Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Warming Winter: Hot Chocolate Station and Christmas Light Parade


Hi and a Warm Winter Welcome to all my readers today.  I am linking up to my own party "It's Your Wonderful Life" and to Susan's Tablescape Thursday.  I would love to have you link up to my party.  I am hosting a $75 CSN Gift Certificate.  Click HERE for the party and to enter the drawing.  I want to shout out a big THANK YOU to those who participated! 

My youngest daughter loves hot chocolate.  On many days in the winter, she heads straight from the bus to make her own hot chocolate.  This year I set up a WONDERFUL hot chocolate station. 

I set out peppermint stirrer sticks, marshmallows, and individual packages of hot chocolate, along with spoons, mugs, and plates.


We have fallen for these yummy gingerbread flavored and shaped marshmallows.  I have bought several and gave several away.  We also love the Bob's soft candy cane rods -- it's a fun way to add peppermint flavor to your hot chocolate. 


I bought the snowmen mugs and plates years ago at Harmon's grocery store; I believe they were $1.00. They are my favorite salad and dessert plates in the winter.


I love this little red bird in the mug.  It adds a nice touch, don't you think?


Question:  Have you ever noticed how much better hot chocolate tastes when you cook it on your stove top --- rather than microwaving?  It's true!  I probably should have my husband think on this one!

I have included some pictures of a communitycelebration near us.  Each year they hold a Christmas light parade.  None of the vehicles in the parade use their headlights.  My son's high school band plays in the parade.  Last year it was so cold that the trombone players couldn't slide their trombones.  In comparison to last year's parade, this year's parade felt tropical.  The community sets up bleachers in the town for people to sit out on.  We watch the parade in the warmth of our car and drink, of course WONDERFUL hot chocolate.


My son plays the clarinet and can't wear gloves when he plays.  The Santa was so adorable and WONDERFUL!


Linked with the following parties:

19 comments:

Kirby said...

I didnt know about the gingerbread marshmellows! Good thing I know now, I need some! :) Love your hot chocolate station!

Lynn said...

Lovin' your mugs and plates Joni! The parade looks like a blast! They do something similar down the shore in July, only they decorate their boats-fun:@)

Cathy said...

There's nothing more festive or tummy warming on a cold day than a hot cup of chocolate, especially with a peppermint stick to stir it with. Love those adorable plates and mugs!

Sue said...

I love that idea of the hot chocolate bar. Of course I no longer have kids at home and my husband doesn't drink it...I should have started blogging when my kids were still around. I see so many things they would have loved!

Sue said...

I just bought Bob's peppermint sticks yesterday at Walmart, but they were out of the gingerbread marshmallows. They are supposed to get them for their ad that starts Sunday. It's the little things like this that make me happy:) I'll be setting up my own hot chocolate station soon. Yours looks very inviting.

La said...

Where on earth did you find gingerbread marshmallows?

Those kids are lucky their lips didn't freeze to their instruments!

Have a wonderful day and thank you for hosting such a fun party. La

Pondside said...

What a lovely way to spend an evening!

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Yummy - gingerbread marshmallows! What a treat for this time of year!

DD

Julie Harward said...

I have been drinking hot chocolate like crazy, with hot milk out of the microwave. I have got to get me some of those marshmallows..so cute! ;D

Bonnie said...

Love your hot chocolate station. You should knit your son some fingerless mitts for Christmas. They are great when you need to stay warm but have to use your hands. I made some for my daughter when for when she plays her flute outdoors. Can't do anything about the lips but her hands stay warm.

Clements Family said...

How cute are the gingerbread marshmallows?!? My kids would love those! What a great station idea!

Barbara said...

Oh, what fun! I completely agree about making cocoa on the stove instead of the microwave. Those marshmallows are so wonderful!

Joy Tilton said...

such a great idea, I am in LOVE with Land o'Lakes new decadent hot cocoa mix and the gingerbread marshmallows will be the perfect topper (maybe a little whipped cream too)!

Marigene said...

Those snowmen plates and mugs are adorable...love the little cardinal in the mugs! I haven't tried the gingerbread marshmallows, yet...

Maggie Lamarre said...

fabulous ideas,
TFS
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hi Joni! I did the same thing this year! LOL! I even have that same basket and almost used it too, but used a different one instead, actually two, I started out w/one then expanded it to include a cup full of candy canes to stir with this week in the Before & Better party. Great minds think alike! I love the candy cane marshmellows I have not seen them. Your snowman mugs are adorable!

Entertaining Women said...

I keep assorted hot chocolate flavors at hand, too. I use the Kuerig...either the pods or just run the hot water into my mix. I always add a bit of half and half to the cup before adding hot water. It's been so popular! Your amendments must make each cup extra special! Thank you for sharing your charming design. Cherry Kay

Sarah said...

I've been eating peppermints all afternoon. I think I need a hot chocolate station! ~ Sarah

Elizabeth said...

I have little snowman plates and mugs that we got as a wedding gift {ten years ago} and I forget to use them EVERY year! Yours are cute :) Would love for you to visit me at Sew Chatty and link up to Made with Love Monday! The party will be open until Friday if you want to link up multiple projects. Hope you have a great day! http://sewcahtty.blogspot.com

Engageya