Outdoor Hot Chocolate Stand: The New Way to Socialize

Hi friends.  We, along with many of you, have experienced some intense weather over the past two weeks.  For us this means anywhere from -35C to -50C on a daily basis for just shy of two weeks.  It was tiring and kind of paralyzing.  The good news, is that it looks like its breaking and we are going into a more seasonably cold/normal time for us.  In Saskatchewan, winter is still far from over so we continue to bundle up and think of creative ways we can socialize outdoors.  To update you on our COVID situation and restrictions.  Our numbers per capita are still very high compared to many places in our country.  Our restrictions allow us to go to the shops, restaurants, etc. with our family.  In our home we can only have our family and up to 10 people outdoors if social distancing is possible.  When the weather is descent we have spent a great deal of time outdoors sledding, cross-country skiing, walking and skating and trying to connect with friends in that way.  We've also had a number of winter birthdays and one way we've decided to see friends and family is by inviting them over for a fire and some hot chocolate.  

  

A hot chocolate stand is a huge hit and not a huge investment.  People love a sweet, and most importantly HOT,  treat to keep them outdoors for a period of time.  I've been doing a indoor hot chocolate stand for my kids the last few years, usually in February, to entice them to do activities outdoors with a promise of a treat upon return.  What you need is:

• Several kinds of hot chocolate (regular, Rolo and Coffee Crisp are our favorites)
• Toppings (mini chocolate-chips, coco, cinnamon, whip cream, candy canes crushed or whole. chocolate shavings)
• Treats (cookies, donuts, random left over Christmas baking on a fancy tray)
• Decorations (jars or all sizes, fun tray, Hot Chocolate Bar sign)
• Fun mugs 
• Kettle and extension cord if outdoors

I love the little hot chocolate sign I picked up at the local dollar store this year.  You might not be able to find everything at once and that's okay.  I purchased the tray that has mountains and skiers on it last year randomly on a clearance rack, this year I found the perfect little sign to go with it.  I just add things to my display as I see them and knowing that I come back to this each year.  Remember your set-up doesn't need to have everything all at once.  I know we all love a cute IG picture but the main point of this is to keep it simple and really have a way to spend time with family and friends in these really unique times.  

Where are you at with COVID restrictions in your part of the world?  How are you connecting with people?