When Hallmark designer Ashley H. saw the beautiful results of Hallmark Signature’s artist collaboration with Melsy’s Illustrations, she was immediately inspired to create a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar for her friends.
Jamel Saliba, the illustrator behind Melsy’s Illustrations, creates beautifully hand drawn, feminine, and dainty fashion-influenced illustrations. Ashley used the entire collection as inspiration for her DIY Hot Chocolate Bar setup. We were thrilled with the ultra-stylish results.
Read on to learn more about Ashley’s tips and tricks for setting up your own DIY Hot Chocolate Bar. Then be sure to check out Melsy’s complete Illustration Collection at your local Hallmark Gold Crown Store or online.
When I got my hands on Melsy’s card collection I immediately felt all warm and fuzzy – like that special feeling you get after sipping a scrumptious cup of hot chocolate.
All of the illustrations were beautifully drawn with incredible attention to detail. But one card featuring an assortment of yummy chocolaty drinks all set in a row caught my eye in particular. I thought, “I could do that! I could set up and host a charming DIY Hot Chocolate Bar for my friends.”
I decided that my entire setup would reflect Melsy’s beautiful collection. So, here’s how I set up my DIY Hot Chocolate Bar…
HERE’S HOW I CHOSE MY COLOR PALETTE:
I decided to mirror Melsy’s color palette of strong reds and shimmering golds laid over simple black and white backgrounds and enhanced by hand drawn details and polka dot patterns.
I recreated the hand drawn and polka dot motifs from Melsy’s collection on customizable white mugs that I wanted to use as to-go gifts for my guests. And, I used a big red circular tray to display them with a little boldness. These details really played up the black and white palette.
Then I made a table runner from a roll of Hallmark wrapping paper to add the element of gold stripes. I made sure that gold-colored components ran through the glittered ornaments, coasters and modern-themed trees I chose as well. I then spray-painted gold the tops of candy jar lids to add yet another dimension of that beautiful rich color.
I was very pleased with how super sophisticated the display looked when it was all pulled together.
HERE’S HOW TO PERSONALIZE YOUR OWN MUGS:
It’s so easy – even if you’re not especially crafty. I promise. Buy white mugs in a style you really like. Grab a porcelain paint marker. (I found mine at a local craft store.) And, start by drawing simple dots and bows. Have fun with it! Take it up a notch with holiday icons like mistletoe or cute quotes. Then fill up those mugs with your yummiest hot chocolate recipe.
HERE’S HOW TO FIX THE FIXINGS:
I offered my guests chocolate chips, caramel chips, and marshmallows to top off the hot chocolaty sweetness. There are lots of other options you could choose like cinnamon sticks and pirouline cookies. But I wanted to keep it simple and sweet. As an added treat, I left a candy cane hanging on the side of each mug. It’s just the cutest holiday addition and makes your hot chocolate taste all pepperminty.
HERE’S HOW TO GIVE YOUR GUESTS THE SWEETEST SENDOFF:
As another to-go gift for my guests, I made peppermint-dipped marshmallows. It was just a small token to let them know how much I care for each of them. And, of course, to show them that I want their hot chocolate to taste just as delicious at home!
Shop the Melsey’s collection online here. Be sure to tag us if you share your favorites on Instagram. (@think.make.share @hallmarksignature @melsysillustrations)
Photography: Ty Hester