Cocoa Party

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is throwing a caroling and hot cocoa party.  There’s something so magical (and amusing!) about getting people together who don’t normally perform in public, feeding everyone sugar, and singing our hearts out to celebrate the coming of the King! 

 

(Scroll below for a free printable Christmas party invitation!)

 

 

I try to make allergy-friendly recipes to serve at get-togethers, so that even if it’s a potluck, there’s something for everyone to eat. To save on the budget, though, often I will make two batches of recipes – one that’s gluten/dairy free and one that’s “traditional.” For this spread, all the recipes are both gluten and dairy free!

(Find the cookies and cocoa in Everyday Welcome: Cozy Holidays – and get a discount code when you sign up below.)

 

We kept the palette pretty neutral – making easy pompom swag and old-school cutout snowflakes, and using cut, un-hemmed cream colored burlap to cover the table.  We also moved our dining table against the wall and set dining chairs around the room to improve traffic flow and create seating for conversation.

 

 

Make it easy on yourself and mix up a big batch of hot cocoa in the slow cooker and let guests help themselves.  

 

 

  

 

Homemade marshmallows coated in cocoa are so decadent and you’ll have to stop yourself from eating them all before your guests come… but if any survive, they’re also delicious in hot cocoa.  😉

 

   

Make a few goodies to share a day or two in advance.  Set up your table the morning or night before to avoid last-minute stress (leave room if you like for treats your guests may bring!).  Set out mix-ins like toffee candy, chocolate and peanut butter chips, and cinnamon sticks.  If allergies are a concern, be sure to note which treats have common culprits like dairy, soy, or gluten.

 

 

 

Want to throw your own get-together?  I’ve created this adorable free printable Christmas party invitation you can use to invite friends and neighbors to your own gathering.  Join the mailing list below and I’ll send you this printable plus a discount code for “Everyday Welcome: Cozy Holidays – just in time to inspire you with more recipes and gathering ideas for your holiday celebrations!  (It’s a PDF sized at standard 8 1/2 x 11” – we printed ours two-to-a-page.)

 

 

 

Some more Christmas party ideas from around the web for you:

Ok, these printables from Laura’s Little Party are adorable, and I especially love the cocoa sweater garland and the “hipster santa” quote, which I definitely used in my design.

This post really spoke to this tempted-to-be-a-perfectionist heart with practical tips for RELAXING into hosting!

We’ve made our own stamped spoons as gifts, and I think this one is also adorable!   

 

What are your favorite holiday traditions?  Leave a comment below – I’d love to share!