This candy themed party was created with a classic sweet shoppe feel. This party was extra special because it was thrown to celebrate my own two little girls' birthdays. Born just one day apart–Taylor celebrated her 9th birthday while our youngest London, celebrated turning 3. The party theme was selected because they agreed that they both loved candy (perfect for any age, right?). Taylor chose blue as her favorite color and London selected purple–and there you have it, a candy party theme was born!
Who doesn't love lollipops?
And what is better than a gumball, really?
Handmade giant lollipops lined the walk where guests where greeted with a chalkboard "OPEN" sign.
A gumdrop wreath adorned the front door (inspired from this candy wreath via Let's Entertain).
These classic (and darling) party hats were designed for us by my friend Kate Landers. Each child was given a classic party hat all created within the blue and lavender color scheme. Each paper hat was adorned in a classic pattern that just had such a charm. What I loved most about these hats was the ability to create a mix-n-match assortment. They were all in the party's colors but we had several unique patterns which lent a playful feel to the party.
In addition to the playful paper hats, each birthday girl had their own personalized Festoon Trimmed Party Hat. I have never seen anything like these hats, darling doesn't even begin to describe them. Double satin ribbon ties under their chin- oh so fabulous! After the party, these were still in perfect shape–I know they will be worn and cherished for years. Here are all the party hats together.
Fun, right? Don't worry, little London had fun she just wasn't amused by all the photo requests. :)
Party decor consisted (in part) of:
-A homemade candy shop awning which I made using poster board and paint
-Lavender and white flowers
-Wooden lollipop centerpieces
-Hanging pieces of candy. We had three giant candy pieces hanging from a tree outside, blue, white, and purple {shown}. To make them, I used paper lanterns (I get mine here) and simply wrapped them with colored cellophane. Tie the ends with ribbon to make it look like wrapped candy.
Tissue paper pom poms hung above the candy buffet (more pics of that below) and added the perfect touch. Here's how to make tissue paper pom poms (I made them the week before the party).
This designer fabric table runner was also create by Kate Landers Events and really pulled the candy table together. The lavender stripes atop the soft cream background felt so elegant and classic–A sweet shoppe feel for sure!
The main event: The candy buffet table. All candy was chosen for its color; blue, purple, or white. From Rock Candy to Sixlets, Old Fashioned Taffy Wands to lollipops, this candy buffet was so sweet.
Each candy jar was labeled using printable labels that I discovered over at Eat Drink Chic. See them used in this Ice Cream Parlour Sundae Buffet and you can also download them for yourselves.
A few candy themed party games kept little ones entertained. "Pin the gumball in the machine" was made exclusively for this party {via Kate Landers Events}. Each child's gumball was hand stitched with a number so they knew who's-was-who's. I loved this take on the classic pin the tail on the donkey. Lollipop Toss was played outdoors. We also played musical squares to the song "Lollipop, Lollipop." In fact, we had "candy themed" music playing the entire time- over an hour of music!
Polka dotted party napkins added a nice color element, a paper-pennant flag banner (my go-to decor item), treat bags filled with scoops of candy, and so much more!
Each guest left with a mini gumball machine in addition to a bag full of candy.
Believe it or not, there were so many more photos of this wonderful candy themed party. Thank you for taking the time to browse these ideas and I hope they inspire you to host a candy party of your own!
angel says
how did you change the color on the labels from eat drink chic
Your Hostess says
Hi Angel, I opened up the file and created a white "box" over the current type to essentially erase it. Then I added my own text on top. Hope that helps!
Luz says
Hi i would love to know how you changed the color of the outline of the label i already dowloaded it and changed the text but can not figure out how to change the outline color thankys so much
Your Hostess says
@Maryvel - I just used white poster board (for this size I used 2 and just taped them together). I cute the shape of the awning and to make the scallops perfect at the bottom, I traced half of a bowl for that rounded party. Then I painted the stripes. It was really easy. Good luck!
Maryvel says
How did you make the awning? Luv your party ideas
Ashlye says
I love this theme! You did a great job! Quick question: I see how you said you changed the labels, but I cannot get them to import into photoshop or any program. I downloaded and saved them, but nothing will work. Any tips or do you have a template you could pass on? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Anna says
THANK YOU!
You are truly amazing!
Hostess Tori says
Ann and Anna,
Once I downloaded the label, I opened it in a paint/photo shop type program and added a white rectangle over the existing text, essentially making it blank again. Then I added my text for the labels.
Anna says
Hello there!
This is AMAZING!
I am planning my baby-girl's first birthday party and your ideas are phenomenal!
I went to eatdrinkchic.com and downloaded the templates for the labels but I cannot figure out how to swap the ice cream parlor sayings for the candy shop saying theme... Can you help me?
Thank you SO much!
You are fantastic!
Ann says
I would love to know how you changed the ice cream parlor labels. My daughter is getting married and would like to have a candy bar and her color is purple. I would apprecitate any help
Your Hostess says
@Sara - the fonts are "Kayleigh" and "Algerian"
@Aide - the white box is just a photo box from the craft store (they are like $2 and are used to hold photos).
Hope that helps!
Aide says
Adorable! what kind of box did you use to raise the first layer of jars?
Thanks
aide
Sara says
Ohh! And also, what is the name of the fonts you chose because I like them :D
Sara says
Hi. I was wondering about the labels. . . I went to them, but I'm curious about how to change the little outline of it and
change the part that says "Ice Cream Parlor" and "Ice Cream Parlor Toppings" and such. . . . . How do u do what you were talking about though? The part where you open up a paint/photo shop type program?
Please help. Thank you :)
Sara says
Hi. I was wondering about the labels. . . I went to them, but I'm curious about how to change the little outline of it and
change the part that says "Ice Cream Parlor" and "Ice Cream Parlor Toppings" and such. . . . . How do u do what you were talking about though? The part where you open up a paint/photo shop type program?
Please help. Thank you :)
Leyla says
Such a cute party! Looks like they had so much fun. I'm planning on doing this theme for my Sweet Sixteen this coming August. I chose my main color to be pink. I was wondering where you found the jars and vases to put the candy in for the candy buffet, I've had the hardest time. Thanks!
Leyla
Tori says
Kathleen - Once I downloaded the label, I opened it in a paint/photo shop type program and added a white rectangle over the existing text, essentially making it blank again. Then I added my text for the labels.
Hope this helps and good luck with the party!
Kathleen Servello says
Hi! I was wondering if you are able to tell me how to customize the candy jar labels from Eat Drink Chic. I am having a Candy Shop Theme for my two year old's birthday coming up in August. I downloaded them but can not customize them for a Candy Shoppe Theme. I would be interested in purchasing them from you if that is an option as well! I would need then in August, and could give you my text in a separate e mail as I have not yet decided what my items will be.
Thanks so much!
Melissa says
Hi Tori,
I'm planning a sweet shoppe themed party for my daughter and we just adore your decorations and ideas! I was wondering, did you make the pennant flags or were they purchased? If you did make them, how'd you do it?
Cheers,
Melissa
Junita says
Hi, I am writing from Indonesia and wish to feature your party on my blog. Please send me email if you approve it:)
Your Hostess says
Hi Mike! Well, I can't seem to track down my original playlist but here are several songs we used:
-Candy by the Pound -- Elton John
-The Candy Man -- Sammy Davis Jr.
-Candy Girl -- New Edition
-I Want Candy --Bow Wow Wow
-Lollipop --Chordettes
-Candy Girl --Frankie Valli
-The Goodship Lollipop --Shirley Temple
-Candy Rain -- Soul For Real
Hope these help!!
Mike says
If you have it readily available, would you send me your music set-list from the Candy Party? My wife has put me in charge of downloading the music, and while I have a few that I know I want "Big Rock Candy Mountain", Lollipop Lollipop, etc, I am really struggling to get a whole list together. There are plenty of children's songs these days that are very friendly to adult ears -- Jack Johnson, Lisa Loeb, etc, but I am not having much luck finding candy-related songs from these familiar artists. I am really struggling with finding a way to search effectively by theme within iTunes, although that is where I plan to get most of the music from. Anyway, if you have it easily available I'd love to see it. Thanks so much, Mike.
Tori says
Thanks Gail! To make the purple hanging candy I used large hanging paper lanterns that I already had. I covered them with purple cellophane wrap get at your local craft store) and simply gathered the excess at each end and tied with a ribbon to make it look like a candy wrapper. Super easy!
Gail says
Absolutely the most cutest theme I have ever seen!!! How did you make the purple candy decorations that hung from the tree?
Jun-Jun says
Wow! This was honestly the cutest candy-themed party for kids I've ever seen! I loved each and every idea you've posted; they were all so interesting and fun! I am going to have to throw a party like this for my niece sometime. Thank you for sharing this.
Your Hostess says
Melina, no you can pull this party off on a budget for sure! A lot was handmade and decor (like the tissue pom poms) cost very little to make.
Jessica, the "paint can" jar is from Micheal's Craft Store. Do you have on locally? They have all sizes and are just a few dollars.
Jessica says
Where did you get the clear canisters w/ the aluminum top (the one with the gumballs inside...next to the word that says "games"). I just LOVE that idea. My niece is doing a "sweet" themed birthday party in May and just love this idea.
Thanks! You did a great job with this party!
Milena Bozovic says
This looks great! Did the whole thing cost alot of money
Tori says
@Wendy - if you want to get a little messy indoors this game is ALWAYS a hit with the girls 7-10 age group. Lay some newspapers on the ground (or table) first, then make each girl sit on her knees if on the floor (or at a table, around a counter, etc). Place a paper plate in front of each girl that has been prepared with the "game."
On the plate place a piece of big bubble gum (you know, Bublicious, Bubble Yum - those huge sugary ones) then cover the plate (and gum) with whipped cream. It is a race to see which girl can successfully find the gum (using only her mouth, no hands!), chew it up, and blow the first bubble!
Promise, it is FUN!
tori says
i love the nine year olds hair, how did u do it.
wendy says
Hi - I was just wondering if you have any additional suggestions for activities or games. We are having our 8 year olds party at home indoors(winter time). I love your decorating ideas! So pretty.
wendy says
Hi - I was just wondering if you have any additional suggestions for activities or games. We are having our 8 year olds party at home indoors(winter time). I love your decorating ideas! So pretty.
Amy says
Thank you so much for sharing your party ideas! I am planning my daughter's 3rd birthday and you have executed my exact thoughts! I was able to manipulate the labels in photoshop and they are very cute! I cannot wait to start decorating!!
Lucy aged 13 says
You must be rich to be able to do that. I wanted to do something like that for my 13th Birthday but we haven't got enough money so i'm just buying some lollipops and a couple of Streamers for the lounge....
G says
You're awesome and I love your ideas!!!
I have a question regarding the labels you used from Eat Drink Chi. I have no problem with the link, however I can't edit them. I'd like to use these labels but I don't want them to say Ice Cream Parlor and I want to change the colors. How did you edit them for your usage.
Thanks,
G
Teresa says
I love this idea for a party. What fun a Candy Themed party would be. I went to a wedding a while back that had a candy table at the reception just like what you’re showing. It was such a cute and memorable idea. I like your ideas, thank you..
mandy says
o my gosh..so cute..where did u find the colored lollipops and the candy sticks? ohh..and where did u get that cupcake tower? Im doing a candy themed birthday with similar colors for my daughter and i like your ideas.
Amy says
I was just there the other day! I will check to see about the lollipops! Thanks!
Your Hostess says
@Amber- I just used thumb tacks to secure the fishing line to the ceiling. Hope that helps!
@Amy- I happened to stumble upon these lollipops at HomeGoods. Do you have one of these stores local?
@Elizabeth- Now a days, these glass vases/jars are everywhere and often for cheap! I picked some up at Target. Others at HomeGoods and Michael's Craft Store. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth L says
Hey i'm doing my sister a candy themed (girl) baby shower using all of the soft lavender colors like pastels a bit dfficult when everythings bright, but i REALLY wanted to know where can i find GLASS VASES like youra for a good price not $50 like i've seen ? please help got about 2 weeks to plan "/ THANKS !!
Amy says
Great ideas! I'm throwing my best friend a candy themed baby shower. I'm searching everywhere for cute inexpensive swirl lollipops and having a really hard time. May I ask, where did you get yours from?
Amber says
Love your ideas and pics - thanks for sharing! I am planning my daughters party and can't figure out how to hang the tissue pom poms - how did you hang yours to the celing? I have the hooks and fish line, just can't figure out how to attach to ceiling. Thanks!!
melina says
LOVE this party!! Does anyone know where to find the large pink gumball machine? Thank you Melina
Dawn (KitchenTravels) says
Adorable idea and execution. The tissue pom-poms look so pretty behind your candy table! I'll have to try making those sometime.
Tori says
LaReina,
Awe, it is my pleasure to answer your questions! That is why I do this to share with all of you! LOVE my fabulous readers. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
LaReina says
Tori you are so kind to post replies answering questions of all the blogs I have researched you are the only planner that has answered questions from comment posts. God Bless You!!
Joy says
I saw someone asked about where to buy candy. We bought our candy from orientaltrading.com and they have great prices! And Party City carries the gumball machines!
Joy says
Thank you so much for sharing all of your ideas! We threw my daughter's first birthday this past weekend and used your ideas and it was so much fun! Of course we have a ton of candy left over!!! Thanks again!
Your Hostess says
Jen, I'll post a list of songs for you here soon!
Margaret- Once I downloaded the label, I opened it in a paint/photo shop type program and added a white rectangle over the label, essentially making it blank again. Then I added my text.
August- I shopped a few different places for the candy. The Sweet Factory in our local mall: http://www.sweetfactory.com/. We also have a store called Winco (like a small Costco) where they sell bulk candy. I actually went a picked out the colors I wanted from assorted mixes. Very time consuming- but worth it. Hope that helps!
August says
Where can you get candy that's cheap but doesn't come in 10 pound bags and you can shop by the color?
margaret says
how did you get the label templates to not say ice cream shop across the top? i tried to download them and i can't seem to figure out how to delete that part on the label.
Keisha - Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams says
Oh - this is so adorable. I especially love the handmade lollipops along the pathway
Jen says
Did you just search candy for songs. So far i've only found 2 that aren't rap related and one you named! I loved your party...looked fabulous. I'm doing a candy birthday for my daughter turning 3 and I am using several of your ideas! Thanks so much!
Alana @ Gray Matters says
Thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration - I will definitely incorporate some of your incredible ideas and resources for my daughter's 4th birthday party!
Hostess Tori says
Hi Amanda, you can get download he labels for the candy jars here: http://eatdrinkchic.com/post.cfm/diy-ice-cream-parlour-make-your-own-sundaes-buffet-concept-for-wedding-or-party.
As for the gumball machines, I just made them myself. You could use any program on your computer. They read "You're so SWEET thanks for coming."
Hope that helps!
amanda says
Hi
Which site did you download your labels from? I liked the ones that were on the jars, and the tags attached to the Gum Ball Machines. Also i did not have a clear picture... I was just curious as to what was written on the tags of the gumball machines?
August says
Thanks. I'm thinking of having pink, teal, lime green, and purple as my color scheme sice those are my favorite colors.
Hostess Tori says
August,
What about a game where you have to guess the candy? Blindfolded, someone would put a piece of candy in your mouth using a spoon (so that you cannot guess by feeling it). You could taste test 3 different candies and then secretly take the blindfold off and write down your guesses for the 3 types. Each guests does this and then you see who guessed all three correctly to win a prize.
Hope that helps!
August says
I really want to do this for my party! I found a chocolate party mystery, but what would be some other stuff me and my friends could do at my 14th birthday party in September?
Joy says
Thank you for answering my questions. I'm just excited. I went this weekend to have the invitation made and hit our local art place that was going out of business. I got all the arts and crafts needed to make everything for 75% off! This is going to be so much fun and more economical than I thought! Thanks for sharing your party with me! It's helped a working mom pull off a party with limited time!!!!!
Hostess Tori says
Hi Joy! Yes, a perfect theme for two sisters ;). Once I downloaded the labels, I opened them in photo shop (perhaps you could try a paint program or similar). I blocked out the text that was already there and then just typed my own over it. As for the CD- yes I made it myself using iTunes. Hope that helps! BTW- there are soooo many candy themed songs I had no idea!
Joy says
What a beautiful party!!! I'm planning my daughter's first birthday and she has a two year old sister who will love it too. I tried to download the labels and couldn't change the ice cream parlor part. How did you do it to say Sweat Shoppe? Also, where did you find a cd with candy music? Did you make it yourself?
Stacey says
Thanks so much! The website helps a lot! I figured they were easy to make!
Mandy♥ says
That is so awesome!! I love it! ♥ I love the colors, I should get my mom to do this even though i'm fifteen haha
Hostess Tori says
Elizabeth: I used Photoshop (could use any program) and a scalloped paper punch. Attach to toothpicks- viola!
Stacey: No, my party saving grace Kate sent them to me. But here is a great DIY tutorial from Martha Stewart. Really simple!
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias
Stacey says
Did you make the tissue paper pom poms yourself or purchase them? I am doing a Candy themed first birthday for my little girl and purchased the tissue paper already to make these. Any helpful hints?
elizabeth says
how did you make the little candy toppers? i would rather make my own then buy ( im thrifty). thanks so much for the quick reply Tori! I am throwing a candy themed baby shower for a friend and thought of doing cupcakes instead of a cake.
Hostess Tori says
Hi Elizabeth! The numbers (3 and 9) are the ages of the birthday girls. Yes, I did make these myself. If you are looking to buy adorable cupcake toppers similar to these (actually way cuter though) check out TomKatStudio (http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomkatstudio). She has adorable ones for sell!
elizabeth says
Where did you buy the toppers for the cupcakes or did you make those? Is that a game because of the numbers?
Brianna says
This was so much help for me. Thank you very much. Great job on this, It is adorable. I love it!!!
Your Hostess says
So glad that you all love it- I had so much fun creating it! Emily, for the giant lollipops, I used foam circles (found in the floral making section of the local craft store), covered them with colored cellophane, tied a bow at the bottom, then just inserted a wooden dowel. So simple!
Elizabeth Norton says
Love it!!! Love it all!!! How did you make the giant lollypops for the walkway. I loved it!!!
Erica says
Absolutely adorable. I love the gumdrop wreath.
Madame Sucre says
love love love love it!!!
Dawn says
Love is in the details...a perfect party, thank you for sharing!!!
Robin says
Great job by Tori & Kate. Love the attention to details and the unique theme. Can't wait to see your next colaboration :)
Shelley@DivinePartyConcepts says
What an adorable party with great details!!
melissa says
Such a FABULOUS party! I love the colors and all the gorgeous decorations!!! Everything is pure perfection!
Kate says
Absolutely LOVE your feature, the party turned out just darling! I ADORE the signs you used to identify each of the candies, incredibly sweet. The gumdrop wreath is gorgeous, love the cupcake display, the candy bar beyond precious...love love love! I hope the girls had the sweetest time!
Joanna says
This is such an adorable party! I just love the colors. Your candy buffet rocks! Oh and your gumdrop wreath! ;)