How To Set Up A Coffee Bar for Entertaining

See how to set up a coffee bar for entertaining with these tips. Get coffee bar ideas for a party or brunch and offer your guests hot coffee with dessert. Here’s everything you need for setting up a hot coffee station.

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

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 to coffee.

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. 

Get more coffee bar party ideas with these posts

• This holiday hot bar is chic and serves up hot coffee, tea, or cocoa
• Set up an iced coffee bar cart with these tips
• This coffee cocktail bar is simple for overnight guests to help themselves.
• Include the kids at the party with this hot cocoa bar 

How to Set up a Coffee Bar

Create a total look to the coffee bar by adding DIY design touches. A vintage look is added here with newspaper print.

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. 

• 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!

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

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

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