The Real Chic Life

It’s officially party season but it doesn’t have to be all cocktails and high heels. George and I typically host a dressy holiday party where I spend that night flitting from group to group, but I’m looking for a way to gather in a more intimate and meaningful way this year. If you’re like me and the idea of mixing and mingling at lavish holiday parties is giving you a little anxiety at the moment, then scaling back to something simpler might just do the trick.

I believe that with everything being so polarized right now- creating a sense of community will be more important than ever, and there’s no better way to gather friends and family than with a cozy-themed party. 

Picture this: steaming mugs of rich cocoa, spiced cider, or frothy lattes served in a snug, candle-lit setting. Hosting a hot drink party is simple, inviting, and perfect for the season. Here’s your ultimate guide to creating the coziest gathering this winter.

1. Set the Cozy Holiday Scene

• Warm Lighting and Decor

Use soft lighting with candles, fairy lights, or a crackling fireplace to create a comforting glow. Those vibrant fireplace television screensavers work just fine too. 

Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, greenery, and dried oranges for a wintery touch.

• Themed Ambiance

Choose a theme: rustic cabin, minimalist chic, or a whimsical winter wonderland.

Set the table with mismatched mugs or elegant glassware, depending on the vibe.

2. Create a DIY Hot Drink Bar

A self-serve station allows guests to customize their drinks and makes hosting easier.

Offer a selection of warm beverages:

• Hot Chocolate: Classic or white chocolate options. I love this hot cocoa maker.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Mulled with cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices.
• Coffee and Espresso: Include decaf and flavored syrups.
• Chai Tea Latte: A warming, spiced option.

Set out an array of toppings for guests to get creative:

• Whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate shavings
• Cinnamon sticks, candy canes, and star anise
• Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut
• Liqueurs such as Bailey’s, Kahlúa, or spiced rum for adult-friendly drinks

Serving Tip-

Use insulated carafes or slow cookers to keep drinks warm throughout the event.

3. Pair Drinks with Cozy Treats

No hot drink party is complete without some delicious bites to pair with your beverages.

Here are some sweet treats that are certain to please-

• Cookies: Gingerbread, shortbread, or classic chocolate chip.
• Pastries: Mini cinnamon rolls or croissants.
• Cakes: Bundt cake, pound cake, or cupcakes with winter-themed frosting.
• Dipped Fruits: Strawberries, pretzels, or dried oranges in chocolate.

If you’re more inclined to go savory, here are some small snacks that pack a big punch-

• Mini sandwiches: Smoked salmon, cucumber, or turkey and cranberry sliders.
• Cheese board: Include a mix of cheeses, crackers, and nuts. This Beautiful Board book is chock full of ideas.
• Soup shooters: Small servings of tomato bisque or butternut squash soup for a warming touch.

4. Keep Guests Comfortable

Don’t forget the warm extras-

• Provide blankets and shawls for guests to wrap up in. This faux fur throw is one of my favorites. 
• Set up a fire pit or outdoor heaters if the party is outside.

Every party is more fun with a few engaging  activities-

• A mug-decorating station where guests can personalize their own mugs.
• Board games or storytelling for a laid-back vibe.
• Organize a hot drink tasting where guests vote on their favorite creations.

5. End with Thoughtful Favors

• Send guests home with small, cozy gifts to remember the evening:
• Mini jars of hot cocoa mix or spiced tea blends
• A personalized mug or mini marshmallow bag
• Candles in wintery scents like pine, vanilla, or cinnamon. This one is perfect for this time of year.

A cozy hot drink party is the perfect way to embrace the warmth and joy of the winter season. With the right drinks, snacks, and ambiance, you’ll create a memorable gathering your guests will love. Start planning now and get ready to sip, savor, and share in the magic of winter! 

Here’s a printable checklist with recipes for the drink bar.

I’d love to hear your cozy party suggestions. Leave them in the comments below!

Until Next Post, 

Xo Tonya Parker