How to Create a Hot Cocoa Popcorn Board

One of our favorite ways to serve food when entertaining is to put out charcuterie boards, cheese boards, treat boards, etc. It's fun, festive and visually appealing. Lots of tasty tidbits so that everyone can choose their favorite items or sample a little of each. And since the winter holidays have us craving all things cozy and delicious, why not put out a hot cocoa board? This is great when you have a houseful of visiting family and friends or as a treat at the end of a gathering.

Start with a big pot of hot cocoa. You can make your own or use good quality mixes. Have cups ready for people to pour as much as they like and then offer toppings, additions and treats. Whipped cream, hot fudge and even caramel sauce are popular indulgences.

Marshmallows are kind of a must when it comes to hot cocoa. We love the minis but full size ones are fine. Or splurge on some fancy flavored ones if you like.

Chocolate sprinkles and chips add richness to the cocoa and candy canes make wonderful stirrers for people who like a little peppermint flavor. Chocolate and mint are such a great combo.

We like to serve a mix of favorite sweet treats like chocolate wafers along with seasonal specialties like gingerbread men and fun shaped mini cakes. Those tree shaped little layer cakes, especially, are always in hot demand.

In addition to the candies and cakes, we also like offering something a bit more substantial to snack on. Our favorite popcorn pot is never out of use for long. We pop a batch of our Christmas movie popcorn, naturally multicolored kernels that pop white with colorful centers. This variety has a classic "corny" taste and a big crunch.

And what could be more perfect to serve with hot cocoa than hot cocoa flavored popcorn? Check out our recipe for this easy and fun snack here.

And we aren't leaving out the candy cane lovers from this either. Check our recipe for candy cane popcorn here. It's sweet and minty and deliciously crunchy.

The best part of treat boards is that they are fully customizable. Add in whatever other goodies tempt you and make sure there's plenty of hot cocoa in the pot for refills. And, of course, if this is an adult party, there's no reason not to add a bottle of bourbon as an optional mix-in, right?