Baby It's Cold Outside Baby Shower Ideas (Cocoa Bar & Decor)
Part of our guide: Baby Shower Ideas: The Complete Guide
A “baby it’s cold outside” baby shower is a good pick for a winter due date. The theme works for a boy, a girl, or a surprise, and the star of the party is a hot cocoa bar. These baby it’s cold outside baby shower ideas cover the decor, the cocoa bar, the desserts, the games, the favors, and exactly what you need for 20 guests.
At DecorWillow, our top tip is to put your money into the cocoa bar and a balloon garland. Guests will spend most of the shower around the bar, and a soft garland in white and ice blue does most of the decorating.
- Theme: baby it’s cold outside (winter, gender neutral)
- Best for: 15 to 25 guests, a winter shower from December to February
- Palette: white, ice blue, silver, soft gray
- Budget: about $204 budget version, about $317 full version for 20 guests
- Setup time: about 2 hours on the day, plus 1 hour the day before
Top Decor Picks for this Setup
Curated essentials on Amazon with top customer reviews to help you recreate this setup easily.
White, Ice Blue & Silver Balloon Garland Kit
The balloon garland on the wall behind the dessert table.
Hanging Paper Snowflake Decorations
Snowflakes hung at different heights.
Warm White Fairy String Lights
Soft lights over the cocoa bar and desserts.
Glass Jars with Lids for Toppings
Jars for marshmallows and cocoa toppings.
Table of Contents
- The winter color palette
- Decoration ideas
- The hot cocoa bar
- Before and after
- Food and dessert ideas
- Games
- A 2.5-hour shower plan
- Winter planning tips
- Safety tips
- Exact quantities you need
- Budget breakdown
- Worth it vs skip
- Small space version
- Setup and shopping timeline
- Favor ideas
- Party checklist
- Helpful safety sources
- FAQ
- Related articles
The winter color palette
Keep the palette soft and cool, then add warmth with the drinks and knit texture:
| Color | Where to use it |
|---|---|
| White | Tablecloth, balloons, snowflakes |
| Ice blue | Balloons, napkins, ribbon |
| Silver | Ornaments, spoons, snowflakes |
| Soft gray | Knit blankets, mittens, runner |
White, ice blue, silver, and gray, with knit mittens and a cocoa mug for warmth.
Decoration ideas
Pick three or four of these:
- A balloon garland in white, ice blue, silver, and clear confetti balloons. Here is how to make a balloon garland without a kit, and more mixes in our balloon garland color ideas.
- Paper snowflakes hung at different heights from the ceiling or a wall. Use clear fishing line.
- A welcome sign that says “Baby, it’s cold outside” on a white board.
- Two strands of warm white string lights. See our fairy light ideas.
- A pair of tiny knit mittens and a hat on the dessert table as the baby’s “first winter outfit.”
- A few pine branches in jars, or faux snow on the table.
For the table layout see our party table decoration ideas. For a bigger winter look that works for any party, see our winter wonderland party ideas.
The hot cocoa bar
This is the main attraction. Set it up on a 6-foot table next to the dessert table, so guests do not stand in one line.
Layout, left to right: cups, the cocoa pot or slow cooker, marshmallows, toppings, spoons, napkins.
- Cocoa: make it in a big pot or a slow cooker on the warm setting. Plan 1.5 servings of 8 ounces per guest, so 30 servings (240 ounces, about 2 gallons) for 20 guests. Mixes differ, so follow the package directions for the mix.
- Temperature: the pot holds the cocoa hot (140 F or above) so it stays safe. Guests ladle it into a cup, and it cools a little on the way. Let a cup for a child sit for a few minutes before they drink it.
- Toppings in jars: mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, and cinnamon sticks.
- Add a small sign for each jar, and mark which toppings have nuts.
- No dairy? Offer oat milk cocoa in a second small pot.
- Cups: use 30 paper cups with sleeves (8 ounce), or ceramic mugs if you own them. Put the stack at the left end.
Jars of toppings and a pot of warm cocoa are all you need.
Before and after
You only need one corner of a room. Here is the same corner before and after. The changes are a table with a white cloth, a garland on the wall, snowflakes, a sign, and a string of lights. It takes about 2 hours.
One empty corner becomes a winter shower spot.
Food and dessert ideas
Keep the food light, since the cocoa is rich:
- Savory: a grazing board with cheese, crackers, and fruit, plus mini quiches or sausage rolls. See our baby shower food ideas.
- Sweet: snowball cookies, white chocolate pretzels, mini donuts, and cupcakes with white frosting and a snowflake sprinkle.
- Fun item: marshmallow “snowmen” made with 3 marshmallows on a stick, with a candy face.
- A cake or cupcake tower in white and ice blue, with a small “baby” topper.
For the full setup see our baby shower dessert table guide.
Snowball cookies, mini donuts, and white cupcakes match the theme.
Games
Pick 2 or 3 games:
| Game | How to play | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guess the marshmallows | Fill a jar with mini marshmallows. Guests write a guess. Closest wins. | 5 minutes |
| Snowball toss | Toss 3 pom-poms or cotton balls each into a bucket from 6 feet. | 10 minutes |
| Snowflake wishes | Each guest cuts a paper snowflake and writes a wish or a tip for the baby. | 15 minutes |
| Winter word scramble | Unscramble words like “mittens” and “stroller” in 3 minutes. | 10 minutes |
For more rules and ideas see our baby shower games.
How to play two of them:
- Guess the marshmallows: Use a 1 quart jar and mini marshmallows. A 1 quart jar holds about 150 to 200 mini marshmallows. Count them before you fill the jar, and write the number on a card to show at the end.
- Snowflake wishes: Give each guest a square of white paper, fold it twice, and cut shapes. Write a wish on it with a pen and hang them on a string. Give the string to the parents.
A 2.5-hour shower plan
Start at 2 p.m. for a cozy afternoon.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 0:00 to 0:30 | Guests arrive, get cocoa, and take photos at the garland |
| 0:30 to 0:50 | Guess the marshmallows and snowball toss |
| 0:50 to 1:20 | Food |
| 1:20 to 1:50 | Gifts and snowflake wishes |
| 1:50 to 2:10 | Cake and cupcakes |
| 2:10 to 2:30 | Word scramble, favors, and goodbyes |
Winter planning tips
- Date: avoid the weekends right before Christmas and New Year. Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks ahead, because winter calendars fill up.
- Weather: if you expect snow or ice, give guests a phone number to call and have a backup date in mind. Keep a place by the door for coats and wet boots, with a mat and a towel.
- Coats: plan 1 hook or 1 spot on a bed or rack for every 2 guests.
- Refills and leftovers: refill the cocoa pot at the 1-hour mark, and refrigerate leftover milk-based food within 2 hours. Cocoa left in the pot should be cooled and refrigerated, not kept on warm overnight.
- Pregnant guest of honor: put her seat close to the heat and the restroom, and keep a pitcher of water nearby.
Safety tips
- Hot drinks: serve cocoa warm, not hot enough to burn. Keep the pot at the back of the table, away from kids and the table edge, and keep the cord out of the way.
- Cotton and faux snow: cotton batting burns easily, so keep it away from candles and heaters. Use flameless candles.
- Allergies: ask about nuts, dairy, and gluten on the invitation. Peppermint bark, cookies, and cocoa mix can contain nuts or dairy.
- Food temperature: keep cold food at 40 F or below and hot food at 140 F or above, and put out food for no more than 2 hours. See the FDA safe food handling guide.
- Slippery floors: put a mat at the door and wipe up wet boot marks.
Exact quantities you need
For 20 guests:
- Balloons: 60 for a 5 to 6 foot garland in white, ice blue, silver, and clear confetti, plus 10 spares.
- Paper snowflakes: 20 for the ceiling or wall.
- String lights: 2 strands of 25 feet.
- Cocoa: 30 servings of 8 ounces, which is about 2 gallons of milk and about 4 cups of cocoa mix (check the package, since mixes differ).
- Mini marshmallows: 3 bags of 10 ounces.
- Toppings: 6 jars, such as whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, cinnamon sticks, and extra marshmallows.
- Paper cups with sleeves (8 ounce): 30.
- Savory bites: 4 per guest, so 80 pieces.
- Sweets: 3 per guest, so 60 pieces (24 cupcakes, 24 mini donuts, and 12 cookies).
- Game supplies: 1 quart jar, 60 pom-poms (3 per guest), 1 bucket, and 25 pieces of paper.
- Favors: 20, plus 2 spares.
Budget breakdown
This assumes 20 guests and a garland you make yourself. Pick the column that fits you:
| Item | Budget version | Full version |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon garland (about 70 balloons: 60 plus 10 spares, strip, glue dots) | $18 | $18 |
| Paper snowflakes and fishing line | $8 (homemade) | $16 |
| Faux snow and pine garland | $8 | $14 |
| String lights (2 strands) | $12 | $12 |
| Welcome sign | $5 (homemade) | $12 |
| Cocoa bar (milk, cocoa mix, marshmallows, toppings, 30 paper cups) | $40 | $55 |
| Food (savory bites, cookies, donuts, pretzels) | $60 | $95 |
| Cake or 24 cupcakes | $18 (homemade) | $40 (bought) |
| Games and prizes | $10 | $15 |
| Favors (mini cocoa jars with a tag) | $25 | $40 |
| Total | $204 | $317 |
These are planning estimates for U.S. stores, exclude tax, and vary by store and region. The cocoa cups are included, but dessert plates, napkins, and forks are not, so add about $12 for 20 guests.
Worth it vs skip
- Worth it: the cocoa bar and the garland. Guests use the bar all afternoon and the garland shows up in every photo.
- Skip: printed plates and a big backdrop. Plain white plates and one garland cost less and look better.
Small space version
Use one table for both the cocoa and the desserts, with a tray of mugs at one end. Hang a 3-foot garland of about 30 balloons and 10 snowflakes on one wall, and skip the faux snow. Serve the cocoa from a slow cooker on a small side table, and cut the menu to cupcakes, cookies, and a grazing board. For a tight room, plan the games for guests sitting down: the marshmallow guess and the word scramble.
Setup and shopping timeline
- 3 to 4 weeks before: Send invitations with an allergy note, and order the cake if you are buying one.
- 1 week before: Buy balloons, lights, cocoa supplies, and favor jars.
- 1 day before: Build the garland, cut the snowflakes, bake the cookies, and fill the favor jars. Takes about 1 hour.
- The day of: Hang the garland and snowflakes, set the tables, make the cocoa an hour before guests arrive, and put out the food. Takes about 2 hours.
Favor ideas
- A mini jar of cocoa mix with 3 marshmallows and a tag that says “Thanks for keeping us warm.”
- A small bag of snowball cookies.
- A packet of hot chocolate and a mini candy cane.
- A seed packet or a small candle (if allowed).
- See our budget baby shower decorations for other ideas that cost little.
Party checklist
- Balloon garland and string lights
- Paper snowflakes and fishing line
- Welcome sign
- Cocoa pot or slow cooker
- Milk, cocoa mix, marshmallows, and toppings
- Mugs, napkins, and spoons
- Cupcakes, cookies, and a grazing board
- Game supplies
- Favor jars and tags
- Coat rack and a mat for wet boots
- Flameless candles
- Allergy check
Helpful safety sources
A few trusted places for the safety points in this guide:
- NFPA: safety with candles: Fire safety rules for candles, such as keeping them away from anything that can burn.
- USDA: keeping food out of the danger zone: The 2-hour rule and the 40 to 140 °F range for food left out at a party.
- HealthyChildren (AAP): choking prevention: Why balloons and broken balloon pieces are a choking risk for young children.
- FARE: hosting parties with food allergies: Tips for labeling food and planning a party for guests with food allergies.
FAQ
How do you decorate for a baby it’s cold outside baby shower?
Use a balloon garland in white, ice blue, and silver, paper snowflakes hung at different heights, two strands of warm white string lights, and a welcome sign. Add a hot cocoa bar as the main feature. For 20 guests, setup takes about 2 hours on the day.
What colors work for a baby it’s cold outside baby shower?
White, ice blue, silver, and soft gray. The palette works for a boy, a girl, or a surprise baby. Add warmth with knit mittens, a cozy blanket, and mugs of cocoa.
How do you set up a hot cocoa bar for a baby shower?
Put the cocoa in a slow cooker on the warm setting, and set out jars of mini marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, caramel sauce, and cinnamon sticks. Place the cups on the left and the napkins and spoons on the right. For 20 guests make about 30 cups.
How much cocoa do I need for 20 guests?
Plan 1.5 servings of 8 ounces per guest, so 30 servings for 20 guests. That is about 2 gallons of milk, about 4 cups of cocoa mix (check the package, since mixes differ), and 3 bags of 10 ounce mini marshmallows.
How much does a baby it’s cold outside baby shower cost?
A baby it’s cold outside baby shower for 20 guests costs about $204 for a budget version with a homemade cake, or about $317 for a full version with a bought cake. The cocoa cups are included, but dessert plates, napkins, and forks add about $12.
What games work for a winter baby shower?
Guess the number of marshmallows in a jar, a snowball toss with pom-poms, snowflake wishes for the baby, and a winter word scramble. Pick 2 or 3 games so the shower stays at about 2.5 hours.
When should I send invitations for a winter baby shower?
Send them 3 to 4 weeks ahead, because winter calendars fill up with holidays. Avoid the weekends right before Christmas and New Year, and ask guests about allergies on the invitation.
How do I keep a baby shower safe with hot cocoa and decorations?
Keep the cocoa hot in the pot, let cups cool a few minutes before kids drink, and keep the pot at the back of the table away from kids. Use flameless candles, because cotton batting and faux snow burn easily. Keep a mat at the door for wet boots.
Related articles
- Winter Wonderland Party Ideas
- Baby Shower Games
- Gender Neutral Baby Shower Ideas
- Baby Shower Dessert Table
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Recreate This Look: Complete Supply Checklist
Every prop, decor item, and material identified in our styled photos, linked directly to top-rated supplies on Amazon.
Inflates the 70 garland balloons quickly.
Holds the balloons together to build the garland.
Fix small balloons and snowflakes in place.
Keeps the cocoa hot on the bar.
Cups for the cocoa.
Cocoa for 30 servings.
Toppings and the guessing game.
A topping for the cocoa.
Stirrers for the cocoa.
Favor jars filled with cocoa mix.
Tags for the favor jars.
A baby item for the dessert table.
Faux snow for the table (keep away from flames).
Greenery on the cocoa and dessert tables.
Safe candles near the faux snow.
Snowballs for the toss game.
Holds the cupcakes.
Plates and napkins for guests.
