentine’s Day is only two weeks away, my last 99 Cents Only visit was focused on creating something fun for my teens. They’re too old for the kiddie Valentine’s Day stuff, but I still like to treat them with something fun for Valentine’s Day. So, while I walked through the Valentine’s Day aisle at the 99 Cents Only store, it hit me – I should create a mini grab-n-go Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet!
The 99 Cents Only made putting together a Valentine’s Day bar super easy because they always have an entire aisle dedicated to all things Valentines. I found table decorations, a cute heart wall hanging, cupcake liners and toppers, vase fillers, candy bags, Valentine containers, and candy. Of course, I didn’t limit myself to just the Valentine’s Day aisle. I made sure to head to the candy aisle for Laffy Taffy sticks (one of my kids’ favorites), the party aisle for plastic table covers and streamers, and the baking aisle for cake mix and frosting.
Before I knew it, I had all the items I needed to create a Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet. Honestly, though, there were so many Valentine’s Day items that it was a little overwhelming. So before you head off to the 99 Cents Only store, I’ve listed a few things you’ll need to create a candy buffet.
Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet Shopping Tips:
- Have a budget in mind and stick with it
- Color scheme – stick with 2-3 colors
- Pick-up candy containers in various shapes/height
- Add candy bags to hold treats
- Pretty up the table with a plastic table cover
- Use a plastic table cover as a backdrop
- Use small table and wall decorations for interest
- Streamers add another layer of visual interest
- Candy in your theme colors or use themed color jars for other candies
- Tape to hold decorations in place
- Container fillers (paper or vase fillers) help to fill space in large jars
How much candy?
- Pink mason jar = 1 1/2 bags of Sweetheart candy or 1 bag of Kit Kat candy (use 2 for a packed jar)
- Votive = 1 pack of Tootsie roll lollipops or 1 bag Sixlets (fills 2 votives)
- Short food jar = 4-5 bags of Sixlets with paper filler, up to 6 Mike-n-Ike filled plastic sticks, or bag of rolled plastic candy bags.
- Tall food jar = 1-2 bags Laffy Taffy sticks
Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet Set-up
- Cover the table with a white plastic table cover.
- Use a red or contrasting table cover to create a table runner.
- Create a backdrop by hanging a second white table cloth to the wall.
- Hang a decorative heart on the table.
- Hang steamers over the backdrop and drape on the front of the table. Cut along the edges to create a fringe look or leave it as-is.
Tip: To create a dove tail detail to the table runner, determine the width and length of the table runner needed. Cut to the size needed. Fold the runner in half lengthwise and cut a triangle wedge out. Fold open to reveal the dove tail cut.
- Fill jars with various candies.
- Use paper fillers to help fill jars or boost up candies.
- Bake and decorate cupcakes or use packaged cookies.
- Roll plastic candy bags into tubes (see picture below) for a pretty look.
Tips: Use a votive to hold lollipops or short wrapped candies. Use large food jars to hold bulk or large items. I used my own cake stand to hold the cupcakes, but if you don’t have a stand, create one by gluing a glass candlestick to a plate (all items can be found at the 99 Cents Only store).
- Arrange jars and goodies on the table. Place smaller items in the front and larger items in the back.
- Print out a FREE ‘You Make Life Sweet. Grab a bag & Some Treats!’ printable.
Tip: Vary the height of the containers for interest and create a focal point in the center.
Once everything is filled and decorated, you should have a fun mini Valentine’s Day Candy Buffet table that everyone can enjoy!
More Valentine's Day Ideas
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Debbee says
Erlene, a sweet post for sure! Your teens must think you are mother of the year!
Mother of 3 says
That looks like such a yummy buffet and so pretty too! Thanks for sharing with us at Share Some Love. Pinned.
Mother of 3 says
This post was picked as one of my featured favorites! Thanks again for sharing with us.
Tiffany VanSickle says
This is such a fun idea! This would be perfect for a party. I LOVE our Dollar Tree and go there often!
Marielle Altenor says
Oh wow! That so cool! I can’t get over how packed with goodies your 99 cents only store is. UGH! Ours never have cute jars like that.
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Grateful Sunday: 3 Reasons why I miss you – One week alone recap!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
It’s kind of a hit or miss with the jars. I went back for more and they were wiped out. Just have to get there when they restock…lol.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Adriana Lopez Martn says
You did a beautiful job al looks so nice and the DIY seems very easy to make. Thanks so much for showing us how to celebrate valentines managing the budget =)
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thank you. Yes, the 99 Cents Only stores help with staying on budget.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Neely Moldovan says
I think a candy buffet sounds delish! I mean who doesnt love valentines candy!?
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Yup, the candy is already gone.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
CourtneyLynne says
Omg so cute!!! I just love the 99 cent store!! Always finding the cutest thing s there.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
This year’s Valentine’s Day stuff is way cute!
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Alicia says
What a fun idea! Our kids would love to do this!
Alicia recently posted…Check Out The Fate of the Furious Trailer! #F8 #TheFateOfTheFurious
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
My kids loved it and already devoured the candy in the pictures…lol.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This is an awesome idea! Its great that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to put this candy buffet together. I’m saving this post to use for later. The candy buffet can suit any occasion – a birthday, a baby shower, a bachelorette party, etc. Thanks for sharing your idea.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks for pinning. Yes, a table like this would work for any occasion. I’m planning on doing a smaller version for St. Patrick’s Day.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
That all looks terrific! It would be perfect for anyone hosting a party for children, an organization or even work.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Agree. This would work anywhere 🙂
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Nicole says
Stopping by to say how cute this Valentine’s Day Idea is. Pinned! Thanks for linking up at the #HomeMattersParty
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks Nicole. It was a fun set up to create.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Albert Nesmith says
Candy buffet? Yes. please!
Albert Nesmith recently posted…firstinhermind.com – Shelley’s Instant Attraction Generator Package
Leanna says
What a fun generous thing to put together. Your printables look great. It Valentines and kind without being really romantic so anyone can enjoy it. Great concept. Pinning
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thank you. I tried to keep it kid friendly 🙂
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Charlene Asay says
Looks like a super fun party. Great planning. I would love to have you link up with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party tomorrow. Check us out http://thinking-outside-the-pot.com/?p=3325
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
I missed it. I’ll try to remember to link-up tomorrow.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Amber Harrop says
It all looks fabulous Erlene, I love that you could do this all from the 99c shop too !!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks. There were soooo many cute decor items that I had hard time narrowing it down.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Claudia Krusch says
A Valentines Day candy buffet is a great idea. I will have to get the supplies I need to make one for my house.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
It’s so fun and the kids enjoy it.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Milena says
Thanks for the printables! I wish we had a 99 Cents Only store by us! These are wonderful ideas.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Hopefully someday the will have some of their products online.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Keikilani says
Your table is just gorgeous! You make it so simple. I want to do this for Valentines.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks to 99 Cents Only, it was super simple since everything was all in one place.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Liz Mays says
Ooh, what a great Valentine’s Day haul! I’m loving that table setup! What a nice surprise for kids or guests!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
The kids were circling like sharks.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Rebecca Bryant says
Oh my what a sweet set up. We love a good candy bar and this one is beautiful as well as fun. Be right over to party.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks. Come on over!
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Mandy Carter says
This is a cute valentine’s idea. I love the tip for using a votive for short candy. So many times I could have used that idea!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
It’s perfect for lollipops 🙂
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Catherine Sargent says
This Valentines’ Day candy buffet is so cute and creative. I need to do this at work for all of my coworkers.
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
That would be so sweet and probably much appreciated…because who doesn’t like a little candy 🙂
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Reesa Lewandowski says
This is like a kid’s dream come true! I love all of these candies and the pretty Valentine’s Day themed decor!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks. 99 Cents Only had so many cute decor items that it was hard to pick a color theme.
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Ashley says
Very cute Valentine’s Day party! I did something similar a year ago and the kids loved it!
Ashley recently posted…Mind the Nutritional Gap with MegaFood
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
My kids totally loved it (and their dad too).
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
David @ Spiced says
What a fun Valentine’s Day idea for teenagers! They’re too old for exchanging the cards, but I bet they loved this grab-n-go Valentine’s Day candy table! I know this would have been a huge hit when I was a kid…actually, it would still be a huge hit now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! #client
David @ Spiced recently posted…Red Velvet Cupcakes
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Well, the table is empty now. So it was a big hit 🙂
Erlene at My Pinterventures recently posted…Wood Heart Popsicle Stick Bookmarks – Valentine’s Day Gift for Book Lovers
Shirley Wood says
Clearly I need to make a trip to the .99 store! Your Valentine buffet is beautiful.
Shirley Wood recently posted…DIY Monogrammed Valentine Gift Bags
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Thanks Shirley. Your recent party posts have inspired me to bling out my party displays a bit more 🙂