Amy Atlas is a favorite around here at Weddings. Her event planning business, Amy Atlas Events, has created quite a buzz in recent years, thanks to her colorful and tasty dessert buffets -- she has become a true traveling confiserie, leaving party guests with sugar rushes and take-home goodie bags. Amy was introduced as an Expert on our blog in February, and there were so many comments that I thought I'd bring her back for another round of Q & A. Send us your questions about dessert bars, candy and decorating by this Wednesday in the comments section of this post . And check back here Friday for the answers!
From: Paula {JustABiteDesserts.com} | 5/31/10 at 8:27 am
What advice do you have for fledgling candy and dessert buffet designers?
From: Tonya Peterson | 5/31/10 at 11:19 am
What do you use for your backdrops? Is it paper or fabric attached to some kind of board? They always are so beautiful.
From: Linnette Rosario | 5/31/10 at 11:34 am
Can you recommend a good online vendor that offers candy supplies? I am looking for adorable candy that won't break the bank too much if possible
From: Joanna Andres | 5/31/10 at 1:18 pm
I have the same question as Linnette ~ where do you buy your candy supplies? It seems like every website I check it's extremely expensive especially paying extra for shipping because some candy can melt in the hot weather.
From: cara | 5/31/10 at 3:02 pm
any yummy treat ideas for a destination wedding in jamaica?
From: Dalia | 5/31/10 at 4:17 pm
Actually, my question is similar to Tonya's. How do you attach the board used as a backdrop to the table or is just set on top and leaning against the wall?
Also, what is the length of your standard table?
From: Valerie | 5/31/10 at 4:21 pm
Hello, I'm just starting out doing dessert/candy buffet designs and wanted to know how to price for them. Is there a set fee or should it be based on the individual party? If you could give me an example so I know how to set my prices I would greatly appreciate it! And I think your work is AMAZING!!
From: Sara Gray | 5/31/10 at 6:36 pm
Hi Amy!
I want to know where you go for inspiration -- your tables always look so fresh, and you've come up with so many of them.
From: PLGC | 5/31/10 at 7:01 pm
I'm wondering if you have suggestions for what treats would work best for a dessert buffet of small bites where everything has to be thaw-and-serve. Your tables are such an inspiration and I'm hoping to pull one off for my budget wedding this fall, but I'll have to do most of the baking and buying at least a few weeks in advance. Thanks!
From: mary | 5/31/10 at 9:12 pm
I found your website from evoke images and love it. Parties are so fun to do and I got a lot of ideas from you.
From: Danielle | 6/1/10 at 3:27 am
Where do you find such adorable apothecary jars and candy bowls?
Thanks!
From: Stacy | 6/1/10 at 8:54 am
Amy - I just love your styling! Almost eleven years ago, I set up my very first candy buffet at my own wedding, complete with Martha Stewart favor tins for guests to put the all-white candies in. I'll be styling a candy buffet for my niece's Sweet Sixteen in December. How will I know how much is enough for 150 guests? Is it simply a matter of proportion in the vessels or do you use a formula? Thanks so much! Stacy in New York
From: Michele Pentecost | 6/1/10 at 4:06 pm
A) How do you decide if and which of the desserts need to be elevated on theme color boxes or pedestals to create the perfect display?
B) A few questions similar to others: How do you quote your tables and parties; What size tables do you typically use; What are your backdrops made of?
Thank you for your willingness to share your insights. Love your work!!!
From: alissa | 6/1/10 at 6:17 pm
hi amy, another question about backdrops: have you ever done a dessert table NOT against a wall? or, is it requisite that you have a wall if you want a backdrop? if it isn't, how do you create the backdrop? and, as others have asked, please tell us how you affix your backdrops! thanks from a big admirer in chicago.
From: Dawn (KitchenTravels) | 6/2/10 at 4:42 pm
Hi Amy - I, too, am a big fan of your work. So beautiful and fresh. Have ever had occasion to design other types of color-coordinated tables, such as appetizer, gift, or cheese tables? I'm planning a DIY green and white dessert table for my birthday in July, and thought it might be fun to do a small green & white appetizer table, too. Is this inspired, or just wierd?!?
From: Melissa | 6/2/10 at 4:54 pm
Hi! Amy
From: Ashley | 6/2/10 at 5:01 pm
Hi! Amy I am a huge fan of yours everything you do is simply amazing. I just graduated from college and I am wanting to open up my own dessert buffet company. Is there any tips you can offer? How did you get connected with your vendors? And how do you keep refilling the table up during a party. Any tips would be great. Thank you.
From: Shira | 6/2/10 at 5:56 pm
Hi Amy- I am also wondering about what you use on your backdrops. Is it just fabric attached to foam core or something more sophisticated? What do you do when the wall behind the dessert table isn't straight or, as is often the case when people are making parties at home, has windows?
Thanks!!
From: Kasey | 6/3/10 at 12:23 am
What is the best way to showcase design ideas to a potential client? Do you present your sketches to your clients- or are those for personal reference? xoxo
From: Stephanie | 6/3/10 at 5:35 pm
Thank you Amy for your willingness to answer questions! I think your work is incredibly inspiring and truly breathtaking!
Do you restock items during a party? When meeting with clients, how do you relay your vision with them? What would you say is the most important element to being successful in starting a business such as yours.
Thank you!