For the past several years, at our Annual Family Christmas Party, we have been setting up a Hot Chocolate Bar. Not only is our bar fun and festive, it also serves as a holiday focal point and a welcoming refreshment spot. The first thing we determine is the best location for our bar. This year we set ours up in the living room while watching Christmas movies on Hallmark and we have previously set up outside in our backyard near our fire-pit with blankets and lots of good conversation. However, a couple of other good options would be to set up in your entry way to welcome guests as they arrive! Or setting up in the kitchen is another great option, if you’re worried about spills, as they can be easily cleaned up, a side board or even on a tray that can be moved around as needed. There are several cute ideas for a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board and these are absolutely adorable! Finding the perfect location may come down to the amount of space you have available. This year I set up on our bar cart.

Once a location is decided, it’s time to come up with a fun holiday theme. The possibilities are endless, especially if you head to Hobby Lobby. I’ve found a lot of the items I use for our cocoa bar there and I love to shop when they’re offering 50% off. This year I found a cute new sign and then it all came together from there. You can also use a small chalkboard or clipboard and attach a free printable found on Pinterest. I then included mugs we had from the previous year but added a few of our favorite accessories and containers for topping your hot chocolate. This year I used this insulated drink urn to keep the milk warm but if you have a favorite hot chocolate recipe, a crock pot is an ideal way to keep it warm. Here are several delicious hot chocolate recipes you may want to try.

Your toppings can be whatever you prefer; the list is endless! I’m sharing the items I used this year, as well as previously and you can use it as a guide.

Cocoa Powder displayed in a cute mason jar with small gold spoon

Hot Chocolate packets in a variety of flavors

Chocolate Chips

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Dark Chocolate Syrup

Caramel Syrup

Crushed Candy Canes

Mini Chocolate Chips

Mini Marshmallows

Cookies for dipping

Andes Mint Candies

Cinnamon

Whipped Cream

Hot Chocolate Toppers

Hot Chocolate Candy Stir Sticks

For ADULTS ONLY – Bailey’s or Kahlua

Fun Napkins, twinkle lights and a simple garland, snowman or tree

Once you have your sign/labels and supplies, you may want a few simple decorations to complete the festive look. Keep in mind the need to refill some of the toppings as the guests help themselves to what they want. This will allow you to continue to spend time with all your guests.

I love a good hot chocolate bar and so do our kids and guests! Putting them together is always so much fun and they can be as simple or as extravagant as you would like. A Hot Chocolate Bar doesn’t have to be just for Christmas either, they’re really festive for Valentines Day prepared with pink hot chocolate, Easter, Halloween or any special event.

I hope you liked my easy and fun hot chocolate bar ideas and maybe it’s inspired you to create one this holiday season for your family and friends. Whether for a get-together with neighbors or a cozy family night in, I hope your enjoy.

Cheers to you and yours this Christmas season!

Mimi Jackie

Originally Published on https://www.gigiconnection.com/

Gigi Connection Grandparenting

With decades of friendship between us, we aim to empower and encourage women of all ages as we share, from our hearts, topics relating to health, beauty, fashion, reading, cooking, faith in God, travel and the joys of aging gracefully as we live life with our friends, family and adoring grandchildren.

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