Hot cocoa is a favorite drink at my house…and when the first cool breezes blow I break out the fixin’s for a do-it-yourself cocoa station to take the chill off and satisfy tummies! Whether you’re hosting an autumn party or just want to create a sweet surprise for your family, a hot cocoa buffet can be really easy to set up in a pinch! I often keep the basic cocoa supplies in my kitchen all year long…it’s a chocolaty sip that’s even a favored drink on a cool summer evening! But now that the unofficial end to summer has come and gone, it’s almost that time for sipping on warm drinks and snuggling around a fire! I hope you can find some inspiration for your hot cocoa stations…no matter where you put them!
it’s hot cocoa time!
this time of year i still love to spend as much time outdoors as possible, so when i’m thinking of entertaining or dishing up treats for my family i’ll often try to make the great outdoors my venue! so to celebrate filling the first hot cocoa mugs of the season, i created a festive and easy setup…
i love having a pump pot to keep warm drinks toasty whether i’m entertaining or not! a batch of hot cocoa can sit on the patio for easy second helpings!
little tins hold mini marshmallows, spoons and chocolate stir-sticks…
i love these little mallows that remind me of the kind you find in cereal! there’s something so cute about them and they’re perfect for sitting out in cool temperatures because they won’t dry out! the chocolate spoons are a sweet surprise to stir up an even more indulgent drink!
sweet bites
it’s always fun to set out some goodies on a hot cocoa table. one way to make it really simple to serve up a seasonal treat is to keep a few decorating supplies on hand. these darling woodland sugars can be effortlessly popped on top of a mini cake making them look like a custom dessert!
cute toppings and candies can be easily stored and ready to adorn any treat in a pinch!
i also love to keep pretty napkins in my pantry…when they’re on sale i usually grab a pack or two! not only do they make a serving table look special but they can become a lovely and useful hostess gift too…so always be on the lookout!
if you keep a container of your favorite hot cocoa mix, a package of marshmallows, and some cute napkins on hand…you’ve got what you need to serve up some smiles!!
it’s feeling like fall…
let’s have a cocoa celebration!
you can find some of the products or similar items at…
Kirklands: porcelain pumpkins, plaid tins, chocolate stir-sticks
The Bakers Party Shop: woodland sugars
Bed Bath & Beyond: pump pot