No-Fuss, All-Fun Popcorn Bar (2024)

It’s not always easy to feed a crowd. Even if you just decide todo finger foods, it canget expensive and time intensive before you know it. There’s the planning and the shopping. Therecan be lots ofpreparing and cooking. And not to mention the clean up.

Sigh.

With everything that’s involved, entertainingcan sometimes be downright exhausting even if you love playing hostess… which I do.

And thatmight put me in a bit of a spot, except for easy, no-fuss, fun ideas like a “make it your own way” popcorn bar!

Popcorn bars are pretty popular things right now. You find them at weddings, birthday parties, outdoor movie nights, and all sorts of get-togethers. I mean, what is more fun than being able to pile your very own buttery popcorn sky high with all your favorite candies, pretzels, and nuts? Nothing! It’s like a veritable concession stand dream!

And what is even better is that there is little to no preparation, cooking, or clean up! I think I can handle popping some popcorn and opening a few bags of candy even on my most hectic or low energy days, can’t you?

I put together this popcorn bar for an outdoor movie night we had not too long ago (hence my choice of that old home movie camera as my “centerpiece”). We have an air popper machine just like this one, so popping up this much corn was a snap. It pops much quicker andis much less expensivethan microwave popcorn. But the best part? You can’t burn it! Yep! No more burned popcorn smell! Let’s justlisten toall the angels rejoice for a minute.

M&M’s are hands down the number one favorite topping over here, followed closely by chocolate covered pretzels. You can choose what you think your family and friends will like the most. Caramel candies and honey roasted nuts are usually a big hit too. And there is nothing wrong with the plain ol’ chocolate chip either. If you’re going all out with a movie-themed popcorn bar or party, think of the candy that might be available at the movie theatre!

And here’s a little tip as you create your own delicious popcorn treat!Don’t forget tolayeryour candythroughout your popcorn so that you get some of that sweet and salty throughout your whole bag!

Thinking about having a popcorn bar the next time your friends and family come over? You can get my entire set up here.

• Set of 8, red & white striped, plastic popcorn box, $9.97 (Depending on the number of guests, I sometimes just use brown paper bags or paper popcorn boxes.)
• Large Red Galvanized Metal Tub, $32.99
• Set of 4, hobnail red ramekins, $19.99
• Set of 4, hobnail aqua ramekins, $13.43

Theseare items that I have collected over time and actually usefrequently in a variety of ways. That helps to keep expense down so that I can actually focus on enjoying myguests. If you’re feeling pinched right now, don’t stress over decorations. Just use what you have! Thoughdecorations are nice, parties are just as fun with or without them. Remember, thesecret tobeingagoodhostess is making sure that your guests feel welcome and special, and you can do that best with your time and attention.

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Interested in more outdoor entertaining ideas? Check out these ASD favorites!

• 5 Secrets to Hosting The Best Outdoor Movie Night

• Summer Nights: 10 Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

• 5 (Ahem… 6!) Secrets to Hosting a Fabulous Dinner Party

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