• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Craft Gossip

The largest independent craft review site since 2007

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

{Wedding Themes} Hot Chocolate

January 2, 2013 by Kimberly Jones

{photo via california closets}

Snow-covered trees and chilly winter temps are making me long for a rich cup of hot chocolate! What better theme is there for a cozy, winter wedding? With that delicious cuppa in mind, here’s some hot chocolate inspiration to warm you up while you dream of that special day.

How about a gorgeous color palette of hot chocolate and lavender from Postcards & Pretties?

 Looking for a fun and festive winter bridal shower theme? Brenda’s Wedding Blog shares a hot chocolate party that’s sure to inspire!

Yummy treats like hot chocolate on a stick from My Own Ideas are sure to please your guests. Or try one of these delicious delights for your wedding favors:

{Hot Chocolate in a Jar via Bridal Guide}

{Chocolate Dipped Vintage Spoon Favors via Marry This!}

{DIY Hot Cocoa Favors via Ruffled}

{Hot Chocolate Kit Roundup via Honeysuckle Life}

And last but not least, a hot chocolate or hot cocoa bar  at your reception is bound to be a big hit. Check out the lovely setting pictured above from Celebrating Everyday Life and get even more sweet inspiration here:

{Metallic Hot Cocoa Bar via Hostess with the Mostess}

{Hot Cocoa Bar via Intimate Weddings}

{Modern Jane Design}

{It’s a Bride’s Life}

 

 

 

 

 

Read These Next

  • 35 Make Ahead Christmas Brunch Ideas
  • DIY Calming Lavender Tea
«
»

Have you read?

Matariki Magic: Fun and Meaningful Activities for Kids to Celebrate the Maori New Year

Matariki is such a beautiful time of year here in New Zealand. As a mum of two (plus our chaotic dog Aloo), I’ve really come to love how this season invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—both with nature and with each other. The M?ori New Year isn’t just about looking to the stars; it’s about grounding ourselves in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few simple Matariki-inspired activities with my kids, and they’ve quickly become part of our winter traditions. Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for ways to make it more meaningful for little ones, here are some fun, hands-on ideas to help kids engage with the celebration in a way that sticks.

 What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the name of the M?ori star cluster that appears in the early winter sky. Its rising marks the start of the M?ori New Year—a time to remember those who’ve passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster, and each has its own special meaning. Some are linked to food sources (like water and land), while others connect us to wellbeing, weather, and the spiritual world. It’s a time rich in culture, reflection, and family connection.

 Matariki Craft & Activity Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Star Garland

This is such a calming activity for a rainy afternoon. Cut out nine stars from cardboard (cereal boxes work great), then let the kids decorate them with paints, markers, glitter—whatever you’ve got on hand. Each star can represent one of the Matariki stars.

Once decorated, string them together and hang them across a wall or window. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of each star into your home.

2. Make a Matariki Wishing Tree

This one’s always a favourite. Collect a bare branch from the garden and place it in a heavy jar or vase. Cut out paper stars or leaves and let the kids write down their wishes or hopes for the year ahead. Tie the messages onto the branch with twine or ribbon.

It’s simple, personal, and brings so much heart into the space.

3. Prepare a Shared Meal (Kai)

Food is central to Matariki. It’s the perfect time to make a meal together—something seasonal and comforting. Whether it’s rewena (M?ori sourdough), vegetable soup, or even a shared breakfast, the idea is to come together and be thankful for what we have.

Talk about the food’s journey—where it came from, how it grows—and how it nourishes us. These are such great little moments for connection and learning.

4. Star Gazing & Story Time

Bundle up, grab a thermos, and head outside to spot the Matariki stars in the early morning or evening sky. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, reading M?ori legends and stories about the stars indoors is just as magical.

Some of our favourite picture books:

  • The Seven Kites of Matariki by Calico McClintock

  • Matariki by Melanie Drewery

They’re gentle, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

5. Painted Kindness Rocks

Have your kids ever painted kindness rocks? Matariki is a lovely time to do this. Use paint pens or acrylics to decorate rocks with stars, spirals, or symbols of light and growth. You can write uplifting words or messages on the back.

Then go on a walk and hide them in your neighbourhood—or gift them to friends or teachers.

6. Memory or Gratitude Cards

Cut out simple card shapes and invite kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for or a memory of someone they miss. These can be added to your wishing tree or kept in a memory box that you revisit each Matariki.

This is a gentle way to talk about loss, love, and the people who’ve shaped us.

Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect. These little moments we create with our children through craft, food, stories, and stargazing build memories that will stay with them for life.

If you give any of these ideas a go, I’d love to see what you and your wh?nau create. Tag us or send through your creations—we might even share them on CraftGossip.com!

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, wonder, and a sky full of stars.

 

RSS More Articles

  • Matariki Magic: Fun and Meaningful Activities for Kids to Celebrate the Maori New Year
  • D&D Cross Stitch Patterns
  • 12 Summer Vibes Scrapbook Layout Ideas
  • Book Review: Knitovation Stitch Dictionary
  • Craft Your Own Companion: Crochet Eric the Doll with This Free and Easy-to-Follow Pattern
  • Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find
  • 12 On the Beach Handmade Card Ideas
  • DIY Plant Markers That Will Organize Your Garden in Style
  • Unlock Prime Student’s 6-Month Free Trial & 50 % Off—Here’s Why It’s the Smartest Back-to-School Hack of 2025
  • 20 Easy and Fun Toddler Crafts for Summer: Sensory Play, DIY Art And Seasonal Activities

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy