Hot-Drink Stations Hit the Spot
Beverage bars brimming with cocoa, tea, coffee and all the accoutrements make winter entertaining a delight
Houzz Editorial Staff
Houzz Editorial Staff More »
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Love it or hate it, the winter weather is rolling in, and it's going to stick around for a while. Strolls are becoming brisk walks, and only those in warm climates are still enjoying afternoon barbecues or nights out on the patio. Most of us will instead be spending long evenings sipping a warm beverage of choice, next to a fireplace if we're lucky. But that doesn't sound so bad, does it?
It's time to break out the teacups, the marshmallows and the cocoa mix — and to preferably be prepared before your guests make their holiday appearances. Stay ahead of the curve by creating an always-ready, stocked drink station. Find a nook to display goodies like hot apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. It will keep your guests (and you) happy, especially anyone who desperately needs that early-morning dose of caffeine. Here are some fun ways to pull it off.
It's time to break out the teacups, the marshmallows and the cocoa mix — and to preferably be prepared before your guests make their holiday appearances. Stay ahead of the curve by creating an always-ready, stocked drink station. Find a nook to display goodies like hot apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. It will keep your guests (and you) happy, especially anyone who desperately needs that early-morning dose of caffeine. Here are some fun ways to pull it off.
If you have room to spare, make your own elaborate hot-drink haven. Carrie from The Vintage Wren filled this handy shelf with cups and uses labeled glass canisters to store coffee, creamers, cocoa, tea and Splenda. To top a setup like this off, use a dual coffeemaker and hot-water system to appease every guest.
For a more permanent solution, turn a tall, empty cabinet into a built-in beverage station. Shelves can store a coffeemaker, mugs and teacups, while a mini fridge comes in handy for bottled water. The wine cubbies aren't too shabby, either.
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| A beverage station also can be as simple as 1, 2, 3. Stock a tray with some mugs, hot cocoa mix, candy canes and marshmallows. It will take up very little space yet still do the job. |
by Dreamy Whites
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This well-stocked side table gives guests all they need for their morning coffee break. To prevent an overstuffed kitchen, position one like it near an outlet in the dining room or living room.
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| Keep cups and the coffeemaker out of sight behind a metal appliance door. It will provide easy access without taking up valuable floor space, and it will help keep your kitchen free of clutter. |
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| Dress up your hot-drink station by adding your own festive touches. Stephanie from Cre8tive Designs uses fake snow, homemade labels, ribbon and mini lights to decorate her apple cider and hot chocolate display. The mini candy cane bowls store extra goodies, like chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. |
With its vintage art and perky yellow walls, this eclectic coffee bar hits the spot (and will definitely wake you up in the morning). With the convection oven, it's also a handy breakfast bar.
To enjoy your coffee station all year, pick a small nook in your kitchen and store your mugs, teacups and coffee machine there. If you own pretty dishes, they deserve to be left out in the open.
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| Give your guests the easy way out by placing a beverage station in their room. Complete with tea packets, coffee, creamers and water bottles, it will make them never want to leave (though hopefully they will eventually!). |
Ideabook published on Dec. 16, 2012.
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Although I didn't take the photo or design the room, I do think the artwork features mini marshmallows. It's perfect for a hot drink station, don't you think?
TOTALLY off topic: why are there two screws next to the kettle?
I have an electric kettle, (that adjust to the type of beverage being made) a burr grinder and a small coffee press. I also have a mug tree, and various glass canisters for storage. The coffee beans are stored below in the dark. We all drink something different, therefore the kettle.