Portable Hot Chocolate Station (With FREE Printable Labels!)

The snow has arrived!  We're enjoying our first winter in our new house, and wow, what a gorgeous view we have!

Chilly temperatures, snow and sun definitely call for hot chocolate.  In fact ... 'tis the season for hot chocolate!

I love the idea of having a hot chocolate bar whenever we have gatherings at our house, but a permanent one wasn't really something I was considering.  But on our counter, we had this galvanized metal mason jar holder filled with re-purposed tomato sauce jars holding random dry goods in it -- coffee beans, dried cranberries, oats ... 

Galvanized Metal Jar Holder - Check Your Local Thrift Stores!

The random dry goods were fine, but they weren't terribly aesthetically pleasing.  

But hot chocolate mixes and toppings -- well, they are definitely MUCH prettier!

And so the idea was born - why not create a portable, functional, and pretty Hot Chocolate Station?

So here's what I did:

I emptied and washed the jars out, and then filled them hot chocolate mix and toppings:

• Regular Hot Chocolate Mix (ie. Carnation)
• Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Mix
• White Hot Chocolate Mix
• Mini Marshmallows
• Broken Abuelita Mexican Hot Chocolate Drink Mix Tabs

I had most of these ingredients already in my pantry.  You could easily substitute in whatever toppings and hot chocolate mixes you already have!

Then, I designed and printed these super cute labels.  I printed 2 for each jar - one for the front of the jar, and one for the lid.  

I also printed a label for the front.  I punched holes in the top corners, and tied it onto the tray with leftover Christmas ribbon (which made me feel so good about using up some of our leftover wrapping supplies!).

I scrounged a smaller jam jar from my fridge, and filled it with some decorative collector's spoons.  These spoons are mostly for show, but make excellent stirrers.

I arranged each of the jars in the metal tray.  It is the perfect (delicious!) addition to our winter decor, and it's really practical to serve with.  I bring the entire tray, along with mugs and a kettle of hot water, straight to the coffee table.  Everyone can create their own style of hot chocolate with the various ingredients.  So much fun!

Interested in making your own?  Shop your kitchen!  

If you don't already have jars or a tray, check your local thrift stores - often they'll have a variety of both items.

For a variety of hot chocolate mixes, try the Bulk Barn, or your local bulk food store.  You'll be able to buy exactly as much as you need without extra packaging, and often priced at quite a bit less than the grocery store.

And don't forget the labels!  They really tie it all together.  

⬇️ Download Printable Labels 

⬇️ Editable version on Google Slides 

They can be printed on 8.5" x 11" paper or sticker sheets, cut out, and attach to your jars.  

Enjoy!

What's your favourite hot chocolate topping?