Sweet Savings: Candy Buffet Ideas on a Budget Your Guide to Affordable and Delicious Treats!

– The article provides tips for creating a candy buffet on a budget.
– Candy buffets can be expensive, with some costing over $1,000.
– The author shares their experience of creating a candy buffet for 40+ people for under $100.
– The first step is to determine the colors for the candy buffet.
– Buying candy in certain colors after relevant holidays can save money.
– The next step is to determine the amount of candy needed, with a rule of thumb of 8 oz. (1 cup) per guest.
– Bulk candy is recommended for cost savings, with 5 lb. bags being easy to calculate.
– Supplies needed for the candy buffet include candy in different varieties, sizes, and colors, as well as vases, bowls, and other containers.
– Suggestions for items needed include plastic scoops, tongs, buffet signs, and candy bags or boxes.
– The author recommends purchasing vases from the Dollar Tree or checking local thrift stores for containers.
– It is advised to borrow containers from family, friends, and neighbors to save on costs.
– Candy can be purchased from Amazon, Oriental Trading, or local stores like Winco.
– Other inexpensive options for packaging candy include favor boxes or clear cello bags with curling ribbon.
– The author shares a breakdown of their own candy buffet cost, which totaled under $100 for over 40 guests.
– Candy buffets are a popular option for events as they are customizable and versatile.
– Color scheme is an important decision for candy buffets, with options including monochromatic, black and white, rainbow, pastels, and saturated colors.
– Tips for candy buffets include being cautious of brightly colored candies that can melt and stain, using clear dishware to display the candy, and mixing candies of different shades for visual interest.
– It is recommended to purchase about eight ounces of candy per guest and to buy candy in bulk for cost-effectiveness.
– Types of candy commonly used in buffet include gummy candy, lollipops, “filler” candy (chocolate balls), taffy, candy-coated chocolate gems, rock candy, gumballs, twisted marshmallows, malt balls, and extras like cake and coconut snowballs.
– The article suggests adding a small cake to the display and keeping candy fresh by delaying shipment until right before the party and storing it in a cool location.
– It recommends using colorful bowls, cellophane bags, or Chinese-style takeout boxes for guests to put their candy in.
– The article mentions that there are no strict guidelines for how the candy buffet should look and that using jars, bowls, and trays of different sizes can create an appealing display.
– It suggests using a sturdy table and a tablecloth, preferably in a color that matches the candy.
– A backdrop in coordinating colors and pedestals to elevate containers are also recommended.
– The article suggests using a variety of containers such as mason jars, vases, bowls, trays, and cake stands to add visual interest.
– Symmetry can be maintained by using the same type of storage containers on either side of the buffet.
– This article provides some tips and ideas for creating a candy buffet on a budget.
– It suggests elevating one container of candy to create a point of interest and encourages mixing candy in different containers.
– Filler candy can be used at the bottom of larger containers to make it easier to reach other candy.
– Tall containers and containers with narrow mouths should be avoided to ensure easy access.
– Using glass containers is recommended for their aesthetic appeal, but breakable servingware may not be suitable if there are children or clumsy adults present.
– Hygiene is important, so it is best to set up the candy buffet in a way that minimizes guest contact.
– Tongs and candy scoops can be provided for guests to serve themselves and smaller serving implements are preferable to prevent excessive sugar consumption.
– Additional decorations such as confetti, ribbons, garlands, and plush animals can be added to the buffet table, but it is important to not overdo it.
– The article concludes by suggesting candy and chocolate gifts as a perfect centerpiece for a candy buffet.

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Keto Meal Prep Ideas: Quick, Delicious Recipes for Success

Keto Meal Prep Ideas:

1. Buffalo Chicken Ranch: Shredded buffalo chicken over cauliflower rice, fried with turmeric. Per serving: 287 calories, 21g fat, 5g net carbs, 13g protein.

2. Cilantro Lime Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Chicken and cauliflower rice with cherry tomatoes and avocado. Per serving: 378 calories, 21g fat, 9g net carbs, 32g protein.

3. Greek Chicken Meal Prep: Chicken with low carb veggies and spices. Per serving: 287 calories, 15g fat, 6g net carbs, 28g protein.

4. Sesame Salmon with Baby Bok Choy and Mushrooms: Salmon with vegetables. Serving information not provided.

5. Sheet Pan Fajitas with Steak: Calories: 539, Fats: 42g, Net Carbs: 7g, Protein: 31g.

6. One-Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Mushrooms: Calories: 335, Fats: 24g, Net Carbs: 6g, Protein: 25g.

7. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken: Calories: 358, Fats: 30g, Net Carbs: 2g, Protein: 18g.

8. Cheesesteak: Calories: 310, Fats: 14g, Net Carbs: 8g, Protein: 35g.

9. Keto Pulled Pork: Calories: 628, Fats: 41g, Net Carbs: 3g, Protein: 58g.

10. Keto Breakfast Sandwich: Calories: 603, Fats: 54g, Net Carbs: 7g, Protein: 22g.

11. “Just Like the Real Thing” Lasagna: Calories: 486, Fats: 34g, Net Carbs: 9.5g, Protein: 57g.

12. Mom’s Low Carb Meatballs: High in fat and protein, minimal carbs. Can be served with zucchini noodles.

13. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Meal Prep: Per serving: 387 calories, 22g fat, 1g net carbs, 19g protein.

14. Creamy Garlic Chicken: Per serving: 398 calories, 30g fat, 3g net carbs, 26g protein.

15. Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken: Per serving: 276 calories, 13g fat, 5g net carbs, 29g protein.

16. Italian Chicken Skewers: Per serving: 276 calories, 14g fat.

17. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Per serving: 104 calories, 8g fat, 1g net carbs, 5g protein.

Breakfast Keto Meal Prep Ideas:

– Mexican hot chocolate-inspired smoothie: Nutrition: 330 Calories, 20g fat, 11g carbohydrates, 27g protein.
– Pre-portioned protein bites: Nutrition per bite: 110 Calories, 6g fat, 5g carbohydrates, 9g protein.
– Yogurt with berries and nuts: Nutrition: 340 Calories, 33g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 14g protein.
– Keto cloud bread and egg bites sandwiches: Nutrition: 650 Calories, 52g fat, 11g carbohydrates, 31g protein.
– Keto-friendly pancakes: Nutrition: 260 Calories, 19g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 10g protein.
– Chia seed pudding: Nutrition: 260 Calories, 11g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 21g protein.
– Low-carb oatmeal substitute: Nutrition: 450 Calories, 32g fat, 9g carbohydrates, 19g protein.
– Bacon and guacamole deviled eggs: Nutrition: 230 Calories, 17g fat, 3g carbohydrates, 16g protein.

Lunch/Dinner Keto Meal Prep Ideas:

– Lemon parmesan kale salad with salmon: Nutrition: 330 Calories, 21g fat, 11g carbohydrates, 28g protein.
– Salad wraps with guacatillo sauce: Nutrition: 300 Calories, 16g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 30g protein.
– Peruvian and Mexican inspired ceviche dish: Nutrition: 342 Calories (with 4oz steak), 21g fat, 27g protein.
– Keto mac n’ cheese made with cauliflower base: Nutrition: 199 Calories, 13g fat, 4g carbohydrates, 15g protein.
– Salmon cakes made with Trifecta salmon: Nutrition: 270 Calories, 12g fat, 8g carbohydrates, 33g protein.

Keto Meal Prep Tips:
– Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
– The diet suggests an intake of only 20 grams of carbs or less per day.
– Meal prepping can save time and money and prevent meal prep burnout.
– Batch cooking and bulk prepping are two approaches to keto meal prep.
– Investing in quality meal prep containers is recommended.

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