How to Make a Lolly Buffet

🍭 How to Create a Sweet-as Lolly Buffet for Your School Fundraiser

You might think lolly buffets are just for weddings, but we’re here to set the record straight: they absolutely deserve a spot at your next school fundraiser. Whether it’s an end-of-year thank-you table, a colourful feature at your school fete, or a crowd-pleaser at your movie night, a well-planned lolly buffet is the kind of sugary spectacle that people remember - and photograph.

Here’s your ultimate guide to creating a delicious (and profitable) lolly buffet for your next school event.

1️⃣ Choose a Theme That Pops

Lolly buffets are visual treats as much as they are edible ones, so picking a theme helps you create a show-stopping display.

Some sweet theme ideas:

• 🎃 Halloween Disco: Orange and black lollies like Jaffas, Sherbies, black cats, chico babies, and licorice straps.

• 🎓 Graduation Night: Match the school colours - think blue, green, maroon, or gold sweets to celebrate the occasion.

• 🍿 Movie Night: Go old-school with Clinkers, Maltesers, caramel popcorn, and party mix lollies.

Stick to one, two or three main colours for the biggest visual impact - and you might be surprised just how many different types of lollies are available in each colour! For example, a blue/purple theme could include jellybeans, Blue Clouds, wrapped Freddos, sour straps, Fantales and lollipops.

2️⃣ Find Your Jars, Bowls, and Vases

The magic of a lolly buffet is in the display - those vibrant sweets all lined up in beautiful clear containers. Glass is the gold standard here, but plastic can work too.

Mix it up with:

• Cookie jars and trifle bowls

• Large wine glasses or beer mugs

• Water jugs or wide-necked bottles

• Vases of all shapes and sizes

• Crystal bowls or even a fun fishbowl

• Funky extras like old suitcases, tin buckets or flowerpots (line them for hygiene!)

🪄 Whisperer tip: Ask families to loan their glassware - just take photos of them holding their jars to keep track of what belongs to whom!

Make sure your jar sizes match the quantity of lollies you’ll be buying. Big containers are great for “weigh and pay” stalls, but you’ll want smaller ones for more modest displays (like graduation tables).

3️⃣ Scoops and Bags (Because Fingers = No Thanks)

Every jar needs at least one scoop or spoon - especially if you’re using unwrapped lollies. You can buy metal scoops or inexpensive plastic ones from the party section of your local discount shop.

Carry-away options:

• Brown or white paper bags (cheap and cheerful)

• Clear plastic cups with lids (great for flat-rate pricing)

• Custom-stamped bags with your school logo

• Mini noodle boxes for fancier events

4️⃣ Buy the Lollies (the Fun Part!)

Where you source your sweets will depend on your budget, colour theme, and how many mouths you're feeding.

Where to shop:

• Online bulk lolly suppliers for colour-specific options 

• Supermarkets like Coles, Woolies or IGA (especially when lollies are on special!)

• Officeworks - yes, they do bulk 1kg bags

How many lollies should you buy?

• As a dessert alternative: 200 - 300g per person

• For fundraising sales: weigh a full cup or bag, multiply by how many customers you expect, and add a little buffer

🎯 Whisperer tip: Wrapped lollies can take up more space - great for filling up cups if you're selling by volume.

5️⃣ Label Everything (and Have Some Fun With It)

Labelling your lolly buffet is essential for:

• Allergy and ingredient awareness

• Helping guests identify what’s what

• Adding a splash of creativity

Try:

• Mini chalkboards

• Pre-printed stickers

• Handwritten tags with punny names like “Graduation Gum Balls” or “Year 6 Sherbies of Success”

You can find free printable labels online or make your own to match your theme.

6️⃣ Plan Your Display Like a Pro

When it’s time to set it all up, remember: height is everything.

• Use hidden boxes (wrapped phone books, stacked crates) under your tablecloth to create layers

• Vary your jar heights and widths for visual interest

• Add fairy lights, themed decor, flowers, signage, or confetti for some extra sparkle

• For a movie night, don’t forget popcorn bags or tubs as part of your display

• Combine with a dessert station: cupcakes, macarons, donuts - yes please!

🎨 Whether you go symmetrical or artfully mismatched, aim for a buffet that’s photo-worthy!

7️⃣ Plan Your System: Free-for-All or Fundraiser?

This part depends on your event:

Option A: Just for fun

• Bags go right on the table

• Guests help themselves at the end of the night (great for thank-you tables or parties)

Option B: Weigh and Pay

• Have a station with a scale and volunteers ready to price each bag

• Use flat-rate cups if you’d prefer to avoid weighing altogether

• Choose budget-friendly lollies to maximise your margins

💰 Don't forget to do your sums! Factor in the cost of lollies, packaging, and decorations before setting your sale price.

BONUS: 💡 Lolly Buffet Ideas for Different Events

• School Fete: A “pay what you weigh” station with a big, colourful display

• Graduation Dinner: A small, stylish buffet in school colours as a sweet farewell

• Movie Night: “Make your own lolly bag” with retro cinema sweets

• Trivia Night: Each table gets a mini lolly jar as part of their package (and you can sell refill tokens!)

In a Nutshell

Lolly buffets are the ultimate school fundraising triple threat: they’re fun, they’re flexible, and they’re a feast for the eyes and stomach. With a little creativity (and a lot of sugar), you can turn a simple table into a total crowd favourite.

So go on - channel your inner Willy Wonka. Your sweet-toothed supporters will thank you for it!