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Home » How To Create A Simple Hot Cocoa Bar

December 17, 2021

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.

Items Needed For Hot Cocoa Bar

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

Christmas Sprinkles

Chocolate/Peppermint Spoons

Hot Chocolate

Electric Tea Pot

A Fun Cocoa Sign

Set-Up Time!

I love creating a festive setting and putting together this hot cocoa bar is no exception!

It’s simple and small, but mighty in fun!

Adding different levels when you have a smaller space to work with is helpful. 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 which added 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!

How To Create A Simple Hot Cocoa Bar

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!

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Posted In: Blog

Comments

  1. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says

    December 17, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Hot chocolate is my favorite beverage! I love you hot coco bar, the cups are so sweet! Your family, fiends and guests will love this.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 17, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      Thank you! Nothing like a warm cup to make everything feel cozy! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  2. Renae says

    December 17, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    So cute! W love a hot cocoa bar. Hugs to you and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 17, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      Thank you! Merriest Christmas to you, Renae!

      Reply
  3. Karen Velinsky says

    December 18, 2021 at 1:34 am

    I love hot cocoa and I love the idea of having a hot cocoa bar with everything at an easy reach! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 18, 2021 at 3:13 pm

      Merry Christmas, Karen!!

      Reply
  4. Rosemary Palmer says

    December 18, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Is the mug with green topping on Amazon? I love that color.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 19, 2021 at 12:59 am

      Isn’t he cute? I bought him at Marshall’s.

      Reply
  5. Cindy Rust says

    December 18, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    You are ready for guests! Heat up the pot – I’ll be right over! BTW, that Santa artwork is amazing!! Merry Christmas

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 19, 2021 at 1:04 am

      That sounds great! I’ll have the water ready! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  6. Paula@SweetPea says

    December 21, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    I love a hot chocolate bar and yours looks fabulous.

    Reply
  7. Melba / Cocoon Raw says

    December 21, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    It turned out so amazing and fun! Love it so much, because I am a hot cocoa fan.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      December 26, 2021 at 7:42 pm

      Thank you, Melba! Me too!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Howard says

    December 22, 2021 at 12:07 am

    Save the green Santa mug for me when I visit!!!

    Reply
  9. Tammy says

    October 28, 2022 at 9:04 am

    Kim, love your hot cocoa bar. I am about to set mine up again. Your station is so beautifully decorated too. Love it!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      October 30, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      It was such a fun addition last year and my family and friends loved it!

      Reply
  10. Brendt Blanks says

    November 7, 2022 at 6:55 am

    Kim,
    I keep wanting to do this, and you have inspired me to give it a go this year!
    Thank you for sharing …so cute, pinned!
    xoxo,
    Brendt

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 7, 2022 at 8:36 am

      I’m so glad you like it! My family loved having it out all season! Thanks Brendt!❤️

      Reply
  11. Jennifer says

    November 7, 2022 at 12:35 pm

    I want the Santa mug with the teal blue hat when I’m having my cocoa…extra marshmallows Al!!!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 7, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      He’ll have it ready!

      Reply
  12. Anne | Simply2Moms says

    November 7, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    This is such a cute idea for the holidays! Love it! Pinned.

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 7, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks Anne!

      Reply
  13. stacy says

    November 8, 2022 at 6:36 am

    What a cute Idea kim! Pinned!! I want to do one now!

    Reply
    • cottageinthemitten@gmail.com says

      November 8, 2022 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks Stacy! You have to do one. It’s so easy and your kids, friends and other family will love it!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Mitten Moments - cottage in the mitten says:
    December 18, 2021 at 2:55 pm

    […] This week on the blog I shared my holiday hot cocoa bar. […]

    Reply
  2. Christmas in July - My Festive Cottage Home - cottage in the mitten says:
    July 25, 2022 at 2:58 pm

    […] Christmas season, one of the must haves on my list is a yummy hot chocolate bar. I showed you How To Create A Simple Hot Chocolate Bar last Christmas and let me tell you, my family and friends loved […]

    Reply

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About Me


Hi! I’m Kim!

Welcome to my Cottage in the Mitten! I am a native Michigander. I am a wife, mom and mimi. I love DIY, home decor, all things pretty, community with others, and sewing. I make blankets for a cause, hoping to help find a cure for brain tumors. I hope you love my site and pray it inspires you.

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