How To Create A Simple Hot Cocoa Bar
There is something so cozy and comforting about a mug of hot cocoa, especially at Christmas. Today I want to share how to create a simple hot cocoa bar, for all your visiting family and friends.
Are you a hot cocoa or hot chocolate fan?
Did you know there was a difference?
Yes, friends! Yes, there is!
“I was going to sip on a diet soda, but a little voice convinced me I needed the extra calcium from a cup of hot chocolate.” — Cathy Guisewite
Hot cocoa is usually made from cocoa powder, sugar, adding milk or hot water. Because of that, hot cocoa is usually sweet and light. Hot Chocolate is made with just that, chocolate. Shaving the chocolate works best for melting it with milk.
In my opinion, both options are good! What’s not to love about a warm, yummy chocolate mug of goodness?
Recently I shared my Simple & Traditional Holiday Home Tour. If you missed it this year, my Christmas theme has been simple; traditional in nature. Beautiful colors of red, green and fun family traditions.
A hot cocoa bar is right on top of that traditional list for me!
Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.
Having a cocoa bar set-up, one that is ready for family & friend visits, is a real time saver. I used my super cute cabinet top for set-up.
Who doesn’t want to save more time setting-up, especially with family and friends come to visit?
Like most things I create, I first try to use what I have on hand then purchase items I may not have. To create this hot cocoa bar, you will need:
Festive mugs
Small Mason Jars
Marshmellows
Chocolate/Peppermint Spoons
Hot Chocolate
Electric Tea Pot
A Fun Cocoa Sign
I love creating a fun setting and putting together this hot cocoa bar is no exception!
It’s simple and small, but mighty in fun!
First, I like to add different levels when creating a space like this. For instance, this time I used a cake plate to display some of the toppings and my cocoa packets. In the past, I’ve also used tiered trays and have even stacked books, covering them with a pretty cloth. The books give you the height you need, but no one can tell they are books. Sometmes, depending on what you are creating, it’s fun to keep the books exposed.
Once my levels and sign were in place, I added some pretty red and white garland, my recently painted candlesticks and some fabric squares from my sewing stash for some pops of color. I also used the fabric squares with some green twine, to adorn the tops of my mason jars. So easy and it adds just the right amount of festive along with the yummy sprinkles and marshmellows. Yum!
My hot cocoa sign is one of the things I purchased this year, however, there are plenty of free printables out there that you can use and frame yourself.
Next, I added my Christmas mugs that I have collected over the years. I can’t be the only one with a cupboard full of santa and snowman mugs, can I?
Trust me, this is the perfect use for them!
Finally, I added my electric teapot. All I have to do is add water when someone comes over.
Voila! The hot cocoa bar set-up is finished!
So easy, right?
Oh, I almost forgot one of my favorite toppings!
The whip cream…don’t forget the whip cream!
Simple and traditional.
Nothing fancy, just cute and easy.
In addition to the hot cocoa bar I shared, if you love the Santa and the snowman picture, as much as me and my gbaby, you can find it here!
I hope I’ve inspired you to know that there’s definitely still time to put together this fun hot cocoa bar. As a matter of fact, I’m sure it will make your family and friends feel welcomed, this holiday season!
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?