CelebrateAlyssa PonticelloDecember 14, 2021Entertaining, HolidaysComment

Cozy Winter Hot Chocolate Party

CelebrateAlyssa PonticelloDecember 14, 2021Entertaining, HolidaysComment

How to Throw an Outdoor Cozy Winter Hot Chocolate Party

Last winter, we put together a cozy little backyard hot chocolate party for a brand, and here we are almost a year later and I still can’t stop thinking about it because it was just that much fun.

Unfortunately, we won’t have time to host another one this holiday season but I do have time to share more about it so that perhaps you can get inspired to host your own cozy winter hot chocolate party. Keep scrolling and reading for all the details on how I put this together.

THE INSPO

I mentioned this in last week’s Month Ahead post, but last year I discovered “Home for Christmas” and it sent me spiraling deep into a hole of obsession with all things hygge holidays. So it should come as no surprise that that was my inspiration for the decor and vibes of this gathering. Well, that and our winter trip to Switzerland.

THE VIBES + DECOR

So what exactly does that mean for the vibe and decor? It means simple, organic, natural, neutrals. I kept the color palette neutral, with light linens and stoneware mugs. For decor, I kept it simple and natural, using organic materials, like vintage wooden boards, beeswax pillar candles in vintage lanterns (these lanterns are a similar style), fresh greens, wool blankets for people to stay warm, and, for the ultimate hygge touch, a faux fur sheepskin throw.

THE HOT CHOCOLATE BAR

Make a big batch of your favorite hot chocolate (my recipe below) or have plenty of your favorite mix on hand. For accoutrements, again, I stuck with more neutral, hygge things-

homemade style marshmallows (or try festive shaped and/or flavored ones for something extra special)
cinnamon sticks
dried orange slices
fresh rosemary
salted caramels
squares of really good chocolate
Maldon sea salt flakes

Other ideas include: candy canes, truffles, Andes mints, peanut butter cups, whipped cream, caramel and/or hot fudge sauce, toffee bits, marshmallow fluff, mini marshmallows.

Cookies, especially pirouettes, are fun to have on the side, as well. And, while not necessary, you can also have things like bourbon, kahlua, Mr. Black, creme de cacao, etc. to add in as an extra special boozy treat.

MY HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

serves 2 (can easily be doubled, tripled, etc.)

2 cups milk of your choice
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar (I like to use dark chocolate but you can use any chocolate of your choice)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional)
pinch of sea salt (optional)

Combine everything in a small pan over medium heat, whisking until combined, the chocolate is melted and the milk is hot (but not boiling). Serve immediately.

Alternatively, combine + heat everything except for the chocolate. Divide the chocolate between 2 mugs (so 2 tbsp. per mug). Then pour the hot chocolate on top. Stir and enjoy the melted chocolate as you sip on the hot chocolate.