Stay In and Have a DIY “Hot Cocoa and Chill” Night

When it’s too cold to go out this winter, stay in and have a DIY “Hot Cocoa and Chill” night instead complete with homemade hot cocoa mix!

I was provided product samples free of charge from Oriental Trading in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was provided for this post.

Yup! I went there! “Hot cocoa and chill.” You know, like “Netflix and chill,” but not really.  Of course, in this case, I really just want to drink hot cocoa and snuggle up with my boo.  Picture this – the snow is falling down outside and you’re snuggling together next to the warm glow of the Christmas tree.  You’re both under a cozy blanket with a cup of homemade hot cocoa.  Sounds nice.  Right?  So how about being prepared the next time an opportunity to “hot cocoa and chill” comes around?

Now that I’ve painted such a pretty picture, it’s time to make it happen.  The holidays can be such a busy and stressful time of year.  That’s why I love those quiet, peaceful nights in the winter when we can just sit and relax together.  This holiday season, when I need to wash away the stress from my day, I’ll be ready to snuggle up with my “hot cocoa and chill” kit!

This year, Oriental Trading has an amazing collection of buffalo plaid items. I used the collection as my inspiration for this DIY.  First, I got buffalo plaid throw pillows and a fleece blanket so we could get comfy-cozy.  Then, I put together my tray of hot cocoa night necessities.

I placed everything on a festive “Be Merry” burlap serving tray to add a touch of that rustic charm I love so much.  If you’re going to snuggle close, you need to set the mood.  So I added a White Antler 3-Candle Holder with simple, white mini taper candles.

A mini galvanized tub holds two buffalo plaid paper cups for sipping homemade hot cocoa. I strung up the tub with mini white lights to add to the warm glow.  If you want to add a cute touch to your tray, place wrapped candy canes into the shape of a heart and glue each candy cane together.

One year, I made homemade hot cocoa jars as Christmas gifts and they were a hit!  So I decided to make homemade hot cocoa again for this DIY.  It looks great packaged up in mason jars and tastes amazing!  It’s creamy, chocolaty,  and I added a touch of cinnamon for just a hint of spice!

 
This “Hot Cocoa and Chill” idea would make a great gift for a boyfriend or girlfriend this holiday season.  It would also make a fun date night in during the winter months.  Your significant other will love that you took the time out to make them a homemade treat to share!
 
Create an entire hot cocoa tray with jars of extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed up candy canes.  If you’re really going to make a night out of it, I would include a fun holiday DVD to watch, as well!
 

 
You can easily put this DIY kit together with items from Oriental Trading’s buffalo plaid collection. While you’re there, purchase a bunch of different candies, like candy canes, to add to your homemade hot cocoa mix!

PIN FOR LATER

What’s your perfect DIY winter date night in?