Hot Chocolate Party

A hot chocolate party is one holiday celebration kids and adults can both get on board with. Steaming mugs of hot cocoa, gooey marshmallows, an assortment of sweet snacks — light up the fireplace, invite your friends, and we’ll show you how to pull it off.

Serve an assortment of hot chocolate flavors so guests can create their perfect cozy drink. Brew pitchers of classic, peppermint and salted caramel for variety, and offer decanters of rum or whiskey for the adults.

Festive spices and other add-ins make each cup special. Marshmallows — vanilla, chocolate and peppermint — are a must, but cinnamon sticks and candy-coated stirrers can be fun and unexpected. Set out a bowl of chocolate shavings for a decadent topping.

A plate of candies makes for sweet snacking, too — our peppermint bark is always a crowd-pleaser.

• Take hot chocolate to the next level with rich, creamy, perfectly frothed milk using an electric milk frother. Guests will taste the difference.
• A hot chocolate party is the perfect time to showcase your special holiday mugs. For a special treat, serve each guest a monogrammed mug and let them take it home as a gift. Alternatively, simple striped mugs make for cheerful sipping.
• We love the idea of hanging mugs on a vintage rack for a beautiful display. Arrange a variety of patterns on the rack and let everyone choose their favorite one.
• A stack of nostalgic plates and spoons looks inviting on a self-serve bar.