The holiday season is just around the corner and with it comes a bevy of celebrations. What better way to usher in the joyful season than with a hot cocoa bar?
A hot cocoa bar can be adapted to fit any party size. If you’re setting up one for just your family, use five toppings max to prevent a lot of leftovers. If you’re making one for a large gathering, go all out and offer a variety of toppings and hot chocolate flavors. That way, guests can easily craft their own personalized gourmet drink.
A hot cocoa bar set-up can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, from a crate on your kitchen counter to a detailed buffet or sidebar—whatever floats your boat.
What should you put in your hot cocoa bar? Stick with the tried and tested basic ingredients. This includes:
I’ve rounded up hot cocoa bar ideas for Christmas to help you host an unforgettable treat. Read on!
This cocoa nook is brimming with color thanks to the red and green of the thermos collection. A light green garland and Christmas tree blend in effortlessly with the rest of the decor. The antique two-tier tray at the bottom adds a cool vintage feel to this elaborate setup.
This corner hot cocoa bar on the kitchen countertop is a testament that you don’t need much to create a gorgeous bar. Pops of plaid pattern plus the Santa mugs invite holiday cheer, while the miniature Christmas tree perfectly complements the green backsplash.
Looking for something a little more elegant? This modern mid-century space delivers just that. The natural wood in the overhead shelves and cabinet infuses warm color to the neutral space. The bar’s uncluttered nature and monochromatic palette make it perfect for any minimalist.
Cozy up to a cup of hot chocolate on a cold snowy Christmas morning thanks to this all-white cocoa/coffee bar on the shelf. The cream Santa figurines and stark white Santa mugs bring in the festive vibe.
Looking for a simple hot cocoa bar setup? Use a floating shelf to hold your essentials, then incorporate one huge wooden sign to act as an anchor. The seasonal sign, felt garland, and pops of plaid add a burst of color and dimension to the whole space.
A bar cart is an excellent spot to display your hot cocoa bar particularly if you’re swamped for space. An industrial white bar cart infuses a farmhouse vibe to the whole area. The Christmas-themed shelf liners add a seasonal touch and can easily be swapped out for other holidays.
Looking for a cabinet hot cocoa bar that incorporates traditional Christmas colors? Red, green, and white hues bring the essence of the holiday season into this kitchen hutch. Fresh greenery on the shelves balances out the vibrancy of the red colors. String lights on top add a bit of sparkle.
Even if you’re low on space, you can still pull off a small cocoa bar with a simple setup just like in this kitchen. The white Santa mugs beautifully contrast against the rich, wooden shelf. The felt ball garland instantly brightens the whole display and adds subtle pops of color.
If you’re looking for a neutral cocoa bar, this all-white setup on the countertop might be perfect for you. The red tones in the Santa mugs and sign plus fresh foliage provide much-needed dashes of color. The woven tray adds character and a touch of natural beauty to soften up the space.
If you want a large and spacious cocoa bar, build your bar into the kitchen countertop. The distressed metal in the trays and raised chopping board introduces rustic farmhouse charm. Crochet detailing on the tiny kitchen towels adds visual texture.
Using a bar cart as your display station is inexpensive and saves tons of space. The pinecone and fresh pine leaves at the top infuse a Christmas vibe while the large seasonal sign acts as an anchor and introduces a fun, finishing touch.
If you prefer a simple setup, tuck your hot cocoa bar beside the stairs and add only the basics to keep it from looking chaotic. The open shelves in this bar provide ample space to hold essentials while also displaying Christmas decorations and a seasonal sign.
The layering of different textures (wooden shelves & boards, ceramic utensils, and vintage metals) produces a rich c that’s cozy and full of depth. The green Christmas trees complement the serene blue hue of the backsplash. Since the trees come in varying sizes, it helps add height and interest to the whole look.
The first thing that catches your eye in this bar is the buffalo check runner. This bold plaid against the white furniture and walls delivers vibrant pops of color. Fresh greenery in the garland and Christmas trees helps visually balance the bright colors while the weathered cabinet adds a sense of history.
You don’t have to stick to the traditional red and green colors. Go for a white and black palette instead, just like in this table bar. A flocked Christmas tree turns this bar into a winter wonderland and effortlessly blends in with the overall black and white theme. The plaid touches add visual interest.
If you’re making a cocoa bar for only your family members, a small setup similar to this would suffice. The two weathered trays hold everything together, while the banner and seasonal sign add a fun touch to the space. Pops of red on the mugs, towel, and felt garland introduces color to an otherwise neutral scheme.
Instead of setting up a hot cocoa bar on the kitchen countertop, station one on your dining room hutch, especially when hosting friends. The ample space allows you to display several toppings and treats. Decorate with a wooden sign, tiny Christmas trees, and garland to embody the jolly holiday vibe.
For something simple, show off your hot cocoa bar in a tiered tray. When using a tray, reduce the number of ingredients, and you display treats on a charcuterie board to maximize space.
A hot cocoa bar doesn’t have to be elaborate. Repurpose your old trays, then include Christmas decor accents for that cheerful holiday vibe. The letterboard in this cocoa bar offers a trendy and retro addition to the whole setup.
The red color in this hot cocoa bar evokes a festive and cheery mood. The three-tiered tray is perfect for serving a variety of treats, while also saving on counter space. Chocolate spoons infuse a little kick of flavor into your beverage.
Snuggle up to a mug of hot chocolate thanks to this fuss-free cocoa bar on the countertop doubling up as a coffee bar. The wood in the open shelf adds texture and warm touch, while the black hook rod and tray lend an industrial vibe for a modern farmhouse look.
The rawness of the wooden shelves on this organized countertop bar brings in a natural touch and a timeless appeal. On the other hand, the two-tier shelf with black framing introduces an industrial vibe to the modern farmhouse kitchen.
Spice up a neutral hot cocoa bar with a large fresh garland draped along the pristine white cabinet just like this kitchen cocoa bar. The green foliage gives off the Christmassy vibe, perfect for the holidays. The huge cocoa sign makes a beautiful statement as well.
Do you want a hot cocoa bar with tons of texture and Christmas colors? This countertop bar combines different types of holiday decor, seasonal signs, colors, and utensils to form an interesting composition. Sprinkles of fresh greenery bring the outdoors in. The natural elements on the pinecones and unfinished wood lend a rustic charm to the space.
Written by We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here. The chicest way to inject an instant update into your home is with one of these black-and-white living room ideas. Pare back on color schemes that
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Written by We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here. Modern farmhouse décor is all about combining modern design elements with rustic farmhouse touches. Cozy, yet contemporary and stylish, modern farmhouse décor will add beauty to
