This decadent hot cocoa station is the perfect addition to your holiday party. Decorated in a nostalgic vibe, it’s sure to warm the hearts (and hands) of your guests!
It was around this time last year that I spotted a hot cocoa station on Pinterest and decided I wanted to create one of my own for this holiday season. I began planning the style back in November, and when a “secret box” of ornaments from Pottery Barn showed up at my door, it was the missing piece I needed to tie everything together.
The color of candy cane red combined with robin’s egg blue and, of course, a background of white, is a scheme I have always been drawn to. There’s something about it that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
After spotting these inexpensive blue mugs and their matching bowls, I had my jumping off point. A little more shopping around, including a few thrift shops, as well as my own cupboards, and I was able to put together the perfect station for warming up after a skating party or day of skiing on New Year’s Day.
Of course, what’s a hot cocoa station without the cocoa? I splurged on my favorite Godiva hot chocolate mix and transferred it into one of the snowflake glass canisters I made a while back. For the variety of decadent toppings (the best part!), I used glass sugar bowls that have a vintage look and a shaker for some sprinkles.
I used the other two snowflake canisters for marshmallows and caramels (yum…, salted caramel hot chocolate anyone?).
What would you put in your cocoa? White chocolate chips, mini chips or shavings? A candy cane for mint flavor? Sprinkles? Whipped cream?
So what exactly was in that surprise box from Pottery Barn? The most adorable collection of vintage style ornaments! Can anyone say “kid in a candy store!” Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Isn’t that car so fun? And what makes it even better is the pint sized holiday trailer!
And what about this beautiful Christmas tree cloche? Love, love, love…
Want something sweet to eat, too?
Help yourself to some popcorn, a pizzelle or a pretzel or two. Or maybe you can’t get enough chocolate?
Can’t stay long? Then take your hot chocolate to go!
And please take another with a packet of hot cocoa mix tucked inside for later!
Warm now? Good!
I had so much fun putting this hot cocoa bar together and I know everyone will enjoy using it! If you’re wanting to get all of the details (where I got everything and how I put it together) I’ll be sharing it in a post very soon!
*Update- find that post here.
A big thank you to Pottery Barn for sending me a “surprise box” of ten beautiful ornaments.
Happy holidays,
I am hosting a brunch next weekend and I’ll have to set-up a fun hot cocoa station for the kids!! Great ideas Shauna! And i loooove the Christmas tree under your glass dome. How sweet.
Thanks Nicki! The kids (and adults) will love it (especially if you include a little baileys!).
Now that is a beautiful hot chocolate station! I love love the colours and those ornaments are the cutest!
Thank you Jo-Anna. I had so much fun putting it together, and the ornaments were just what I needed to give it that nostalgic vibe I was going for.
I love your hot cocoa station! I’ve been pinning them away with plans to add cocoa to my coffee bar. The to go cups for the kids would be great when we drive around and look at Christmas lights.
I pinned a few last year and made sure I got around to doing my own this year. Your kids will love it!
I love the idea of having a station like this out for the holidays! And how pretty is yours?!?!?! Amazing job.
I love this! The light blue colour of the mugs and dishes adds a classy punch of colour other than the traditional red and white. The hot cocoa station is such a great idea for the holidays!
I love how you incorporated the light blue coloured dishes into your station. The blue adds a nice pop of colour against the red and white. I want to have one of these at my house over the holidays – great idea!!
This is.. Bliss!
What a fantastic and fun way to spread holiday cheer!
You have got me in the holiday spirit! I can’t wait for snowy days now! I love the little ornaments- so charming!
Wow, can I come skating with you? I want to come back to warm up with your cocoa. The station looks amazing, perfect for this time of year.
Debbie :)
This is so inspiring.You’ve inspired me to do a hot cocoa station over the holidays. We are planning a sleigh ride and this will be perfect to come back to!
I just pinned a Hot Cocoa station the other day! Love the idea, and yours is just awesome – the colours are so perky and fun. And… I would put shavings in mine! Oh, and if you have too many of the Pottery Barn ornaments, I can help you with that!! ;-)
Oh, I bet you and a whole slough of other people would take them off my hands!
I love that colour combo too. The Pottery Barn decorations add the perfect finishing touch. I love the idea of a hot cocoa bar for any winter gathering.
Oh Shauna!! Your hot cocoa station looks just beautiful and those ornaments – gorgeous!!
Great idea! This is the kind of thing that would go over great with any crowd. Thanks for sharing!
What a fabulous post! I love this idea for a party with kids after playing outside. Beautiful photography. Sharing this post on fb :)
Thank you for sharing- so sweet of you!
I am SO jealous, Shauna! Those are gorgeous. I want Pottery Barn to send me something!
I know! So fortunate!
Looks so yummy and cute!
I love that snowflake canister! It’s too cute. The whole idea of the hot cocoa bar is wonderful. My kids would love it (especially if there were allowed to heap it full of marshmallows too!)
Thanks Kathryn. Kids (and adults) love it!
Looks like a delicious party!
I love PB – I love your hot cocoa station! I’d love to swing by your home sometime to have a cup of it and dish Shauna!! Happy Holidays! Heather~
Thanks Heather. Of course you can stop by anytime. I’d love to chat over a cup of cocoa!
mmmmm I’ll be right over! What a fabulous collection you’ve put together. Love those dishes too – where oh where did you get those??
Great idea!
I’m ready for you Anne! P.S. I’m posting all the details next week on where to get everything, so stay tuned!
Your hot cocoa station is beautiful! I love the idea of having the to-go cups as well.
Thank you, Shareba. It really is a lot of fun over the holidays!