Hi friends! Did you know that tomorrow is National Cocoa Day? Yep, it sure is. Each year, on December 13th, cocoa is celebrated. Who knew? Anywho, I’m kinda excited about it. I love hot cocoa! And what better way to celebrate National Cocoa Day than to set up a Hot Chocolate Bar! I plan to do this at work for my staff. Shhh, don’t tell them…it’s a surprise. 😉
I’m pretty sure there is a National Day for just about everything. Wouldn’t you say? If you’d like to see all the different National Days you can check that out [HERE]. I will pretty much bettcha there is something to celebrate Every. Single. Day.
Today, I’ll be sharing some inspiration from a few talented ladies that have set up some pretty awesome hot chocolate bars.
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How to Set Up a Hot Chocolate Bar
The Display
Setting up a hot chocolate bar is so much fun! There are so many different things you can do, depending on the look you are going for. I’m going to focus on a Christmas theme, since ’tis the season. But, I’ve also set up hot chocolate bars for baby showers and birthday parties.
First, you’ll want to find an area to set up your hot chocolate bar. You can use a counter top, table, buffet, bar, or any other surface. Even a tiered tray would work, if your space is limited. If the space allows, you can throw down a white table cloth or some burlap and decorate with some seasonal decor.
These ladies below did a beautiful job setting up their hot cocoa bar! Their pics are sure to give you some inspo.
There are lots of cute signs and printables on Etsy to help you create a cute little space. Or you could grab a mini chalk board and create your own sign.
The Mugs
If you have a small party, you may want to use ceramic mugs, or the ever so popular moscow mule copper mugs. You could even gift your guests with their mug after the party.
If serving a large party, you can use styrofoam or paper mugs. If you want to make them look cute (cause I know you do), there are lots of cute cup wrap printables on Etsy.
This cute Hot Chocolate sign below is for sale on Etsy by my sweet friend Kari. She is so talented and has some of the cutest signs in her Etsy shop.
The Hot Chocolate
You have several options for the hot chocolate. You can use the instant packs, but you will need to have access to boiling water. I’ve used the Hot Chocolate k-cups at parties before and they are actually pretty tasty. And there is always the option to make homemade hot chocolate (which is the yummiest).
The Toppings
There are soooo many toppings that you can add to your hot chocolate. I think this is the part that makes the hot chocolate bar so much fun. I’ve included a list of a few goodies you can add to make your hot chocolate scrumptious:
- Whipped Cream
- Mini Marshmallows
- Chocolate Syrup
- Caramel Syrup
- Crushed Peppermint
- Peppermint Sticks
- Crushed Andes Mints
- Dark Chocolate Chips
- White Chocolate Chips
You can place your toppings in mini glass jars. A good place to pick these up is the Dollar Tree. You may want to dress them up a little with some red and white twine and printables. You can also use chalkboard stickers and a chalk pen to label your toppings.
There is something so comforting about a cup of hot chocolate on a cold December day. So go ahead a grab yourself a cup and let me know what your favorite toppings are. Use the hashtag #NationalCocoaDay when you post on social media so we can all see how yummy it looks.
Stay warm and cozy my friends! xoxo
I had no idea today was Hot Chocolate day! We have friends coming over this evening and I will be making my crock-pot hot chocolate now!
It’s actually tomorrow, but I posted a day early to give everyone time to prepare 😉
What a great idea, actually I might give it a try for Christmas dinner as we were seeking ideas to do something different this Christmas 🙂
That would be so fun! I was thinking about doing another one on Christmas since I’ll have everything I need already.
Such a cute idea, I love this for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Thank you, Melanie! Yes, this is great for any type of party.
THANKS for including our hot cocoa bar, such great ideas!
xoxo
You’re so welcome! I LOVE the way you styled your hot cocoa bar!!! Everything is just perfect!
I have never heard of a hot chocolate day, but would so love to make a beautiful display like yours at our office. I really need that sign from Kari, her stuff is farmhouse gorgeous!
I hadn’t either, until just recently. There really is a day for everything. 😉 And I agree, I love all of Kari’s signs!!
Wow what a great idea! I didn’t know that there was a hot chocalate day. It also looks decorative and tasty!
I just happened to stumble upon the fact that there is a National Cocoa Day this past weekend. And I’m so glad I did. What a fun thing to celebrate! 🙂
Thanks for the great ideas. I LOVE hot chocolate. I am one that can drink it all year!
Isn’t it just the best! The toppings are my favorite part. If you’ve never tried the crushed Andes mints in your hot chocolate, those are the best!!
I love this so much!!! I’m a hot cocoa fan!! I’m thinking I might do this on xmas eve since everyone stays until midnight!
How fun! I’m thinking I may do another one for Christmas! All the topping are fun for little ones (and adults). 😉
What a cute idea, love this!
I can tell you put so much effort into the design and ideas for this post ! Everything just looks so enticing and delicious. I may end up eating everything myself lol
This looks like such a fun idea. I’m having a Christmas Brunch this weekend and am now trying to figure out how I can incorporate a hot chocolate bar!!! btw- I’m also glad I found out about the national cocoa day before I missed it! 😉
It may not be chocolate day anymore, but I would still love to recreate this in our home , especially this Christmas!