Forget the hot chocolate bar and set a pretty and creative Christmas tablescape for serving some homemade cookies and cocoa to your holiday guests this year!
CHRISTMAS | Updated November 5, 2023
The holidays are so busy that we tend to forget about casual entertaining.
We all have dinners to attend and friends and family to visit. Time is spent planning elaborate meals and party preparations. Of course you want to put a little extra effort into making things nice and memorable for your guests.
A few weeks ago, I shared a few ideas for setting a beautiful dinner table for the holidays and there are so many more tablescapes out there to inspire you with ideas for your own home, but what about just a casual afternoon gathering between friends?
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Today I wanted to step back away from needing chargers and fancy dinnerware to think about how to creatively set the table for just sharing some cookies and hot chocolate or coffee on a Saturday afternoon. Because as much as I love setting an elaborate table, I equally enjoy keeping things casual and just enjoying the time with those gathering at my home.
This idea would be perfect during a gift wrapping or holiday crafting session with a few close friends. Setting up a coffee or cocoa bar is popular during events like these, but I like the idea of everyone being able to sit down together and have everything within reach of anyone who would like more.
Although the purpose of this table is simple, that doesn't mean that it has to be boring or lacking in interesting details.
While my Christmas tablescape was a perfect mix of rustic and elegant, I chose to keep this idea a bit more county with plaids and cozy textures. A traditional color palette of greens and reds seemed appropriate.
Cookies have been displayed on simple white plates distributed across the tabletop. Serve up a few different kinds that you've baked in your own kitchen (these are some of my favorite cookie recipes) or keep it simple with store-bought cookies. You could also have everyone bring a dozen of their own favorite that they can plate when they arrive.
I used some red Christmas books to act as risers underneath some of the plates. They are a simple, seasonally appropriate way to keep things from looking flat.
Festive plaid napkins were tucked inside of coordinating white mugs and then I tucked a spoon and candy cane inside for each guest to take for their cocoa.
Additional linen Merry Christmas napkins were included as a place to rest the guests cookies, in addition to small square dessert plates.
Glass containers filled with mini marshmallows, homemade hot chocolate mix, and candy canes make it easy for each guest to grab what they want and pass it onto the person next to them. You could also include mini chocolate chips, crushed up peppermints, or whipped cream for topping the warm beverage.
Warmed milk is needed for the homemade hot chocolate, so I suggest heating as much as you think you might need and then serving it in an insulated carafe that can also be easily passed around while keeping the milk warm. (This could also be done with water if you are using a packaged mix.)
No tablescape is complete without a little decor.....
Some red glass ornaments, mini gingerbread cookie cutters, and sprigs of greenery were tucked in around everything. A small tree was added for height and a small wood sled placed underneath the hot chocolate mugs also added a bit more interest.
Remember that those casual opportunities spent with friends and family are just as important as the big moments during the Christmas season.
I hope today's post gave you a few ideas to implement if you have loved ones over to simply enjoy some baked goods and quality time together this holiday!
I hope today's post gave you a few ideas to implement if you have loved ones over to simply enjoy some baked goods and quality time together this holiday!
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