Christmas may be over but Winter is just getting started. It was in the negatives here over the weekend and brutally cold at times. So what better way to spend frigid winter days than with hot cocoa in hand?

Over New Year’s Weekend we hosted my family for chili and hot cocoa. We had planned on going skating in between dinner and the cocoa bar, but the below zero temps kept us inside instead. Regardless a cocoa bar was a fun way to spend the evening with everyone and I hope we get to do it again next year.A Cocoa Bar is fun for any occasion whether its a cozy date night, afternoon with the kids, or a gathering with friends and family.

Cocoa- I used this Ghirardelli Cocoa which is my favorite mix. But I also love this recipe and this melting chocolate. For large batches, make the cocoa in the crockpot (lesson learned: start it sooner than you think you will need to).

Toppings- Assemble a variety of toppings to use. I had crushed peppermint, M-n-M’s, marshmallows, and whipped cream. A few other fun toppings you could use are caramel sauce, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed toffee.

Treats- Having a few extra treats and goodies is never a bad idea. I made a few of our families favorites and added pirouettes and stroopwafels as well (more favorites).Plates: Mark & Graham (similar here and here) | Napkins: Mark & Graham (cocktail version here)| Platter: Target