Create your own hot chocolate and apple cider stand…

I CAN think of no better addition to an autumn wedding as nights start to get cooler than to perk up guests with a hot, tasty drink. This is a really simple and cost effective way of adding warmth on many levels to your reception. For starters, chocolate is the ultimate crowd pleaser and when it’s served hot it’s even more delightful. So too is apple cider (non-alcoholic) served warm with a little cinnamon. Apples are the emblem of autumn harvest and by deciding to serve apple cider will make you bang in trend with the season.

All you have to do is chat with the hotel about setting up a special stand with two brass boilers for a more traditional effect. Use paper cups with handles or sleeves for safety. This ensures easier disposal. Naturally, you don’t need to serve the drinks piping hot as this only creates unnecessary risk. Just a warm sip of hot chocolate or apple cider late in the evening is as autumnal a feeling as you’re likely to get.

You can always go one better with the apple cider by sourcing apples from an orchard. This will not only look impressive, but also taste sublime. If the evening is mild you can set up the hot drink stand outside which will create a lovely atmosphere and break from the partying inside. Who knows, you may even be lucky enough to capture one of those rare autumn evenings borrowed from summer. This is an idea that is also likely to go down a treat with guests who don’t drink. Occasionally non-drinkers get left behind when it comes to fancy ideas about cocktails and drinks receptions. But hot chocolate and warm apple cider, what’s not to like about it? This is one idea guaranteed to satisfy the majority of guests.