If you’re in charge of an upcoming get-together, there’s one thing on your guests mind: the party snacks. Setting up a snack bar for your guests is fun and enjoyable since there are no rules for placement or foods you serve. If you’re wondering how to make a snack bar for a party, we have 10 snack bar ideas to get you started, including a hot cocoa bar!

1. Lay Down a Table Runner

Set the scene for your snack bar with the inclusion of a table runner. Table runners add flair with their many colors and designs, while also protecting your table from the heat of any hot snacks you serve.

2. Set Up Your Serveware

Stock your snack bar with essentials like casual dinnerware sets and drinkware for guests to build their own plates and drinks. Casual sets keep your snack bar feeling laid-back thanks to their simple decorative elements like ribbed exteriors or whimsical designs.

3. Serve Spread-Style

For times you’re creating a snack bar for hosting or entertaining purposes, serve everything spread-style on a charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards provide endless possibilities for arranging your party snacks to be a quick, easy grab for your guests.

Tip!

For more charcuterie board ideas, check out this guide: How to Host a Successful Charcuterie Party

4. Use Cake Stands

Cake stands make great serving platters since they provide a flat surface for arranging your goodies. Some cake stands are flat on the bottom while others come with a singular leg that can have colors or patterns for extra decor. There are also tiered cake stands available, featuring multiple levels to arrange your baked goods on if you’re serving a large number of guests.

5. Elevate With Serving Trays

If your snacks don’t require bowls to keep them contained, elevate your spread with a decorative serving tray or platter. These rectangular serveware items provide a generous amount of space for your food, and you can style them like a charcuterie board. Plus, if you need to move your serving tray or platter to another room, you can use the convenient handles or raised edges to carry the tray without worrying about spilling your food.

6. House in Bowls

You don’t need fancy fixtures to create a snack bar – sometimes you just need a few small serving bowls on your counter! Small serving bowls provide the right amount of room to stow any party snacks you’re displaying, while keeping your items separate and providing versatility in arrangement.

7. Arrange Drinks Nearby

Food isn’t the only priority at your party snack bar – arrange drinks you’re also serving nearby to complete the spread. Beverage dispensers are bigger than pitchers and contain more storage space to house drinks you’re serving, and guests can serve themselves. Elevate your dispenser by sitting it on a wooden crate on top of the table to make it easy for your guests to fit the mouth of their glass underneath the spigot.

8. Don’t Skip Dessert

Party snacks wouldn’t be complete without a sweet component. We’re taking snack bar ideas to the next level with a mouthwatering chocolate fountain setup! Place a chocolate fountain in a free area of your counter or table before using other elements from our list – such as cake stands or serving platters – to house your dipping goodies nearby.

9. Accompany With a Coffee Bar

Accompany your dessert bar with a mini café by arranging a coffee maker and mugs nearby. Not only does coffee pair well with sweet treats, but the beverage acts as a stimulant, which is perfect to beat post-snack, full-belly fatigue!

Tip!

For more coffee bar ideas, check out this guide: Coffee Bar Ideas for Every Space (With Photos!)

10. …Or a Hot Cocoa Bar

Not into coffee but still want to evoke warmth during the colder months? Swap out a coffee bar for a festive hot cocoa bar. Use a tea kettle or coffee maker to heat up your water before mixing in your favorite hot chocolate mix, and house your favorite toppings like marshmallows or peppermint sticks in clear containers. Clear canisters provide your hot cocoa bar with a clean look that’s aesthetically pleasing while displaying all the fun beverage additions you need to complete your snack bar.

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Now that you’ve seen some of the best snack bar ideas, it’s time to stock up on your snack essentials!