Guest Picks: Hot Chocolate Station Fixings
Treat family and guests to a fix of cocoa in a festive mug, accompanied by sweet somethings, from a well-stocked kitchen station
Get in the holiday spirit and set up a DIY hot chocolate bar where friends and family can help themselves to the good stuff. From festive mugs to tasty toppings and treats, you'll find everything you need to stage your hot cocoa station right here. — Elaina from Fun Finds for Mom
Photos & Products
Hot chocolate bars are a big trend this season. Who wouldn't want a cocoa station like this one?
Gingerbread Man Child's Mug - $1.95
Every year I buy two of Crate & Barrel's children's holiday mugs at their Day After Christmas Sale. They change the design every year, so I now have a fun eclectic collection. I also like the size of the mugs, as the kids get just the right amount of hot cocoa.
Mug Tree Stand - $149
If you're having a big party, keep plenty of mugs on hand with this mug tree stand. If your hot cocoa station is just for the family, search "mug tree" on Etsy, and you can probably find a vintage stand that holds six cups. I got one at a garage sale and spray-painted it white.
Breville Electric Kettle - $79.95
This electric kettle boils two cups of water in two minutes, so you can prepare hot cocoa in a snap.
Valentine Red Love Aran Hand Knit Mug Warmer by Little Buttons & Bows - $8
Dress up your everyday mugs with these knit sweater mug cozies. They're made in Ireland by a woman who knits the cozies and her husband who makes the buttons.
Vanilla Sugar Dough Gingerbread Men by Baked Perfection - $39
Make a plate of cookies to nibble with your cocoa, or cheat a little and order a batch of these sweet little gents.
Galvanized Metal 3-Tier Stand - $69
Stock your station with munchies like cookies and clementines on this three-tiered tray.
Apothecary Jars, Clear Glass - $12
Fill apothecary jars with marshmallows, cocoa and candy canes.
Anchor Hocking Cracker Jar With Lid
If you want a fresh alternative to apothecary jars, try these vintage-inspired cracker jars. I like that the lids screw on tightly to keep the goodies fresh (and to make it a little harder for grabby hands to get into).
Christmas Sweater Colelction - $9.99
Target's holiday decor items this year are amazing. I love this whole line of Christmas Sweater bowls, trays and plates.
Hammond's Old-Fashioned Peppermint Sticks - $6.98
Fill a jar with these old-fashioned peppermint sticks. They're tasty with chocolate, and they look festive too.
The Woods, Large - $15
Tuck in some modern holiday collectibles like these little wooden Christmas trees.
Chalkstock Tag With Ties - $3.95
Tie a chalk tag onto each of the goodie jars to label the contents.
Holiday Drink Stirrers by Em for Marvelous - $15
Peppermint flag stir sticks add a festive touch.
Råskog Kitchen Cart, Turquoise - $49.99
Lack counter space for a hot chocolate station? How about making up a hot cocoa cart? This one is perfect for indoor-outdoor use.
Now that's a Cuppa! - $0.10
Tired of doing dishes? Stock your cocoa bar with these great-looking paper cups.
Christmas Table Runner, Bold Red Chevron by My Modern Home - $18
Throw a table runner over a table or countertop to set the stage for your hot chocolate area. I like the chevron and peppermint stripe patterns from this Etsy shop.
Love Gingerbread Garland by Ginger Creations Studio - $8.50
I'll take any excuse to put up a festive garland.
Hot Chocolate - $19.95
Upgrade your cocoa with this unbelievably delicious hot chocolate from Williams-Sonoma. It's actually real Guittard chocolate shavings — no powder here!
Rhubarb Staghead Tray - AUD 29.95
How cool is this bold deer graphic? I'd almost hate to cover it with treats.
E is for Egg Mug - GBP 11.95
A hot chocolate bar is a great excuse to upgrade your mugs, especially if you're entertaining — nobody wants to drink out of stained coffee mugs. I like these with a letter on one side and an image on the other.
I bought a set of plain white mugs at a rummage sale and craft supplies to stencil on letters or numbers. One of these days I'll get to it.
Next: Hot Drink Stations Hit the Spot
I bought a set of plain white mugs at a rummage sale and craft supplies to stencil on letters or numbers. One of these days I'll get to it.
Next: Hot Drink Stations Hit the Spot
Comments (6)
PRO
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel
I recently tasted and enjoyed Nestle's cappucino packets, in various flavors (go for caramel).
1 Like
ragsangle
My grandchildren are coming next month and after seeing this I have quite a few crafts and DIY projects ahead of me...they will love it. Although I will use my own homemade hot cocoa mix because it never fails. As far as the candy cane mix goes that's easy to make at home as well been doing that for years. I have several plastic jars I can use instead of glass as well for the little ones and will use glass for the adults..oh FYI...and the choc chips can be preheated in the microwave on defrost for 15 seconds then they melt straight away... I can prebake things and freeze them too. I think I'll also do homemade coffee blends as well candy cane,mint,choc,etc...of course that means taste testing to get it just right! LOL...this is so wonderful and I love it!
2 Likes
Pascale
Ooo, love this ideabook! I must admit to being a hot chocolate snob, after being spoiled by a local gourmet hot chocolate shop which offered a dozen varieties of ground chocolate from Europe with which to make hot chocolate from scratch. To make it extra decadent I always make my hot cocoa with half and half - just a small cup needed since it's so rich. My sister-in-law once told me she over-heard her son raving about my hot chocolate to his friends, amazed that I actually took the time to make it in a copper pot on the stove! :-)
2 Likes