Popcorn is one of the most versatile snacks around, making it the perfect party food. Thanks to this, popcorn bars are becoming a party staple. So whether you’re planning a cute wedding reception idea or want to make sure your daughter’s favorite snack makes an appearance at her birthday– you might be looking for a little inspiration. We’re here to help. Check out our popcorn bar ideas below to get started with your party planning.
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Popcorn Bar Supplies
Luckily, many popcorn bar supplies can be found within your own home. These supplies include a party table or bar where you can set up the popcorn station. Make sure the surface is stable and matches your respective bar theme. For example, you may want to utilize a box crate for a country theme or rent an official popcorn stand for the kids. Other essential popcorn supplies include the popcorn ingredients (butter, salt, oil, popcorn, etc) and containers. Cute extra popcorn supplies may include things like tea towels, signage, and balloons. For specific decoration, toppings, and other ideas, check out the steps listed below.
How To Do A Popcorn Bar
Ready to start setting up your own popcorn bar? Make sure to follow the below steps so you’re not missing anything important on the day of.
1. Find an appropriate space.
Designate a specific party space for your popcorn bar. This space should have plenty of room for people to get their snacks, but you’ll also want to make sure it’s in a sot that contributes well to the overall decor. Additionally, make sure not to set up the popcorn maker anywhere where it could be a fire hazard.
2. Pick a theme for your popcorn bar.
Picking a theme for your popcorn bar mostly depends on the overall look and decor of your party. For example, a kids party might include a popcorn bar with bright colors or a ballpark concession stand theme. For a more elegant affair, a popcorn bar may include premade chocolate covered popcorn with toppings in glass bowls.
3. Rent a popcorn maker, if wanted.
And old fashioned popcorn maker is an excellent party addition for most events. However, you can also make do with a simple popcorn kettle on a stovetop, if need be.
4. Decide on a selection of popcorn bar toppings.
The toppings are what make popcorn bars so fun. That’s why it’s important to make sure there’s plenty to go around. The following toppings are always crowd favorites, and they look great when stored at the bar in mason jars or other cute containers.
- Butter
- Salt
- Chocolate
- Cinnamon
- Sprinkles
- Melted White, Dark, or Milk Chocolate
- Caramel
- Chocolate Chips
- Candies
- Marshmallows
- Pretzels
- Cheese Seasoning
- Peanuts
- Trail Mix
5. Create or order a set of popcorn cones, buckets, and labels.
Provide plenty of popcorn cones, popcorn buckets, or other individual containers where guests can top off their popcorn choices. Also, make sure to include labels or stickers to let guests know exactly what type of popcorn or topping is available.
6. Build a popcorn bar sign.
Signage can help take your popcorn bar to the next level. Cute signage can be made with a chalkboard or hand-done on wood. It can also be ordered ahead of time on slate plaques, personalized desk name plates, or framed art prints. Whatever you choose, a popcorn sign is a great addition to any popcorn bar.
7. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to enjoy the popcorn bar while hosting the party, especially if you’ve made sure to include your own favorite toppings.
Popcorn Party Ideas
Want to create a popcorn bar but not clear on an occasion? The following party ideas are fun reasons to get together as well as perfect venues for a popcorn bar.
DIY Movie Night
Schedule a movie marathon and popcorn night with close friends and family. Along with watching a fun new flick, you’ll have the opportunity to show off your favorite popcorn bar ideas. Vintage popcorn makers, traditional and candy based toppings, and cute movie posters are all great decorative touches for this theme.
Popcorn Buffet
Create a popcorn buffet at a kids birthday party, family reunion, or even a retirement party. Set up a buffet line with different types of popcorn, such as caramel, cheddar, and salted. Then create a self-service topping bar with plenty of fan favorites, like those listed in the above sections. Making sure all the popcorn is made ahead of time and ready for serving in larger buckets is the key distinction to this buffet.
Kids Birthday Party
Planning a cute kids birthday party? Including their favorite snacks will help ensure that they’ve got enough energy to keep them happy throughout the entire celebration. A popcorn bar can do just that. Just make sure to include fun decorations like balloons, red and white striped popcorn buckets, and plenty of sweet toppings.
Popcorn Bar At Wedding Reception
Popcorn bars at wedding receptions or as wedding favors are becoming more and more popular in recent years. However, if you decide to add one to your own celebration, make sure to keep the station elegant and wedding appropriate. Toppings may include white chocolate, sea salt, salted nuts, and chocolate candies. Provide small baggies or ribbon ties popcorn buckets as a cute take-home wedding favor idea for guests.
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