Hot Chocolate Bar - need ideas please!

[clh2]

We are "stuck" hosting my family's Christmas. I'm not happy about this...but it is what it is.

Anywho - my DD suggested having a hot-chocolate bar.

So - what would we serve at a hot chocolate bar?

Thanks!!!

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Whipped cream
mini-marshmallows
chocolate sprinkles
shaved chocolate (white, dark, milk)
crushed candy canes
cinnamon sticks
cocoa powder in a shaker
caramel syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate dipped spoons for stirring
Flavoured syrups (hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, etc.)

...you could also have several types of hot chocolate (white, milk, dark).

 

[SallySkelington]

I would start by looking at the different types of hot chocolate available, like caramel and vanilla etc. You could also serve little commodities such as whip cream, sprinkles, different kinds of marshmallows in little bowls and have little treats that go well with hot chocolate such as cookies and have them set up on those cute little serving trays that have several levels to save space. You could also offer eggnog as an alternative holiday drink.

Also I think your DD's idea is wonderful!

 

[SallySkelington]

Whipped cream
mini-marshmallows
chocolate sprinkles
shaved chocolate (white, dark, milk)
crushed candy canes
cinnamon sticks
cocoa powder in a shaker
caramel syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate dipped spoons for stirring
Flavoured syrups (hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, etc.)

...you could also have several types of hot chocolate (white, milk, dark).

I love all of these! Especially the shaved chocolate and crushed peppermint! Yumm!

Found some picture inspiration for you below.
Hot Chocolate Bar Inspiration - Heather's Glen

 

[Zooshoveller]

Marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, sprinkles, expresso shots, bailey's shots, toffee chips, cinnamon

 

[bas71873]

Could also have out chocolate dipped plastic spoons (google that. They are really easy to make). You could also dip marshmallow 1/2 way in chocolate.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

Marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, sprinkles, expresso shots, bailey's shots, toffee chips, cinnamon

mmmm...forgot about the alcohol options. I love bailey's in my hot chocolate, but could also include kahlua, grand marnier, peppermint shnapps, etc. If it's a mixed age party, though, you might want to keep those up on a higher shelf .

I also like the espresso shot idea, or even just offering coffee along with the hot chocolate, so that people could make fancy coffees or mochas as well!

 

[design_mom]

I think your plans sound like lots of fun. I saw these cute candy-cane marshmallow pops that I think would be festive for your hot chocolate bar.

 

[lynxstch]

Whipped cream
mini-marshmallows
chocolate sprinkles
shaved chocolate (white, dark, milk)
crushed candy canes
cinnamon sticks
cocoa powder in a shaker
caramel syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate syrup in a squeeze bottle
chocolate dipped spoons for stirring
Flavoured syrups (hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, etc.)

...you could also have several types of hot chocolate (white, milk, dark).

Sounds like you've done this before..lol! All great ideas!

 

[clh2]

Oh Goodness - these are all GREAT ideas!

Alcohol is a "dicey" subject, and I don't think my sister would want that out - due to recent issues with my nephew. It would be easier to monitor an alcoholic punch and a non-alcholic punch. I do not want to babysit a hot-chocolate bar. Maybe I just need to have something "with a kick" for when everyone leaves.

 

[shortbun]

Oh Goodness - these are all GREAT ideas!

Alcohol is a "dicey" subject, and I don't think my sister would want that out - due to recent issues with my nephew. It would be easier to monitor an alcoholic punch and a non-alcholic punch. I do not want to babysit a hot-chocolate bar. Maybe I just need to have something "with a kick" for when everyone leaves.

Keep the kahalua in your bedroom and take your sister up there for a talk and a shot. No one will know. You might also want to find a mix that is decaffeinated as all that sugar and caffeine might buzz people a lot.

 

[disneyhand]

So many great ideas already mentioned.

The Hershey Candy Cane kisses would be really good in hot chocolate.

I've bought festive holiday marshmallows in the past and they would be fun.

 

[denisem]

OP, I realize you want to limit the alcohol options, but just wanted to add for others that butterscotch schnapps is WONDERFUL in hot chocolate!

 

[keypooh90]

Those all sound like so much fun! In fact, my mom and I were talking tonight about trying spiked hot chocolate! Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Have you been on Pintrest? They have some great ideas. Here is a link to one place to get some ideas.

http://fetefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/12/hot-beverage-bar.html

 

[clh2]

Have you been on Pintrest? They have some great ideas. Here is a link to one place to get some ideas.

http://fetefanatic.blogspot.com/2010/12/hot-beverage-bar.html

Nice link. (Pinterest isn't one of my normal 'go-to' places - I much prefer the DISboards first!)

 

[aprilgail2]

I buy the bottle of peppermint from starbucks that they use for the peppermint hot chocolate they make there. They sell you the whole bottle (its pretty big!) for like 10.00! They don't have them out you just ask them and they sell it to you.

 

[bellebud]

just went to a Quick Check tonight and in their hot chocolate machine, they had regular, caramel and salted caramel. OMG, the salted caramel was to die for!!! So if you do different flavors, I recommend finding that recipe!