Chocolate Fountain Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ'S)
Q. What is a Chocolate Fountain?
A. Chocolate Fountains stand from "19 to 44" tall with multiple tiers over a basin at the bottom. Chocolate is melted and kept warm by heat from below the basin. Chocolate is transported to the top of the fountian and from there the warm chocolate cascades over the tiers creating a chocolate waterfall. The Chocolate Fountain is a unique way of serving chocolate fondue.
Q. What type of event is the Chocolate Fountain used for?
A. Chocolate Fountains have become the "must have" at Wedding Receptions, Engagement Parties, Birthday Parties, Anniversaries, Corporate Events, Holiday Parties or anywhere you want to make a 'SWEET' impression. Check out our Event Ideas page for more ideas.
Q. What is the difference between Belgian "Couverture" Chocolate and other Chocolates?
A. Our Belgian "Couverture" chocolate is reowned for it's extremely smooth texture and intensely rich flavor. In order for the chocolate to flow correctly, the chocolate must be a certain consistency. Our chocolate recipe is specially formulated to provide flawless cascading chocolate right out of the package, WITHOUT the addition of vegetable oil or extra cocoa butter (required in most chocolates). Most other chocolates are too thick to run smoothly through the fountain and require a time consuming and messy mixing of oil process in order to achieve the proper consistency. Not only is this process imprecise and difficult, it dilutes the flavor and aroma of the chocolate.
Q. What type of Chocolate do you used?
Unlike other chocolate fountain companies we take pride in the quality of our chocolate. We use only the finest Belgian "Couverture" chocolate, which ensures a superior taste, aroma, appearance and flow. WE DO NOT add oil to our chocolate and you will find ours to be the most Decadent, Delicious chocolate you have ever tasted.
Q. Isn't it more expensive to use Belgian Chocolate?
A. Yes, It is important to Creative Party and Events that our customers have the finest quality chocolate available. Be sure to ask if the cheaper chocolate fountain company you are considering offers Imported Belgain Chocolate and if their chocolate requires added vegetable oil.
Q. What are my choices of Chocolate?
A. We offer Belgian Milk, Dark and White Chocolate
Q. Is your Chocolate Kosher?
A. Yes, our chocolate is certified Kosher Dairy. Kosher certificates are available upon request.
Q. Do you ever re-use your Chocolate?
A. No, we do not. Chocolate is special ordered for each event, this ensures that our clients not only receive the finest but also the freshest chococlate for their special occasion. At the end of the event, we will gladly give you a container of any left over melted chocolate for you to enjoy. Any remaining chocolate will be discarded in a trash receptacle.
Q. Who is responsible for set-up, tear-down and clean-up of the Chocolate Fountain?
A. We do all the work for you! We arrive 90 minutes before the designated starting time. The fountain will be carefully set up and the chocolate will be melted and flowing so your guests will smell the aroma of warm Belgain chocolate as they enter the room. Two professionally attendants will be there at all times to assist your guests with their dipping items, maintain chocolate temperture and flow, ensure health and safety standards, oversee dipping items and replenish as needed, dimantle and remove the fountain.
Q. Do you rent the Chocolate Fountain without an Attendant?
A. No, we do not. In effort to maintain the highest standard of quality service, the chocolate fountain is always accompanied by a Qualified Uniformed Attendant. We believe that it is imperative that a trained operator is present. This is simply to ensure that food hygiene is maintained and that your guests enjoy the fountain to it's greatest potential.(This is to prevent double dipping or putting things in the fountain that would contaminate the chocolate.)This would also allow you to enjoy your event without having any concerns about the temperture and flow of the fountain or to keep dipping items replenished for your guests.
Q. How are your Attendants attired?
A. Our Attendants are attired professionally. They wear tuxedo shirts bow tie, vest/ or black coat and black pants. While other companies dress in polo shirts and / or aprons for their events, we prefer a more polished presentation for ours. If the client request, our attendants can dress more casually to blend in with the particulat themed event.
Q. Should I tip the Attendant?
A. Gratuity is not required because our fountains are maintained by one of the company's owners.
Q. Why do some people say that the Chocolate Fountains are messy, disgusting and they would never have one at their event?
A. While this may seem to be a silly question, we often hear comments like this quite often. This has been the results of chocolate fountain companies offering fountains without an attendant. Some large rental-type businesses have chocolate fountains available to rent. In our opinion and with our experience in the chocolate fountain business, this is not a do-it yourself operation.They typically do not have a dedicated attendant that remains with the fountains. Creative Party and Events trained attendants are dedicated to remain with the fountain and assisting guests for the duration of the contracted time. Those that work with us know our dedication to ensuring our fountains are used properly. Maintaining a clean fountain is very important. Our attendants make sure any items dropped into the fountain are removed promptly. They assist guests on proper dipping and make sure the guests use a plate when removing dipped items so that a trail of chocolate does not result. Our attendants prevent double-dipping and ensure no fingers, cups, tongues, etc make their way into the chocolate. We do our best to minimize any possibilty of a mess. Trust the professionals to do the job correctly. We want you and your guests to have a fun and sweet chocolate fountain experience.
Q. Do you require kitchen facilities to melt your Chocolate?
A. No, we do not. We melt our chocolate directly in our fountains, so no ovens or stove tops are required. It takes about 1 hour to melt the chocolate in our large fountain so we arrive 90 minutes before the strating time to ensure the chocolate fountain is flowing when your guests arrive.
Q. How long can I have the Chocolate Fountain at my event?
A. Our packages include use of the chocolate fountain for two (2) hours. This is usually plenty of time for most occasions where it is being served as the dessert portion of the event. This does not include the set up, tear down which are done on our own time. For events where additional time is needed, we will gladly accommodate your request for an additional cost.
Q. Can the Chocolate Fountain be used outdoors?
A. We do not recommend using the chocolate fountain outdoors. There are 3 things to consider when wanting to operate a chocolate fountain outside.
1. Maintaining a warm temperture of chocolate is critcal for continued smooth operaton of the fountain. Depending the time of year and the general climate, this could be difficult to accomplish in an outdoor setting.
2. Because of the chocolate's sweet aroma, little flying creatures are very likely to be attracted to the chocolate fountain as well. This makes for an unappealing presentation for you and your guests.
3. The third factor is a crucial one, it's the wind. A slight breeze could blow the chocolate onto everything surrounding the chocolate fountain and even the guests.
The chocolate fountain location is very important inside too, so it won't be affected by air movement, such as fans, air conditioning vents. The fountain has a heating unit. as long as it's not in a draft, it will remain it's temperture and flow.
1. Maintaining a warm temperture of chocolate is critcal for continued smooth operaton of the fountain. Depending the time of year and the general climate, this could be difficult to accomplish in an outdoor setting.
2. Because of the chocolate's sweet aroma, little flying creatures are very likely to be attracted to the chocolate fountain as well. This makes for an unappealing presentation for you and your guests.
3. The third factor is a crucial one, it's the wind. A slight breeze could blow the chocolate onto everything surrounding the chocolate fountain and even the guests.
The chocolate fountain location is very important inside too, so it won't be affected by air movement, such as fans, air conditioning vents. The fountain has a heating unit. as long as it's not in a draft, it will remain it's temperture and flow.
Q. Who Decorates or Provides Decor Around The Chocolate Fountain?
A. The chocolate fountain itself is the ultimate decoration for any table. The fountain, along with the colorful array of dipping items is plenty of decoration to make the table appealing. We do incorporate themed based decor and fabrics to accent your chocolate fountain display.
Q. What Are The Table & Electrical Requirements?
A. It is imperative that we have a sturdy, strong table to support the chocolate fountain and the dipping items. The chocolate fountain, when in operation, weighs over 100 pounds. The table needs to be level to assure the chocolate will flow properly. Please reconfirm these requirements with your banquet manager or caterer before the event so there is no delay in the set up of the fountain. The chocolate fountain CANNOT be moved once it is set up. The banquet facility should provide table linens/skirting that will coordinate with your color scheme. A large garbage can needs to be placed near by for your guests.
The electrical requirements for operation of the chocolate fountain needs to be 120 volt, grounded electrical outlet (this is a normal wall outlet) within 10 feet of the set up location.
The electrical requirements for operation of the chocolate fountain needs to be 120 volt, grounded electrical outlet (this is a normal wall outlet) within 10 feet of the set up location.
Q. What Dipping Items Can Be Used With The Chocolate Fountain?
A. The most popular and requested items are Strawberries, Fresh Pineapple, Bananas, Pretzal Rods, Marshmallows, Belgian Creme Puffs and Rice Crispy Treats.
Q. Are There Any Dipping Items That Are Not Recommended For The Use With The Chocolate Fountain?
A. Small berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) that fall off the skewers easily. Foods like cheesecake squares that melt and cakes, brownies or anything that crumbles tend to compromise the smooth flow of the chocolate in the fountain.
Q. Who Provides The Dipping Items?
A. There are several options. Many hotels and banquet facilities do not allow outside vendors to provide food items - that is either included with your pacakge or addtional item for you to purchase through the banquet/caterer. Usually the chocolate fountain is acceptable by itself, but not with the dipping items. PLease discuss this with your facility and / caterer managerthat you desire tocontract for a chocolate fountain through Creative Party and Events. If your caterer has any questions or concerns regarding our service, we'd be more than happy to speak with them onyour behalf. We ask that you provide us with your caterer and venue contact information and you may also provide them with ours. We will coodinate between them to decide the best dipping optioons for your event. We will do whatever it takes to make your event a smooth and successful one.
If you are not using a caterer, we can provide a wonderful selection of dipping items for an additional fee. Please see our dipping packages for details. It is often simpler when only one party handles all the essentials for the fountain. If you wish to provide your own dipping items, we wi a Approved Dipping Item List will be provided to you or your caterer for dipping ideas.
If you are not using a caterer, we can provide a wonderful selection of dipping items for an additional fee. Please see our dipping packages for details. It is often simpler when only one party handles all the essentials for the fountain. If you wish to provide your own dipping items, we wi a Approved Dipping Item List will be provided to you or your caterer for dipping ideas.
Q. What Areas Do You Service?
A. We are based in Starke, Florida and serve the North and Central Florida areas. We offer free delivery within a 50 mile radius of Starke. Should you need the fountain at an event outside that area, a travel charge based on mileage is added.
Q. Do You Require A Reservation & Deposit?
A. Yes, we require a $150.00 non-refundable deposit upon receiving your signed contract to reserve your date. The balance is due 14 days prior to the scheduled date of your event.
Q. How Far In Advance Should I Reserve The Chocolate Fountain?
A.We recommend to Reserve early! Chocolate Fountains have become increasingly popular at all types of special events. Check with your caterer or reception venue to make sure you are allowed to hire a chocolate fountain vendor. Contact us as soon as possible to see if your desired date is available. Reservations are limited and based on first come first served basis. During the wedding and holiday season dates fill up quickly.
Q. What Forms Of Payment Does Creative Party and Events Accept?
A. We accept cash, check, money orders as well as om-line payments through PayPal.
Q. Is Your Company Insured?
A. Yes, we have liability Insurance. Proof is available for your banquet hall or facility.
Q. Where Can I Find Out More Information?
A. To find out more information about our chocolate fountain service, please give us a call at 904.964.4104, e-mail us at info@creativepartyandevents.com or fill out our online chocolate fountain inquiry form found on our Request a Quote page.