coffee and cocoa bar

Yesterday was Christmas Craft Party 2013.

Twenty of us had a glorious afternoon socializing, eating, drinking, and of course, crafting.

I’ll share the crafts and recipes with you as the week goes on, but first I want to show you the Coffee and Cocoa Bar.

Since the crafting was done outside and the high on Sunday was an unusually chilly 55 degrees, hot beverages were a must.

I used a vintage 7-Up crate to hold the mugs and slipped some winter greens in there too.

A three-tiered galvanized tray held the various accouterments. Everyone knows that a splash of Bailey’s or Kahlua always adds a little extra “warmth” to your cocoa and coffee!

Malted milk balls, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.

Honey sticks, peppermint stirs, and Andes mints. Red and white striped straws added a fun and festive touch.

Santa brought a variety of sugars and sweeteners.

Over on the cocoa table, there were four flavors offered; milk chocolate, French vanilla, mint chocolate, and caramel cream. Plus a salted caramel sweet chai tea latte mix from Trader Joe’s.

I found these white chocolate-mint pretzel stars at Costco. They are the bomb! Seriously addicting!

You can’t have hot cocoa without mini marshmallows!

The best part of the day though… was this…

Fifteen-day-old Brooklyn!

Blog follower and new friend, Raechel (who we all first met at the Fall Craft Party in October when she was 8 months pregnant) brought her sweet newborn daughter to meet everyone. Not only is she an absolute doll, but Brooklyn is the most content little thing. Never heard a peep out of her.

Thank you, Raechel, and thank you to all the lovely women who came and created!