As the cold months roll in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hot drink to lift the spirits and keep the chill at bay. Whether it’s a velvety hot chocolate, a spiced winter tea, or a rich, aromatic coffee, the magic of winter beverages lies not only in their taste but also in how they’re served. At Pure Table Top we believe that presentation is everything. That's why our NEW Eleanor Bowmer Santa Baby and Festive Icon mugs are perfect for turning your winter drinks into an experience.
In this blog post, we’re sharing top tips on how to elevate your hot drink presentation this winter, with our exclusive tableware and some creative ideas for adding a touch of festive magic to every sip.
NEW Eleanor Bowmer Fabulously Festive Mugs
1. Choose the Perfect Mug for the Season
The first step to creating a memorable hot drink experience is selecting the right mug.
Our Eleanor Bowmer Santa Baby and Festive Icon mugs are designed to capture the essence of the season, featuring charming hand-illustrated designs and bold colours that add warmth and cheer to your winter moments.
- Santa Baby Mug: Adorned with a playful Santa design, this mug is a statement piece for Christmas lovers. It’s perfect for a hot chocolate with all the toppings.
- Festive Icon Mug: With classic winter hand-illustrated Nutcracker, Santa and Christmas Mouse designs, this mug is ideal for everything from frothy cappuccinos to herbal teas.
Tip: Choose a mug that not only fits your hand comfortably but also aligns with the drink you’re serving. Larger mugs are perfect for indulgent drinks like hot chocolate, while the smaller ones are a great choice for more refined options like chai lattes.
2. Hot Chocolate: Go Over the Top with Toppings
Hot chocolate is the ultimate winter treat, and when presented in a beautiful Christmas mug, it can be a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Here’s how to make your hot chocolate truly special:
- Use Rich, Quality Chocolate: Start with a base of high-quality chocolate, whether you prefer dark, milk, or white. Whisk it into steamed milk for that creamy, velvety texture.
- Top It Off: Elevate your presentation by piling on the toppings. Think whipped cream swirls, a dusting of cinnamon, mini marshmallows, or even crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
- Garnish Like a Pro: A peppermint stick, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of chocolate powder adds the perfect finishing touch.
Serve it all in our Santa Baby mug, and you’ve got a festive drink that’s as joyful to look at as it is to sip!
3. Make it Instagram Worthy
Winter drinks are as much about the presentation as the flavours. When you're serving up your beverages, think about the little details that make your drink-worthy of a photo:
- Coordinated Napkins & Saucers: Pair your mugs with our matching Eleanor Bowmer Festive Icon napkins for a polished look.
- Add Some Holiday Flair: Tuck in a sprig of holly or a festive stirrer to give your drink an extra-special touch. These little details not only elevate the presentation but make your drink feel like a cozy holiday celebration.
- Natural Lighting: To capture the perfect picture, always take photos in natural light to make the colours of your drink and mug pop!
4. Warm Spiced Drinks: Simple Elegance
Mulled cider, chai tea, and spiced lattes are quintessential winter beverages, and they pair wonderfully with our Festive Icon mug. To highlight the spices and warmth of these drinks:
- Use Clear Garnishes: Add a cinnamon stick, star anise, or a thin slice of orange to the drink to visually complement the spice and aromas.
- Dusting of Spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder on the top creates a sophisticated yet cosy vibe.
- Serve with a Sweet Treat: Pair your spiced beverage with a biscuit or gingerbread cookie to round out the experience. These can even be placed on the saucer or alongside the mug for added charm.
5. Create a Hot Drink Station
Hosting a winter gathering? Set up a self-serve hot drinks station that allows guests to build their own warm beverage, complete with an array of toppings, syrups, and garnishes.
- Showcase Your Mugs: Arrange your festive mugs on display as part of the station. Let guests choose their favourite mug to enjoy their drink from, adding a personalised touch to their experience.
- Offer Variety: Include different hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and cider, along with all the trimmings – whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, caramel drizzle, and flavoured syrups.
- Festive Décor: Adorn the table with twinkling lights, pinecones, or even a few ornaments to create that festive spirit around the drinks station.
6. Winter Presentation for Guests
If you’re serving hot drinks to guests, make sure to take the presentation to the next level. Your choice of mug sets the tone, and a few thoughtful extras can turn an everyday moment into something memorable.
- Personal Touches: Add a small name tag to each mug if you’re hosting an event, so everyone knows which drink is theirs.
- Tray Display: Serve the mugs on a wooden tray with fairy lights or greenery, like sprigs of pine, for a magical winter touch.
- Festive Coasters: For extra flair, place festive coasters underneath each mug to enhance the table setting.
With a little creativity and the right accessories, your winter beverages will be the highlight of the season. From hot chocolate with decadent toppings to beautifully spiced teas, our mugs will help you create moments that feel like a warm hug in a cup.
