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!

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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!