How to Make Fake Hot Chocolate Mugs & Dollar Tree Hot Chocolate Decorations
If you’re hosting a holiday party with a hot chocolate station, make these Dollar Tree fake hot chocolate mugs to go along with your hot chocolate decorations! Perfect for a winter wonderland party or Polar Express party, or to decorate the Christmas tree or mantel, too.
You’ll also want to check out these 13 clever ideas for a home hot chocolate station and bar, plus how to build your own wood bar cart and 25 Great Hot Chocolate Recipes to Make at Home.
DIY Fake Hot Chocolate Mugs for Festive Decorations
If you’re hosting a party this winter, a hot chocolate station is a must! Build your own DIY bar cart, let guests customize their own mugs with Sharpies, and of course, stock the hot chocolate bar with the essentials!
These fake hot chocolate mugs are a fun decoration for any winter party (or a kids’ Polar Express party!), or to add to your mantel, too. These charming decorative pieces not only add a cozy touch to your home but also make for an engaging and enjoyable DIY project.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting your own fake hot chocolate mug to use a hot chocolate decorations, plus give our best recipes and tips to make your hot chocolate bar a success.
Why a Fake Hot Chocolate Mug is a Great Craft and Party Decoration
Crafting fake hot chocolate mugs combines creativity with the festive spirit, making it an ideal winter craft project. These adorable mugs evoke memories of cozy evenings by the fireplace, sipping on hot cocoa. This craft is budget-friendly, utilizing Dollar Tree supplies, so you can make just one or make a dozen mugs of fake hot cocoa!
How to Make a Fake Hot Chocolate Mug for Decor: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Fake Hot Chocolate Materials
- Dollar Tree glass mug (I used the large 18 oz clear mug, and this smaller 8 oz Irish coffee mug would be cute, too)
- Styrofoam ball to fit inside mug (3-pack at Dollar Tree)
- Dollar Tree spackle or squeeze tube caulk
- Cake decorating frosting tip kit and icing bags
- Plastic jumbo straw (or regular)
- White chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Brown chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Fake Hot Chocolate Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cardboard Insert
Flip the mug over and trace the top section on cardboard. Cut out the circle to cover the mug. If you want a mug that’s only partially filled, cut the cardboard smaller to fit inside the mug and other cardboard pieces to prop it up.
Step 2: Paint the Fake Hot Chocolate Mug
Paint the inside of the mug with tan-colored paint, applying multiple coats if using acrylic paint.
Step 3: Glue Insert and Add Foam Ball
Add a thin line of glue around the top of the mug (or wherever you’d like the fake hot chocolate to stop) and place the cardboard circle, then glue a Styrofoam ball in the center.
If you want to see the hot chocolate at the top (rather than covering it completely with the fake whipped cream), mix some spackling or caulk with the brown paint and spread a layer on top of the cardboard. Then add a smaller foam ball.
Step 4: Add Fake Whipped Cream
Mix the white paint with spackle or caulk for a whipped cream look. Apply a base layer with a spoon or knife, then use a cake decorating bag to pipe on the rest of the fake whipped cream for a finished appearance.
Step 6: Add Straw
Trim a green straw and insert it into the spackle. Allow 24 hours to dry completely.
Variations for the Fake Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Twist: Add a candy cane or peppermint candies to the top of the hot chocolate. You can use real candy or make your own with air-dry clay.
- Sprinkle of Joy: Add sprinkles (real or made from air dry clay) or white glitter to the fake whipped cream for extra texture.
- Marshmallow Madness: Glue mini white pom-poms around the edge of the mug for a marshmallow-covered effect, or make your own fake marshmallows using white air-dry clay.
Common Questions About Fake Hot Chocolate Mugs
Can I use a different type of paint?
Absolutely! While the tutorial uses chalk paint, acrylic paint works well too. Adjust the number of coats accordingly to cover. The most important part is getting the color right so it looks like rich hot chocolate — too dark looks like coffee, and too light looks like yucky hot chocolate…
How can I personalize the fake hot chocolate mugs?
Get creative with additional decorations tied to the handles or drawn on the outside of the mugs, like festive ribbons, jingle bells, or even miniature ornaments. Use paint pens to add names or holiday sayings.
Planning Your DIY Hot Chocolate Bar and Self-Serve Station
Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas
As you’re planning your hot chocolate station, you’ll want to make sure to consider these things and purchase what you need for your buffet offerings.
Beverages
Hot chocolate, of course (see our favorite recipes below) is a must, and guests will appreciate having coffee and tea options as well if you have adults joining the party. Provide hot cocoa mix and hot water, or premix the cocoa and keep it in a thermos or slow cooker to keep it warm.
Hot Cocoa Toppings, Mix-Ins, and Stir-Ins
Mix in classics like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and peppermint butter mints. Consider having cinnamon candies, white chocolate chips, pieces of chocolate bars, toffee bits, or chocolate orange pieces, too.
Guests will love to stir in flavored creamers, caramel sauce, and hot fudge sauce. Consider other syrups as well, such as hazelnut or french vanilla.
To top it off, start with a healthy dollop of whipped cream, and add shavings from chocolate bars, sprinkles, or a little bit of cinnamon.
Mugs, Cups, and Accessories
Use disposable cups with sleeves, or let guests decorate their own mugs or mason jars with handles. Be sure to provide spoons or stir sticks, too.
Hot Chocolate Bar Treats
Every good hot cocoa bar has some extra treats, too! We like pirouette cookies, Milanos, and shortbread cookies, and we’re always up for baking a batch of Better than Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Cookies! See more favorite cookie recipes here.
How to Decorate a Hot Chocolate Bar Party
Beyond mugs of fake hot chocolate, you’ll want to make your hot chocolate party and hot cocoa bar look great!
- Set up your hot chocolate bar on a bar cart, table, or counter for easy access. See our favorite DIY bar carts here.
- Place ingredients in decorative jars and bowls, with spoons or serving tools for each.
- Use labels for each of the drinks and toppings. Chalkboard frame clip-on signs are a great option, or write on gift tags (like our free printables) and tie on to the containers with baker’s twine or ribbon.
- Use a tiered tray to save space. Make your own metal tiered tray or wood tiered tray, then fill it up with toppings and some small decorations.
- Add a banner or hot cocoa sign. Use our free printable red polka dot letters, add a paper garland, and make your own chalkboard easel.
How to Make a Fake Hot Chocolate Mug for Decor: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Ingredients
- Dollar Tree glass mug I used the large 18 oz clear mug, and this smaller 8 oz Irish coffee mug would be cute, too
- Styrofoam ball to fit inside mug 3-pack at Dollar Tree
- Dollar Tree spackle or squeeze tube caulk
- Cake decorating frosting tip kit and icing bags
- Plastic jumbo straw or regular
- White chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Brown chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Paint Brush
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Instructions
- Flip the mug over and trace the top section on cardboard. Cut out the circle to cover the mug. If you want a mug that’s only partially filled, cut the cardboard smaller to fit inside the mug and other cardboard pieces to prop it up.
- Paint the inside of the mug with tan-colored paint, applying multiple coats if using acrylic paint.
- Add a thin line of glue around the top of the mug (or wherever you’d like the fake hot chocolate to stop) and place the cardboard circle, then glue a Styrofoam ball in the center.
- If you want to see the hot chocolate at the top (rather than covering it completely with the fake whipped cream), mix some spackling or caulk with the brown paint and spread a layer on top of the cardboard.
- Mix the white paint with spackle or caulk for a whipped cream look. Apply a base layer with a spoon or knife, then use a cake decorating bag to pipe on the rest of the fake whipped cream for a finished appearance.
- Trim a green straw and insert it into the spackle. Allow 24 hours to dry completely.
Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
