We had our hot chocolate bar yesterday...

[clh2]

(Background - my 18YO DD wanted to have a hot chocolate bar when we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family).

DD wanted to have the various flavors of the Land-o-lakes hot chocolate mixes. This actually made things really easy - becasue we just set up the big coffee server thing and made "hot water" which was available all day with no muss or fuss. We also have tea drinkers in our group - so hot water was available for them too.

In addiiton to the flavored hot chocolate mixes - we took melted "mint chocolate" wafers, and dipped plastic spoons in them, and then put some peppermint crunch on the chocolate. They looked really festive! We also had whipped cream and marshmallows.

It ended up being easy peasy - and if we host again - I think this would be a "must-do". While I still feel that if we had "a bit more time" we could have had more stuff available - I'm not sure our group of 12 people warrant needing much more stuff.

I also put out the leftover candy canes that we had, some people grabbed those to use as stir sticks.

I purchased some glass Christmas mugs years ago - and that is what the hot chocolate was served in.

We tried to find the peppermint whipped cream, but just didn't find it. Ironically - my sister said she accidentally purchased some before Thanksgiving - wish we would have known - and had her bring that along. Lesson learned - look for that before Thanksgiving at Target of all places.

Oops - sorry - I didn't mean to post this on the budget board...

 

[christineann]

Sounds great! My daughter and I are going to do this next Christmas. Thanks for posting

 

[quandrea]

Sounds great! My daughter and I are going to do this next Christmas. Thanks for posting

I'm having a Valentine's Dinner party with my family and one other--six kids in all. I think I'll do this as part of the evening. Great idea.

 

[Anastasia]

I am very glad you posted this on the budget board - otherwise I would never have seen it!

My daugther turns 14 in February, and she is planning a Christmas themed party. This will be perfect!

 

[clh2]

I am very glad you posted this on the budget board - otherwise I would never have seen it!

My daugther turns 14 in February, and she is planning a Christmas themed party. This will be perfect!

Not that my opinion is biased or anything - that is a great idea - especially for that age! There are a few threads on the disboards with some great ideas - if you do a search!

 

[dbogen]

I believe I saw the peppermint mini marshmallows clearance at Target today. They would be a nice addition to the valentine or birthday party.

 

[MickeyP]

I would LOVE to do this for a birthday party in 2 weeks. Love this idea!!!! Here's a tall order: Can you post any pics of it?

 

[MickeyP]

You can also google search images. Here's a good one:

http://catchmyparty.com/blog/trends-holiday-party-hot-cocoa-bars

 

[pigletto]

Would be a great addition to a sledding party! I happen to have a nice big sledding hill across the street. Hmmm.. now I'm thinking. That's never a good thing

Too bad my kids birthdays are always March Break. I could plan a sledding party and end up with 60 degree weather. I suppose I could always make a back up plan. Geez.. I am like that "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.." book. You mention a Hot Chocolate Bar and all of a sudden I'm planning parties with back up parties

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

awesome idea!! I will have to remember this for next year!!!

 

[sissy_ib]

I'm going to have to put chocolate dipped spoons on my list of "to-dos" for next Christmas. We don't host anything but little coffee/hot chocolate kits with the spoons, a nice mug, nips (for the grownups only) and a few other goodies would be great.