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.
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.
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.
Create a total look for the display by adding DIY design touches. A vintage look is added here with lace.
Make sure to have regular and decaf coffee and label them as such.
Provide 3 flavored liqueurs for an indulgent treat. Chocolate liqueur, Butterscotch liqueur, and Irish Cream are all great choices!
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.
Provide DIY chocolate stir sticks or purchase some from the store.
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.
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.
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
- This holiday hot bar is chic and serves up hot coffee, tea, or cocoa
- Set up an iced coffee bar cart with these tips
- Include a special place for the kids with a hot cocoa bar
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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!!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Angi. Have fun setting up your coffee bar!
our weddind anniversary is in autumn and this idea is very practical for me
That’s great, Bahar. Glad you like it!
This table is so creative, I love it.
Love this coffee bar! So cute and festive and would make a great end to any party!
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?
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}.