A Christmas coffee bar is one corner of your kitchen set up for holiday drinks: mugs, syrups, a few toppings, and a little decoration. It’s handy all December, for slow weekend mornings, for guests, and for a cup of something before you wrap presents.
You don’t need a big kitchen. One small section of counter or a cart is enough.
Where to put it
Pick a spot near the coffee maker or kettle, out of the main cooking area. If your counter is full, a three-tier rolling cart (on Amazon) works: machine on top, mugs and syrups in the middle, extras on the bottom. Roll it into the living room when friends come over.
Mugs
A matching set of Christmas mugs (on Amazon) makes the bar look planned. Hang them from a mug tree (on Amazon) if counter space is tight. It’s also quicker than opening a cupboard every time.
Syrups
Pour holiday flavors into glass bottles with pumps (on Amazon): peppermint, gingerbread, caramel, vanilla. Labels in a simple handwritten style look nicer than the original bottles. Most syrups keep at room temperature for weeks; check the label.
Toppings
A two-tier tray (on Amazon) holds the small things:
- Mini marshmallows.
- Crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate shavings or chips.
- Cinnamon sticks.
- Whipped cream goes in the fridge, but leave a note on the tray.
Store loose toppings in glass jars with lids (on Amazon) so they stay fresh.
Decorations
Keep them small: a little garland along the back, a mini tree or a few bottle-brush trees, a strand of battery lights, and a small sign or chalkboard with a holiday drink menu. A sprig of greenery in a small vase is enough.
A hot cocoa option
Add cocoa mix and kids’ mugs and the coffee bar works for everyone. For a full cocoa setup, see the hot cocoa bar ideas.
Keeping it tidy
A coffee bar looks good for about a day if it isn’t managed. Wipe it down every evening, refill the jars on Sundays, and keep a small towel nearby. If it starts to collect clutter, reduce the toppings to three.