Hot Chocolate Bar – Entertaining Made Easy For The Holidays

One of the things I love most about this time of year is getting together and celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Sometimes we get so busy that we only “chat” online with those we love the most. Today, I have a quick and inexpensive party idea that is fun for all ages. A Hot Chocolate Bar!

Unlike hosting a full meal, a hot chocolate bar is an inexpensive way to feed a crowd without spending a fortune. Whether you choose to make a homemade hot chocolate mix like I did or store bought packets or this yummy crock pot hot chocolate, many of the ingredients you will already have in your pantry and others are frequently on sale during the holidays such as marshmallows, chocolate chips, candy canes….

For my hot chocolate bar, I decided to do a twist on the traditional chocolate spoons and to include a candy that would dissolve into the hot chocolate, adding a richness and a fun flavor burst. The candies were Cherry Cordial Creme Kisses, Mint Truffle Kisses, Caramel Kisses and Peanut Butter Cups.

I also included a topping to be sprinkled or drizzled over whipped cream or these homemade marshmallows. Everyone had fun deciding which flavors to choose and these are just a few of the possibilities. Check out these fun gourmet hot chocolate flavors at Our Best Bites and She Knows.

The cute Christmas Dixie cups with lids were the inspiration for my color scheme. These are becoming easier to find in cute designs like these at Target. A great set of mugs would be perfect too and won't cost a thing!

The only money I spent on decorations was for a thrift store piece of wood that I spray painted silver on the outside and chalkboard on the inside. These super cute and free gingerbread printables are from one of my favorites, The Tomkat Studio. The centerpiece is just a jar filled with powdered sugar, candy canes and Christmas ornaments.

Last but not least, I had to include a few Christmas treats to go along with our hot chocolate bar. Snowman Powdered Donuts, Chocolate Peppermint Cake Pops, Giant Chocolate Marshmallow Reindeer and Red and Green Rice Krispie Treats.