Years ago, I worked with a lovely woman named Polly. Kind, thoughtful, and considerate, she made going to the office so much more enjoyable. And, she loved celebrating and decorating for holidays just as much as I do! One of the things I appreciated most was how she turned our office kitchen into a little sanctuary, with special themed dishes (football plates, Halloween bowls), charming décor (sparkly Christmas snowflakes suspended from the ceiling), and yummy seasonal treats – especially the winter hot cocoa bar!
There’s something so warm and cozy about hot cocoa in the darkest days of winter. And today, with a high temperature forecast of merely 24 degrees and a blanket of snow just waiting to be shoveled, I could use a bit of that right now. So, taking my cue from Polly, I’ve set up a small tray at my home coffee station with cocoa and all the fixins!
If you’d like to set up a hot cocoa bar (at the office or at home) here’s what you’ll need:
- A pretty tray to corral the elements and cut down on visual clutter
- Cute mugs (Lately, I’ve been obsessed with these cute polka dots mugs from Emma Bridgewater.)
- Spoons, stirrers, or chocolate dipped spoons
- Cocoa (You can always use packets, but it’s easy to make you own – I use Ghirardelli Sweet Ground Dark Chocolate & Cocoa Powder. Check Chef’s Resource for the perfect recipe.)
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks
- Marshmallows (mini, regular sized, or fun flavors)
- Leftover candy canes (You can use them as stirrers or crush to powder and sprinkle on top.)
- Caramel or other liquid coffee flavoring (Torani offers many options and they even come with a pump!)
- Mini chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, or white chocolate chips
- And don’t forget to stash some whipped cream in the fridge
Thanks so much for visiting! While you are here, please take a moment to enter one of our new home, garden, and style giveaways. And, if you enjoyed this Hot Cocoa Bar post, please visit In the Kitchen for even more essentials, trends and inspiration.
NEED A PRODUCT REVIEW? Have a fashion, beauty or style product line and want an honest evaluation? Want to create a giveaway or promotion? Please contact us!
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this Hot Cocoa Bar post. However, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be good for my readers.
Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.