United Supermarkets Blog

DIY Holiday Hot Cocoa Station

Written by Your Holiday Inspiration Guru | Nov 19, 2019 2:49:28 PM

When it’s cold outside, a cup of hot chocolate feels like a hug in a mug. Treat your guests to a sweet surprise this holiday season by recreating this festive hot cocoa station. Whether you want to set it up as a party starter to stave off the cold or as a customizable dessert, we guarantee empty mugs and smiles all around.

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Step 1: Start Your Station

Start setting up your hot cocoa bar by selecting a festive board to place your cups, hot water dispenser, and bowls of toppings. In addition to decorating your station, the board will also help contain any crumbs or spillage, making cleanup a breeze. 

Click here to download our FREE hot cocoa board map!

Step 2: Choose Merry Mugs

Select the mugs for your station and display them next to your board for people to grab as they please. For a more vintage vibe, mix and match your coffee cups. For a more polished look, consider solid, white mugs. 

Step 3: Load Up On Toppings

If it’s cheerful and sweet, there’s room for it at your station. Fill small bowls with different types of candy, snacks, and plenty of whipped cream to make your hot cocoa station decadent and oh-so Instagram-able. We recommend taking a walk down our bulk and candy aisles for the following: 

  •  Whipped Cream
  • Marshmallows
  • Coconut Shavings
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Mini Candy Canes
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Caramel Candy
  • Marshmallows
  • Mini Marshmallows
  • Pink and white marshmallow twists
  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Mini Chocolate Chips
  • Chocolate covered almonds or peanuts
  • Yogurt covered pretzels

Step 4: Don’t Skip the Drizzle

Finish off your hot cocoa station by setting out a few final toppers for your guests to drizzle over their custom delights.  We recommend the following: 

  • Caramel Sauce
  • Chocolate Sauce
  • Strawberry Sauce
  • Cinnamon Sugar

Step 6: Set Out the Sweet Stuff

Last but not least, add your hot cocoa powder to a fun jar or pre-pour it into your mugs to make the station easy for your guests to navigate.  

Holiday Pro-Tip: If you’re hosting an adults-only party, set out a few of your favorite liquors to give your station a deliciously boozy twist that will put everyone in the holiday spirit! 

Shop the Holidays

Let’s make some Christmas magic.  Shop online for your staples, reserve your holiday dinner, or plan your trip to a United Supermarkets near you.