Holiday Entertaining: The Hot Cocoa Bar
The hot cocoa bar should be a staple for anyone hosting an event between the months of November and February. It is easy to set up, provides your guests with ample choices and is the perfect opportunity to elevate a classic winter indulgence. When we make hot cocoa for ourselves at home (or order a cup of it at our favorite coffee shop) we rarely treat ourselves to the vast array of toppings, flavors and mix ins that a good hot cocoa bar experience offers. Let’s deconstruct the essential components to the perfect hot cocoa bar!
Image via Liz Marie Blog
Creamy, rich hot chocolate
My first recommendation is to find the perfect hot chocolate recipe. This is, after all, the star of the show! I like to make mine with whole fat milk, vanilla extract and pure cocoa powder. The Carefree Kitchen has a recipe for crockpot hot chocolate made with all of these ingredients, plus sweetened condensed milk. It is a must try!
Image via Half Baked Harvest
Keeping It Warm
If you choose to make your hot chocolate in the slow cooker (which is my method of choice) then you can simply keep the hot chocolate in there and set out your toppings surrounding it.
You can also choose to go a more creative route and opt for a different vessel. Think, carafes for hot drinks, or a large coffee chafer. You can choose to display your carafes on a bar cart, like the lovely display below by Shamila Sobers, or set up on your kitchen countertops or island.
Image via Shamila Sobers
The Fix-Ins
Now, for the fun part! This is where you can let your imagination run wild. Almost any sweet treat can work as a topping for a hot cocoa bar. You have the classics, like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes and syrups. Then, why not add extras like crushed up cookie pieces, caramels, white chocolate chips, pirouettes, honey sticks, sprinkles or even sea salt flakes? The possibilities are endless! And your guests will enjoy the freedom to choose.
Image via Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Festive Cups
For an extra special touch, keep the mugs festive! If you’re serving your hot cocoa bar during the Christmas season (which, let’s face it, you most likely are) then set out some snowflake or Santa mugs for your guests to enjoy. My favorite take on this is festive to-go cups (with lids if you have them). That way, your guests can sip slowly on their beverage and can simply take it with them at the end of the night if they aren’t finished. (Also, less dishes for you to do!)
Image via Parties With A Cause
Charcuterie Theme
If you want a fun and different take on the presentation for your hot cocoa bar, consider a charcuterie style bar! This option allows you to really pack on the toppings and get creative. The more, the merrier!
Image via Momooze
Classic & Elegant
If you’re hoping for a less casual and more elegant presentation, consider pouring the contents of your toppings into beautiful glass jars and dispensers. This will really elevate your hot cocoa bar and impress your guests. You can add a special touch by adding delicate labels to each container, whether you hand write them or have them printed.
Image via Celebrations At Home Blog