One of the greatest joys of owning a home is the memories you make inside. A hot chocolate bar is the ultimate way to elevate any winter gathering, offering guests a fun and interactive experience. Whether it's a cozy night with family or a party with friends and neighbours, creating a DIY hot chocolate station will bring warmth and joy to any occasion. 

Here's how to set up the perfect hot chocolate bar everyone will love:

1. Choose the Right Location

Start by selecting an area in your home that can accommodate a small station for the hot chocolate bar. A kitchen counter, dining table, or living room corner can work well. Ideally, you want a place where guests can comfortably gather around and help themselves.

If you're hosting a larger event, consider setting up your hot chocolate station on a buffet table, complete with a decorative tablecloth to set the scene. Ensure the station is easily accessible and has enough space for guests to move around.

2. Pick Your Hot Chocolate Base

A good hot chocolate bar starts with the perfect base. You should offer at least two or three hot chocolate options so guests can choose their preferred flavor.

• Classic Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy classic hot chocolate is a must-have. Use high-quality cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a decadent flavor. You can prepare the base in a slow cooker or large pot to keep it warm throughout the event.

• White Hot Chocolate: White hot chocolate is a delicious option for those who prefer a lighter version. It's made with white chocolate and milk, providing a sweet, creamy drink that contrasts nicely with the classic version.

• Flavored Hot Chocolates: Unique flavors such as peppermint, salted caramel, or cinnamon can add a twist to your hot chocolate bar. Offering flavored syrups or infusions allows guests to personalize their drink and try something new.

3. Offer a Variety of Toppings

The key to a successful hot chocolate bar lies in the toppings. Make sure you have a diverse selection that allows your guests to customize their drinks to their liking. Here are some fun and festive topping ideas:

• Marshmallows: Offer a variety of marshmallows, such as mini, large, or flavored ones like chocolate-dipped ones.

• Whipped Cream: A must for any hot chocolate lover! You can serve traditional whipped cream or flavored versions like cinnamon or chocolate whipped cream.

• Chocolate Shavings or Chips: To make the drink even more indulgent, add a bit of extra chocolate, such as chocolate shavings, chips, or grated chocolate.

• Caramel Sauce or Syrups: For added flavor, offer various syrups, such as caramel, butterscotch, and chocolate sauce, for guests to drizzle on top.

• Nuts and Spices: For a little extra crunch and flavor, include toppings such as chopped nuts (like almonds or hazelnuts) and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a bit of heat.

4. Include Warm Add-Ons

In addition to toppings, you can include a few warm add-ins to make the hot chocolate even more delightful. Consider offering:

• Flavored Liquors: For an adult-only touch, provide options like Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or amaretto that guests can add to their hot chocolate for a boozy twist.

• Hot Coffee or Espresso: Offer a hot coffee option for those who like combining hot chocolate with a little java. A shot of espresso can add a sophisticated flavor to the mix.

5. Add Some Decorative Elements

A hot chocolate bar isn't just about the drink — it's about creating an inviting and festive atmosphere. Here are some decorative touches to make your hot chocolate station visually appealing:

• Themed Tableware: Use fun mugs, festive cups, or mason jars to serve the hot chocolate. For a special touch, you can even personalize the mugs with guests' names.

• Winter Decorations: Decorate the area with cozy, winter-themed elements like faux snow, twinkling lights, pinecones, and garlands. Try labeling the toppings with wooden crates or a chalkboard sign for a more rustic feel.

• Serving Containers: Use clear jars or bowls to make the toppings easy to see. Label each topping with a small sign or tag so guests know their selection.

6. Organize the Station

Once you have all the elements prepared, arrange them on your table or counter. Here's a suggested layout:

• Hot chocolate base: To stay warm throughout the event, keep your hot chocolate base(s) in large containers, such as slow cookers or thermoses.

• Toppings: Arrange your toppings in small bowls or jars across the table.

• Add-ins and extras: For easy access, place your syrups, marshmallows, whipped cream, and warm add-ins like liquor or coffee at the front.

• Serveware: Place spoons, stirrers, and napkins near the bar so guests can help themselves.

7. Provide Drink Accessories

Make the hot chocolate bar more enjoyable by offering drink accessories like stir sticks, spoons, and festive straws. You can also provide napkins for any spills or drips.

A hot chocolate bar is a delightful and interactive way to add a touch of warmth and whimsy to your winter gatherings. With various drink bases, fun toppings, and seasonal decorations, your guests will enjoy customizing their perfect cup of hot chocolate. Your hot chocolate station will be a hit with all ages, creating lasting memories and plenty of sweet moments.

If you've never sold a house previously, it's normal not to know what to expect. When seeking advice from neighbours, friends, or family, it might seem like everyone thinks they're experts on real estate transactions, but that likely isn't the case. It's common to hear myths and tall tales about the market or the selling process. 

As a first-time seller, don't believe everything you hear. Getting caught up in real estate myths can lead to bad decisions that cost you money in the long run. If you're planning on selling your home soon, be cognizant of these five myths about selling a home:

1. Renovations And Staging Aren't Important

One of the biggest myths we hear in a hot seller's market is that staging and renovations aren't necessary because buyers are so eager to make an offer. This is simply untrue. Even though the market is incredibly competitive, a home in bad shape will still be unattractive to buyers. Making renovations and staging your home is still your best bet for generating the best return. Just because the market isn't hot doesn't mean sellers should skip the important parts of the process.

2. You Can Save Money By Selling Your Home Yourself

While it's possible to sell a home independently, you'll need experience, skills, and a lot of time to pull it off seamlessly. While it may save you from paying an agent commission, there is also a good chance you'll leave money on the table.

Real estate agents perform many tasks that provide tremendous value by helping you achieve a higher sale price. Staging, marketing, and negotiating are all important pieces. You might not get the best return without an expert in your corner.

3. Setting A High Price Leaves Room For Negotiation

Many sellers think setting the bar high will leave more room for negotiation, but the truth is that many buyers won't even consider a home priced well above its value. By setting too high an asking price, you're ultimately putting yourself in a position where you'll likely have to reduce it after a few weeks. This may lead to buyer suspicions about potential problems.

4. Open Houses Don't Sell Homes

Open houses have been a common home-selling tactic for decades and didn't disappear during the pandemic, as many believe. While many assume real estate agents hold open houses to drum up new business, they can be very effective for sales. They are likely to generate quick exposure to the market and attract more interested buyers in a shorter time.

5. The Market Will Continue To Rise

Home values have consistently increased for many years except for two recent economic downturns. However, these recent recessions have proven that real estate is not a risk-free investment. The myth that home values will continue to rise yearly may influence a seller's decision to list their home. However, the truth is that home values can and do fall and will fall again.

Selling a home isn't always easy, so arming yourself with accurate information is the best way to make decisions that will yield a good return. Of course, experienced real estate agents are often the best source of reliable information about the market.

A total of 421 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this December, 28 per cent more than the 329 properties sold in December 2023 and a 23.6 per cent decrease from November 2024. Sales of condominiums were up 25 per cent from December 2023 with 135 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 20.9 per cent from December 2023 with 191 sold. A grand total of 6,893 properties sold over the course of 2024, an 11 per cent increase from the 6,207 sold in 2023.

“2024 was a fairly calm year for local real estate,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Laurie Lidstone. “And this is what we like to see for consumers! It has been a year of stability and predictability. Prices have been relatively level for the past two years now, which has made it easier for buyers and sellers to navigate transactions with confidence. Even though 2024 had more months with over 3,000 listings than we have had in many years, we do continue to see low inventory levels when compared to long term averages. If inventory remains low and we see an increase in demand, we could very quickly return to a market where there is upward pressure on pricing. This is why the Board will continue to advocate for gentle density development in 2025.”

There were 2,290 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of December 2024, a decrease of 19.3 per cent compared to the previous month of November but a 7.4 per cent increase from the 2,132 active listings for sale at the end of December 2023.

“The future for the market is of course impossible to predict,” added Chair Lidstone. “Recent changes that extend amortization periods for first time buyers, and updates to the property transfer tax thresholds help make homes more attainable, and hopefully help more people to enter the housing market. Consistent interest rates will also increase the ability for folks to make a move. As always, our market is subject to many influences and the purchase and sale process is complex. If you are contemplating buying or selling in 2025, call your favourite local REALTOR® who can create the best strategy for you and for your property.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in December 2023 was $1,272,000. The benchmark value for the same home in December 2024 increased by 2.7 per cent to $1,306,400, up 0.3 per cent from November’s value of $1,302,900. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in December 2023 was $556,500 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in December 2024 decreased by 1.6 per cent to $547,800, an increase of 0.6 per cent from the November value of $544,400.