The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind, especially if you’re the one hosting family and friends. Between planning meals, decorating, and creating a cozy atmosphere, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
One of our go-to Christmas party ideas is a hot chocolate bar. It’s a fun, low-cost treat that friends and family can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting kids, adults, or a mix of both, it always seems to be a hit!
Why a Hot Chocolate Bar?
Hot chocolate bars are customizable, they give guests something to do, and help to create a festive atmosphere.
While you can always opt for store-bought hot chocolate powder, once you’ve tried this homemade version, there’s no going back. It’s creamy, rich, and it’s so easy.
Crowd-Pleasing Hot Chocolate Recipe
1 Gallon-Bulk Recipe for 8-10 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 gallon of milk (Whole milk is my favorite for creaminess, but any milk works. For a dairy-free option, try Planet Oat Extra Creamy Oat Milk)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (Hershey’s or Ghirardelli are my favorite)
- 2 cups of chocolate chips (Ghirardelli semi-sweet is my go-to)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients in a large pot, saucepan, or crockpot over medium heat.
- Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the chocolate chips melt into a smooth, creamy texture.
- Once heated to your desired serving temperature, transfer it to an insulated beverage dispenser to keep it warm.
Creative Topping Ideas
The best part of a hot chocolate bar is letting guests customize their drinks! Here’s a list of toppings we included in ours:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Sprinkles (holiday-themed for extra flair)
- Peppermint bark chocolates
- Pirouette cookies
- Candy canes as stirrers
- Danish butter cookies
- Chocolate spoons
Styling Your Hot Chocolate Bar
When setting up our hot chocolate bar, our kitchen’s dark wood cabinets, white quartz countertops, and forest green backsplash provided the perfect cozy backdrop. We leaned into warm tones and natural textures for a layered, inviting look.
- Layering with Texture: We placed burlap placemats (found on Amazon) under the hot chocolate dispenser and topping trays. This added a rustic, homey feel.
- Wood Accents: Wooden serving trays displayed toppings beautifully, while our dispenser sat on a dark wood stand that tied the look together.
- Festive Greenery: A garland with pinecones lined the countertop, complemented by mini pine tree figurines.
- Charming Decor: White ceramic Christmas village houses added a whimsical touch, nestled between the greenery
Hosting Tips for Success
Mix up your hot chocolate ingredients ahead of time, and consider including an adult-friendly option, like a bottle of Baileys or peppermint schnapps for a spiked hot cocoa!
Happy Holidays from Kadilak Homes!
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