I’m participating in a Seattle’s Best Coffee® blogger campaign and received compensation as part of the program.
I am a huge fan of informal entertaining. It’s so much easier to provide snacks and drinks than to plan an entire meal. Plus, the cleanup! Why does it seem to take longer to clean up than it does to set up for a party? It’s one of life’s mysteries. Since I had just planned a wedding, I wanted a low key way to entertain friends and family. Why not have a coffee bar? I thought. Then, I remembered, it’s summertime in Georgia. Hot, humid days can suppress the desire for hot drinks. To combat this, my DIY coffee bar included a variety of drink options, including choices for the kids. Since I was hosting the coffee bar in the evening, I used both Seattle’s Best Coffee Medium Balanced Decaf and Seattle’s Best House Blend, a smooth textured, flavorful blend, for those not worried about the caffeine. My cold choice options included individual tea packets and bottle of water, a raspberry lemonade punch and the hit of the evening; a Caramel Coffee Shake.
Here’s what you need to make it:
For each shake mix three ounces of Seattle’s Best medium balance decaf, two ounces of milk, 4 ounces of vanilla ice cream and 2 tablespoons of caramel syrup on low speed in a blender for thirty seconds. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream. (Can you tell I love easy recipes?)
For my hot drink options I offered decaf and regular Seattle’s Best Coffee, plus different varieties of hot cocoa for the kids. I offered the option of pouring the cocoa over ice to make it a cold choice. To make flavored coffees, I added different flavors of coffee creamer, different flavors of syrup, sugar and whipped cream. I added the option of pouring these over ice to make cold coffee drinks by keeping insulated cups and a cooler of ice available. The hot coffee drinkers appreciated the choice!
I planned my coffee bar outside to make clean up easier. Hint: Don’t forget to add the basics; cups, napkins, plates and a garbage bag for trash. I am one of those people who forget the garbage until the last minute and remember a few minutes before the guests arrive.
Little touches like plain creamer, sugar, marshmallows and stirs are important when planning a party. Being a very scheduled person, I make a list of all the items we will need before the party so I won’t be out at the last minute trying to find an item I missed.
I wanted simple finger foods that did not require utensils I would have to wash later. To get around this I added coffee cake, two types of cookies, Smores and Macadamia nut, and different varieties of Puffed Corn for my family members with Celiac.
The best part of preparing a coffee bar is only small area is needed. To host inside, a table or buffet could be used. Since mine was outside, and we have been redoing our patio, I used a small makeshift table of concrete blocks covered with a table cloth. Just be sure to have plenty of chairs in the shade for the coffee enthusiasts to relax!
What are your best tips for hosting a coffee bar?
I think you thought of everything anyone could need on that coffee bar. That is the coolest idea.
this looks so good and i am a coffee freak. i will need to try this.
This looks delicious! I love coffee drinks!
That would be a great treat. Ok, a great treat, every day.
My sisters would love this recipe! Thanks for sharing it.
Now I’m craving a milkshake at midnight!! Looks great and I love your coffee bar ideas!
Oh what a FUN party! I love anything coffee and you have a great coffee bar going on there! Thanks for the idea – I’ll have to file that for my next girl’s get together!
That looks amazing! Love the idea of a coffee bar
Mmm, this loooks yummy. I also love your idea to make a coffee bar. 😀
Oh my goodness, I want to do this. Sounds like so much fun… just may have to have the girls come over. Thanks for sharing
I love the idea of a coffee bar! My tip would just be variety. Sugars, creamers, caffeinated or decaff… everyone has their preferences!
I have never had an at home coffee bar. After seeing yours, now I want one. YUM!
Very good idea. I would love to do this when I have some friends over.
Oh wow! Sounds delicious!! I will have to get these ingredients tomorrow.
I just had a salted caramel shake but I didn’t make it myself. I would love to try one of these at home and salt it. 🙂
I’ve been trying to think up a good idea for a casual family get together. Now, thanks to you, I have one. You have covered all my concerns, especially about clean up. Now I’m looking forward to it, and my family will think I’ve done a whole lot of work. I won’t tell them differently.
I love your DIY coffee bar. I’d like to go to a party where my host had one of these set up. So many great choices.
I don’t drink coffee, but I could easily substitute hot chocolate for coffee. Looks so yummy!
I LOVE milkshakes! Now I really want one!! Yummy!
Oh my gosh, i need to try this! I need afternoon pick me ups and I also crave something cold since it’s so hot at that time. I need to try this recipe!
I only drink hot cocoa not coffee, but let me tell you; that bar you made is awesome! Perfect for the hot coco addict too!
Oh wow. That looks so good. I love coffee, and I love ice cream. Therefore, this is amazing!
this looks yummy! And so much more inexpensive than my local coffee shop. I would love to try this.
Oooh, are those my main men I see, Ben and Jerry?! Hehe! I really love how you included a little something for every age and taste bud. I’m not a big coffee drinker so I definitely appreciate the other options 🙂
LOVE coffee, this sounds amazing – coffee and caramel my favorites together~!
Awesome idea. Thanks for sharing.
I love the idea of a coffee bar. I am the only coffee drinker in my house, but this would be great when we entertain!
So good. I would make this if I had the items. I am going to get them tomorrow. I have been putting off going to the store. This sounds so yummy!!