This time of year, there are so many parties, that it can get a little bit dizzying to think of something fun and unique to do when having friends over.  I wanted to show you guys an easy idea that could probably be done with stuff you already have at home, but putting it all together in a cute way is something that visitors will definitely remember you for.

The hot chocolate bar cart is completely simple and fun.  If you’ve served a large dinner, having a warm drink afterwards is a nice change from a heavy dessert, and if you’re offering snacks and apps, a hot chocolate bar makes a wonderful complement to your desserts.

I went with a ‘retro cabin’ type look since my Christmas decor scheme is ‘cozy cabin’.  Arrange it on a fun and festive cart like this one (which is for rent!!) or a console table in your living room.  I like the idea of locating the desserts and after dinner drinks in the living area so people will gravitate there and sit, sip, and socialize for the rest of the night.  There are a few must-haves on my list for styling yourself the perfect hot chocolate bar.

Things to have on your cart:

• Hot Chocolate – I pre-measured scoops into the mugs so there wasn’t mess.  If you have individual servings like these fun treasures from Ticket Chocolate, that would be even more amazing.
• Mugs – break out some fun ones or make some fun custom mugs with a sharpie.
• Peppermint Stirrers – I just cut the curved portion off some candy canes.
• Marshmallows – for fun shapes it’s REALLY easy to make your own.  Check out my friend, Jacquelyn’s, instructions on using whipped topping to make fun shapes.
• A Thermal Carafe – keeps water or milk nice and warm
• Extras – Liqueurs (I used Bailey’s and Kahlua), flavored marshmallows, flavored whipped creams, chocolate shavings, the sky is really the limit here.

As I said earlier, a fun cart really helps bring this all together.  I was fortunate enough to meet Valerie at my West Elm event last month who introduced me to her vintage rentals company where I spied this gem.  If you haven’t thought about renting pieces in your town, do a quick search on bing!  I’m sure you’ll find some amazing pieces for a fraction of the price it would cost to buy a piece.

All of this just looks like so much fun, doesn’t it? What’s more is that both children and adults will love you for it.  At my friends giving a few weeks ago, my friends (who I didn’t really think would be into it) devoured the hot chocolate. Devoured it.

So, do something your friends and family will devour and take a few tips from above.  Similar colors, themes, and accessories will make the whole thing come together beautifully!

What would you include on your ‘Hot Chocolate’ bar cart?