How To Set Up A Coffee Bar for Entertaining

See how to set up a coffee bar for parties and entertaining. Serve it for showers, brunch parties or Mother’s day, and offer up a coffee station for overnight guests. Let everyone serve themselves with special flavors and add-ins.

how to set up a coffee bar for a party

If your family & friends are anything like mine, coffee is a necessity of life! We drink it in the morning, in the afternoon, and some even drink it at night. But for special occasions I love the decadence of adding flavors and extra indulgences.

Adding things you wouldn’t drink every day like flavored liqueurs or whipped cream are what make a coffee bar so special. Add in some chocolate treats and you basically have a marriage made in heaven. Speaking of marriage, this would be a delicious addition to a bridal shower or a ladies luncheon

These tips for setting up a coffee bar can also be applied to a hot cocoa bar.

coffee and condiments tray

How to Set up a Coffee Bar

It’s a good idea to set up the coffee in a place that’s away from heavy traffic. A side table, desk, or counter top would work just fine. 

coffee bar pitchers and mugs

Create a total look for the display by adding DIY design touches. A vintage look is added here with lace.

regular and decaf coffee pitchers

Make sure to have regular and decaf coffee and label them as such.

flavored liqueurs in pouring bottles

Provide 3 flavored liqueurs for an indulgent treat. Chocolate liqueur, Butterscotch liqueur, and Irish Cream are all great choices!

HOSTESS TIP: Inexpensive pouring spouts make it easier to pour small amounts of the liqueur and small bottles make the presentation more attractive.  

coffee tray for entertaining

You’ll need to have cream and sugar for the traditionalists, and raw sugar cubes for a modern spin.

Flavored creamer is also a welcome addition.

chocolate stir sticks and covered coffee beans

Provide DIY chocolate stir sticks or purchase some from the store.

chocolate biscotti in glass jar

Chocolate is a secondary feature on this coffee bar because the two go so well together. Add some chocolate covered espresso beans, and chocolate biscotti to the table.

coffee mugs with diy stir sticks

Place mugs so they’re easy to reach and use decorative stir sticks instead of spoons. You can find inexpensive mugs at the dollar stores or home stores. 

HOSTESS TIP: Put out an array of unique mugs and let guests take it home with them as a party favor.

mug of coffee with chocolate biscotti on top

There’s just nothing better after a delicious meal than a hot cup of coffee served with a yummy chocolate treat. 

More Coffee Party Ideas

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coffee bar tray for entertaining

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8 Comments

  1. We’re putting together a self serve coffee bar for my son’s prom this weekend and I came across your site. Thanks so much for the inspiration!!

  2. Love this coffee bar! So cute and festive and would make a great end to any party!

  3. Nice idea! Where did you get the pouring bottles? Where did you get the cage-like shelf that you used to set your coffee cups?

    1. Thanks Kristin,

      The bottles are from Ross {also at places like Pier 1 or World Market} & the cage-thing is from TJMaxx {from last year}.

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