Getting together with friends doesn’t mean you have to plan a four-course meal or go somewhere pricey. A cup of coffee or tea and a cozy catch-up session at home is just as fun, more relaxed, and a lot less expensive. We love the trend of recreating the vibes of your favorite coffee shop at home by setting up a drinks station in your kitchen or another cozy space, especially during the chilly months. Unlike an elaborate dinner party that requires hours of prep or a pricey night out, hosting a coffee shop gathering is easy on you as the host and your wallet, while still giving everyone the benefit of spending quality time together. So, break out the mugs and follow these tips to create your own coffee shop at home.
Set the Vibe
Setting up a coffee station is simple. Choose a corner of your kitchen or another cozy spot and then think about what you love about your favorite coffee shop. Arrange a coffee maker, electric kettle (if you have one), coffee and a selection of tea bags, hot chocolate packets, sweeteners, and any flavorings you like on a counter or other surface, then display your mugs and cups. Hooks or an open shelf work, or if you’re short on space, try a mug tree, which allows you to display mugs vertically. Create a cozy area for everyone to sit then put on a coffee shop playlist from Spotify or another music service and you’re ready to go.
Add Easy Treats
What would a coffee shop be without a selection of delicious things to snack on? That doesn’t mean you have to spend all day baking. Pick up some baked goods like donuts, muffins, croissants, or bagels in the bakery section of your local grocery store. Or pick up a boxed baking mix (brownies are perfect) and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of something from the oven. Don’t forget the little touches, like cream cheese, butter, and jam to top it all off.
Craft a Great Drinks Menu
Now for the main event: the drinks! Plan to have regular brewed coffee, multiple tea bags, and espresso (if possible) available for guests to choose from. Allow them to customize with creamers, milks, syrups, and sweeteners. You can even create your own menus with everything you have available and print them out for everyone or write them on a chalkboard so your guests can feel like they’re ordering at a real cafe. Choose a few coffee shop-inspired recipes to recreate with ease at home as signature drinks for your at-home menu, too. Here are some of our favorites.
London Fog Tea Steamer
This hot tea latte may sound fancy, but it only uses five ingredients. Start off with hot Earl Grey tea and add steamed milk as the “fog.” Then, a touch of honey and vanilla extract adds sweetness and flavor for the ultimate cozy drink.
Get the recipe: London Fog Tea Steamer
Gingerbread Latte
Pantry ingredients are the star of this festive cookie-inspired holiday latte. Once you’ve made your homemade gingerbread syrup, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days, making it easy to prep ahead of time for your gathering.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Latte
Pumpkin Whipped Coffee
This trendy whipped coffee has a fun, fluffy texture that’ll surely impress your guests. Adding pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie seasoning brings a fall flavor twist. Store-bought cold brew helps the recipe come together in just 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Whipped Coffee
Iced Chai Lattes
Why choose between coffee and tea? Combine them together in this flavorful five-ingredient iced latte filled with delicious notes of cinnamon and cardamom. Leftover chai iced cubes are also great for later use in smoothies and other chilled beverages.
Get the recipe: Iced Chai Latte
White Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for a fun alternative to coffee and tea to add to the menu, give this white hot chocolate recipe a try. A splash of heavy cream makes for a super creamy texture and white chocolate chips and some vanilla extract really amp up the warm, chocolatey flavors.
Get the recipe: White Hot Chocolate
