Candy - The Edible Decoration

Remembering my holidays of, well …okay, a long time ago, I eagerly looked forward to receiving candy! In my stocking at Christmas, a basket for Easter, a box for Valentines, or a trick-or-treat bag for Halloween. It was never really displayed around the house, or if it was, I can’t recall seeing it. My Grandmother did have a covered brass candy dish on top of her television, usually filled with nuts, chocolate covered raisins and candy corn. However, being in a brass dish, the treats were concealed.

Nowadays, candy makers have successfully promoted their products to boost sales during the holidays by changing the colors of their goods to correspond with the holiday seasons. Why not incorporate these marketing strategies into your decorating plans by adding candy to the décor? How tempting it would be, especially for those with a sweet tooth, to see a bright display of edible decorations.

Imagine a shelf with three or four clear glass containers placed in tiers and filled with holiday colored candies. Foiled wrapped candy sparkles from the glass, candy coated chocolates add a confetti impression, or sugar coated gum drops give a frosted look that is not only inviting, but enjoyable as well. Add ribbon around the jars for a festive impression. Votive candles can also be placed around the jars to add a magical touch with the glow of the flame reflecting on the glass.

You can mix and match apothecary, decorative and even mason jars, or use them separately. Your home will be reminiscent of the old country store, where the candy display was always tempting. Colored, miniature popcorn balls and peanut brittle are appealing in large jars. The greatest thing about the apothecary jars is that you don’t even have to pack them away! Just keep filling them with candy all year around for each of the coming holidays.

Try fun art with your homemade candy. You can form a bouquet using candy dipped marshmallows, swirl pops, candy dipped pretzels sticks, and rice krispy treats. Any candy that can be colored or formed on wooden skewers can be used to accent your bouquet. It will add a sweet concoction to your holiday!

With these ideas and a small amount of your time you can create unique, original and charming decorations for your holiday, and share the delectable benefits from your efforts! Bon appétit!