Is the Chocolate Fountain used only for desserts at an event?
	For a wedding reception, what is the most common starting time for the rental of the chocolate fountain? When do you arrive at our event?
	What are the most popular dipping items for the Chocolate Fountain?
	What type of chocolate is used?
	Regarding the Small Fountain ? What does "Cash-and-Carry" mean?
	Are there any special requirements for the fountains?

Most assume that the Chocolate Fountains are for desserts, because the chocolate is a candy. However, we set up the fountain for appetizers on more occasions than desserts for wedding receptions. (See next question for details)

We have also set up the fountain for a 'dessert station' or a 'chocolate station' where guests visit all the different stations for various food items to taste.

The Chocolate Fountain is perfect for the 'main' table for corporate events, birthday parties, art fairs and the like.

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For a wedding reception, what is the most common starting time for the rental of the chocolate fountain? When do you arrive at our event?

We have learned that guests do not like to be away from the bride and groom. After all, that's why they have accepted your invitation and have attended your wedding. Hence, they do not like waiting at the reception facility for you - the newlyweds - to arrive. Simple hors d'oevres and a drink usually will not satisfy their hunger at that point in time.

However, when a chocolate fountain is placed as the main event for your guests as an appetizer, the mood changes dramatically. They are not only enjoying the aroma and the delicious dipping items covered with warm chocolate, but their mood has changed from boredom to socializing with the other guests around the fountain - because no one leaves the fountain for very long. Having the fountain for an appetizer will NOT decrease their appetite for their dinner! And believe it or not, as soon as dinner is over, they are either running back to the fountain for dessert or wondering when you are going to cut the cake!

There is nothing wrong with having the fountain as a dessert either! The guests enjoy it just as much. However, we have learned that there is more chocolate left over since the guests are not as hungry as they are when they arrive. Plus, in Pennsylvania, what are we known for at receptions but the infamous 'cookie table' !! Usually, between the cookies and the cake, the guests are plenty full and ready to party!

All situations are different and yours may warrant setting up of the fountain as a dessert —or you just may prefer it that way. It doesn't matter — guests are delighted just as long as it's there at some point in time!!

We will arrive at your event NO LATER than 30 minutes before starting time. Many times we are there earlier and the fountain is already set up 30 minutes before starting time to allow the caterers or banquet facility ample time to set out the dipping items.

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What are the most popular dipping items for the Chocolate Fountain?

Strawberries, when they are in season, are by far the most liked of any food dipped in the chocolate fountain.

As far as fruit... Fresh pineapple (not canned), fresh apple slices or bananas (must be cut-up when ready to serve to ensure they don't turn brown), cherries and frozen bananas are big hits. Grapes and melons are not as well received with chocolate, but can be placed on the table for color and guests eat them anyway, even if they don't dip them.

Other popular items: The #1 non-fruit dipping item is the pretzel rods. They must be the 5" pretzel RODS, not pretzel sticks or pretzel twists, etc. Marshmallows are #2 on the list. (We never would have thought this for adults, but until we witnessed it ourselves over and over. Men especially love marshmallows dipped in chocolate!)

Guests love Piroullines, and these are always the first cookie to go in the chocolate. But, any kind of cookie - Oreos, Nutter Butters, Macaroons or homemade cookies are always better dipped in chocolate.

Angel Food Cake goes fairly well. If you are already having cake (wedding cake or birthday cake), we would suggest leaving cake out of the menu. Pound cake is NOT suitable for the chocolate fountain. It crumbles too easily and instead of a smooth, chocolate flow, you will have a lumpy, chocolate flow. It also may clog the fountain and scalloping will occur.

We have set up the fountain at events that serve ice cream as dessert and guests could ladle the chocolate over their bowl of ice cream — it hardens immediately! This is a great way to get your money's worth from the fountain — we throw away less chocolate when ice cream is served!

More items: Potato chips, caramel squares, peanut butter balls, circus peanuts, dried fruit and nut cups.

If it doesn't crumble or fall of the skewer easily, use your imagination!

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What type of chocolate is used?

It is a special blend of the highest-quality chocolates manufactured from a Belgian-owned company here in the United States. It is available in Semi-Sweet (dark) or Milk chocolate.

85% of our customers prefer the semi-sweet chocolate. White chocolate is available and may be colored to coordinate with your event. However, from experience, guests do not indulge in white or colored chocolate NEARLY as much as the semi-sweet or milk chocolate. The presentation is nice, but not as appetizing. I'm not sure I want to dip a red, juicy, succulent strawberry in purple chocolate. However, we are certainly willing to accommodate all requests for white or colored chocolate!!

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Basically, you assign someone in charge of the fountain to pick it up at our facility. We will instruct them how to operate the fountain and melt the chocolate, and they clean it up and bring it back the next day. They should be willing to monitor the fountain as well, to keep 'double-dipping' from occurring and children putting their fingers in the chocolate! Sometimes it is necessary to add more chocolate to the fountain and this person would be aware of that as well.

The smaller fountain is usually up to events of around 100 guests. The benefit of the smaller fountain is the price - $250 and the fact that you have it for your entire event. The small fountain is appropriate for events upto 125 guests at the max!

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Are there any special requirements for the fountains?

A 5' or 5.5' round table on a level surface is appropriate for either fountain. A 6' round table is too large and guests cannot reach the chocolate. Although other tables may be used, more guests can access a round table vs. a rectangular table. There is also a greater chance of children being able to reach the fountain if it is not on a round table. An electrical outlet is necessary. For the larger fountain, we require 2 color-coordinated tablecloths — one for the table itself and the other to cover a riser that we set the fountain on.

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