During the winter a Hot Cocoa Bar is the perfect way to keep guest warm and toasty when it’s chilly outside. It’s simple and fun for all ages and the possibilities are endless. This year I’m transforming my thrift store bar cart into a Hot Cocoa Bar Cart for our annual Favorite Things Party.
This year’s Favorite Things Party is going to have a cozy cabin feel with a touch of glam. Last year I made these darling Oh Deer Coffee Mugs and then after discovering all of the goodies at the Target Dollar Spot I knew they would be perfect for creating a simple hot cocoa bar.
I simply couldn’t help myself when I spotted all the goodies at the Target Dollar Spot. I wanted one (or more like 10) of everything. I loaded up my cart and still wish I had gotten more once I got home and started working on projects…of course everything is gone now. Boo. If anyone runs across any of those plaid favor bags and want to send me so I would love you forever. 😉
I stocked the cart with lots of mugs, festive paper straws, and some of the essentials for creating the perfect cup of steaming hot cocoa.
I found this plaid picture frame at Michaels that perfectly matched my theme and I couldn’t help but add one of my favorite holiday photos from our very first hot cocoa stand back in 2011. To add a little bit of glam I created a simple and inexpensive Rustic Glam Holiday Sign. I used this SVG file and my Cricut to create this sweet little sign.
I love these hot chocolate spoons, especially when entertaining a crowd. They are easy and much less mess than having everyone scoop in powder and stir.
Of course, guest will still be able to add in their favorite fixins like marshmallows, whipped toppings and peppermint.
Last year I used Pen N’ Paper printable Baby It’s Cold Outside chalkboard sign for our Hot Cocoa Stand and because I tend to hoard things I still had it rolled up in my craft closet. I have a giant chalkboard, but I haven’t mastered the art of hand writing yet so I decided to just mount the print to my chalkboard. I added some garland and hung it above my cute little hot cocoa bar cart.
I hope that my girl friends will love getting cozy with a cup of hot cocoa and sharing their favorite things at our holiday party! Plus, I think this would be fun to leave out all holiday season for the kids to enjoy too!
What do you think, would you have a hot cocoa bar cart at your next holiday party?
Tania // Run to Radiance says
I love this entire thing! It’s so festive and pretty. The dollar spot at Target is my weakness!
Mariah says
Thank you Tania, mine too! I swear I go in there for 1 thing and leave with 20! 🙂
Iris @ The Blue Birdhouse says
Your hot cocoa cart is beyond amazing!! I love it. I love hot cocoa so much I think we all need a place dedicated for it. 😀 I love the warm Christmasy feel it has with the red and plaid. And where did you get those cute red chalk board cups.
Wish I could come over and sip some hot chocolate from your fancy cart.
Iris♥
The Blue Birdhouse – DIY Blog
Mariah says
Thanks Iris, I loved it so much too I’ve decided to leave it out all season too! I found the red chalkboard mugs at Target in the Dollar Spot!
Sandi Magle says
This is a really cute and cheery post. We have 10″+ of snow on the ground at this point and it is still coming down…and oh what I wouldnt’ do for a cup of hot chocolate. Adorable ideas, and you show what you can do if you stick to a simple theme. Thanks, Sandi
Mariah says
Wow, 10″ of snow! We get excited when the temperature dips below 60 here in Texas and we get to break out the hot cocoa mugs. Stay warm! 🙂
Sarah @ Pebbles and Peonies says
This is a great idea! I think a cocoa bar is a great addition for a party or even during the winter season.
Mariah says
Thank you Sarah, I agree you can’t go wrong with a hot cocoa bar when it’s cold outside!
maryjo materazo says
love this! the plaid details are great. love the reindeer mugs. so many great goodies. i’ve stayed away from target lately (on purpose) and good thing i have. lol. xo- maryjo
Sandra says
You have thought of everything, this is gorgeous!
Mariah says
Thank you Sandra, I had a little too much fun shopping at Target for all the goodies! 🙂
Pamela J Smith says
This looks great! I just redid a vintage bar cart this summer and this would be perfect! Here is the link if you would like to check it out-
http://homeonthecorner.com/2015/08/17/fabulous-vintage-beverage-cart-makeover/. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Mariah says
Thank you Pamela, I just love my vintage bar car! Your blue bar cart is amazing!
Cris says
This is the most amazing hot cocoa bar cart… ever! You are so creative!
Mariah says
You are too kind thank you for the sweet comment!
Lequita Craig says
If you need some extra plaid bags let me know. I was going to use them to give gifts to my male coworkers but procrastinated long enough that it didn’t happen. LOL
Mariah says
Awww thanks Lequita, I ended up finding a few more after I stalked every Target in a 30 mile radius! LOL 😉 Hopefully you’ll find another use for them since they are so cute!