Cozy up with a cocoa party!

When the weather outside is frightful, a steaming mug of hot cocoa is so delightful! Invite your nearest and dearest to celebrate the season in a merry setting filled with fun!

Wow them with a cocoa bar

It's a cinch to set up a hot cocoa station, like this one styled by The Crafting Chicks (TheCrafting Chicks.com). To get the look, cut a large square from a craft-store paper roll, add a merry message and hang it up. Push a table under the sign; top with a buffalo plaid cloth and tiered dessert servers. Next, add a carafe of hot water or milk, powdered cocoa, mugs of mix-ins and cute to-go cups. To finish, add mini red tree accents and fir sprigs.

Surprise guests with adorable favors

Homemade jars of cocoa mix will warm hearts! To do: For each 8 oz. jar, use a funnel to layer the following ingredients: 3 Tbs. of turbinado sugar, a pinch of salt and 4 Tbs. of unsweetened cocoa powder. Top with mini marshmallows. Wrap the lid in plaid cloth, cinch with baker's twine and tie on a straw. Each jar makes 2 servings of cocoa; mix with hot water or milk to enjoy.

Elevate mugs with fun mix-ins

All it takes to fancy up ordinary mugs of hot cocoa is a cheery buffet of mix-ins. To do: Gather a mix of mugs, glass jars and ramekins, then fill each with creative add-ins like peppermints, holiday-themed candy chips, cinnamon sticks, caramel, extra cocoa powder and mini marshmallows. Add a small tray of spoons for mixing. Tip: Add your own DIY paper labels so guests can easily see all the options!

Say cheers with an on-theme signature sip