What’s this time of year without a little hot cocoa?! As we’re prepping for all sorts of holiday fun, we keep reminding ourselves to take a moment, relax, enjoy the company of all the friends + family that are in town, and sip on something tasty. While the kiddos typically prefer the traditional hot chocolate packets, we wanted to spice things up a bit for the adults — introduce new flavors, add in some tequila and an assortment of other goodies. Yup, you read that right — tequila hot chocolate with some crushed peppermints is our new favorite thing! (What a way to warm up for the holidays, right?!)
Let’s dive in to all the delicious ingredients and see how to style one darling hot cocoa bar with labels from Avery! P.S. All of our label goodies are available as free downloads to create your own printables at home!
What You’ll Need:
- These templates from Avery – Round Labels (for the banner), Scallop Labels, (for the toppings) Square Labels (stickers that can go on spice jars, liquor or whip cream)
- Download our free printables
- Wooden Banner
- An assortment of different size bowls and cups (shop the exact ones we used in this post below!)
- Mugs, on mugs, on mugs (We especially love these mugs!)
- Stirring + serving spoons
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a family get-together, a fun game night, or just want to put out a hot cocoa bar because — styling goes a LONG way! And it just so happens to be one of our favorite parts… Even if you don’t fancy yourself a stylist, you can achieve a similar look by following our tips! We’ve got your back ;)
1. Create Different Levels, Use Textures + Add an Assortment of Ornaments
It’s all about creating little vignettes + making the whole table/bar extra cozy! For this, we’d suggest using a base tablecloth, then layering napkins or runners, and if you’ve got a chunky wool blanket like the one above — it would definitely add to the whole wintry vibe. While this setup could work with other colors + prints (particularly flannel for a more rustic/woodsy feeling), we opted for a neutral palette of creamy whites, black and grey, along with natural wood.
When it comes to levels, you can use large presents (or wrapped cardboard boxes, for that matter), serving platters, cake plates or bowls to create platforms. Having items displayed on different levels adds a bit more interest — plus this helps prevent different toppings from getting lost within the whole tablescape.
As for the ornaments, we opted for these darling patterned ornaments from Target! Other things that could be cute: small wreaths or freshly cut pine branches for a touch of greenery, small presents placed throughout, bows, garland, even poinsettia plants! The cozier the better.
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2. Add Cute Labels
Download our free Avery printables to duplicate the look above! Labels are especially helpful if there are any allergies amongst the crowd… Plus they’re absolutely adorable. :)
3. Get Creative With Toppings
Feel free to GO THERE — from crushed peppermint candy canes, snowflake marshmallows, and chocolate chips, to peanut butter cups, salted caramel delights, cinnamon + sugar, to Nutella wafers. The options are endless… Perhaps even throw in some holiday sprinkles, whipped cream, and chopped Oreos!
4. Mugs as Favors
As much as we would love to keep all of these Hearth & Hand with Magnolia mugs for ourselves, they make for fabulous favor gifts (especially at the price point of $3.99). Let your loved ones take home their delicious treats… Plus, that means less clean up for you! As a sweet touch, perhaps create a personalized tie on label (for the handle) with the name of each guest.
5. Bring on the Booze!
Last, but certainly not least, add a shot of booze for a fun twist! If you want to go more of a White Russian route, opt for vodka + Kahlua, or for an equally delicious hot chocolate take on Irish coffee — add a shot of whiskey. We are personally big tequila fans and love adding a bit of dark Casamigos Tequila and some crushed peppermints on top – YUM!
Doesn’t this look absolutely DIVINE?!
We’d love to hear how you’d spice up a hot cocoa bar — let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Happy holidays, everyone!!
Photos thanks to Sanaz Photography
This post is sponsored by Avery. All content, ideas, and words are by Green Wedding Shoes. Thanks for supporting our sponsors!
