Hot Cocoa Bar

Blog
Written By Dani Leigh Bullard

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your narrative can make all the difference.

Family game night! When I was growing up we played games all the time! We would have a Yahtzee tournaments at my aunts house when I lived in St. Louis with my mom. Then when she passed away and I moved with my Granny we would play checkers and Uno. Then when I lived at The Childrens Homes Inc. we would play games and do puzzles. Games have always been a part of my life. I always knew playing games would be a part of my life when I had kids, too.

Last year we started the Hot Cocoa Bar. We kick off our year with a Cocoa Bar and games.

To prepare for a Hot Cocoa Bar and Game night I started out by throwing some Chicken and Dumplin’s in the crockpot then I went shopping.

My Shopping List:

  • To Go Coffee Cups

  • Coffee Stirrers

  • Flavor Straws

  • Different Flavor Marshmallows

  • White Chocolate Chips

  • Sweatened Condensed Milk

  • Whole Milk

  • Peppermint Sticks

  • Chocolate Syrup

  • Strawberry Syrup

  • Caramel Syrup

  • Hot Chocolate Mix

  • Candy

  • Cinnamon

  • Sprinkles

  • Spray Cool Whip

  • Pretzels

  • Chips

To set up I found the prettiest table runner that I used to cover my bar. It looked like it belonged in the movie Frozen!

I made homemade White Chocolate in my mini crockpot and then we just ran hot water through our coffee pot for the packets. I just sat up a self serve bar and everyone grazed throughout the evening. The bar was empty by 10 pm and we started around 4:30 pm.

Our dear friend and her girls joined us. Mrs. Stephanie is a mix between a big sister and a mama to me and her girls will forever be loved like little sisters! We missed our Tyler and Mr. Brian and Glen.

By far my most favorite part of the evening was watching my kids have the time of their lives. Colby and Brianna got into a serious Monopoly playoff that lasted until almost 11! It was so fun to watch!

This is real life for us! I assure you nothing was staged! We live for nights like these, laughing and playing together! No judgment! There are holes in my walls where tiny feet or elbows have busted through because of a flip gone wrong or a wrestling match gone wrong! My floors aren’t finished, my table is scuffed up. My kitchen and wallpaper are both outdated. My house may not belong in a magazine but what I can assure you is that memories are made in this home and it is well lived in!

Colby won by the way!! Matt gave up early in the game, Braxton and I battled until we couldn’t anymore. Brianna and Colby were not going to give up! He had the come back of a lifetime! He came back from $10 and a dream!

Click Here

for a customizable Hot Cocoa Bar printable

~Be Blessed

Dani Leigh

Dani Leigh Bullard
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