Hot Beverage Station

One of the best parts of winter is coming in from the cold and warming up with a hot drink. Imagine your guests’ delight when they step into your home on a brisk day and are greeted with the sight of a hot beverage station and all of the fixings to make the perfect cup of hot chocolate or other hot drink of choice.

Having a hot beverage bar in your home may seem like something that only those with tons of square footage to spare can swing, but with multipurpose furniture, bar carts or any counter space you can spare, a beverage station can fit right in with your warm winter décor and cozy touches—no matter your home style or size.

Countertop Coffee Bar

Turn your countertop into your inner barista’s dream coffee bar! Start by making room for your coffee maker, hot beverage dispenser, espresso machine or electric tea kettle. If you use a single-serving beverage dispenser, add storage for the drink pods in the form of a rotating rack drawer that slides out from underneath the dispenser. If you are using a traditional drip coffee maker, display your coffee beans in a decorative jar or bowl. For a cohesive look, use glass containers to store and display your coffee beans or ground coffee, stir sticks and any toppings you may have. Fill mason jars or other small dishes with fancy fixings, such as marshmallows, peppermint stir sticks and crumbled candy toppings, to elevate your hot beverage station from utilitarian to the super sweet spot of your dreams.

Bar Cart Beverage Station

During the colder months of the year, repurpose your home bar or bar cart for easy access to hot beverages. If your home comes with a built-in bar or you’ve added a functional and stylish bar to your entertainment area—such as a lodge style bar with plenty of storage or an urban and sophisticated wood bar brimmed with character—simply display different drink options, syrups, and toppings. You can group them on a favorite tray or serving dish to add organization and extra décor to your home bar area. Add a bottle of your favorite Irish cream, and your guests can mix their own merry libations. Set out your favorite mugs to add a dash of personality and color.

A mobile bar, consisting of a bar cart, serving cart or accent tray table, is another way to enjoy hot beverages with your guests as you entertain, and it can also add toasty charm to your living room or other entertaining space. Simply set up your coffee pot, beverage dispenser or other drink making device on the top shelf, along with cups or mugs and toppings you and your guests might need. On the lower shelves, store different coffee beans and ground coffee, drink mixes and extra toppings.

Table Top Tea Tray

If you are short on space in your kitchen and don’t have a bar or bar cart in your home, don’t stress! You can still have the hot drink station of your cold-winter’s night dreams. Simply choose an accent table or sofa table in your home that is in an accessible location and near an outlet. Plug in your coffee pot and fill a hot beverage dispenser up with hot apple cider. Set out your drink options, stir sticks (candy canes and cinnamon sticks make great drink mixers) and marshmallows in decorative containers around it, and watch your guests flock to fill up their mugs.

No matter where your hot beverage station is located, you can make it a special spot by adding home décor to these drink essentials and whipped topping extras. Hang winter-themed wall art above your bar or accent table to bring a cozy feel, light a few candles for a warm glow, and add a decorative vase with some faux holidays stems, like holly. You can even add a little tabletop Santa or other holiday decorations next to your drink mixes to lift your festivities.