Which country is credited with creating the tradition of adding spices like cinnamon and cloves to coffee
during winter celebrations?

This The Season For A Festive
Gingerbread Latte

December is the season for gathering, and nothing sets a warm holiday tone quite like a cozy coffee station ready to welcome your guests.

There’s something magical about entering a softly lit room where mugs are waiting and the aroma of fresh coffee wraps around everyone like a gentle hug.

This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes to create a holiday coffee bar that feels both effortless and enchanting.

From charming little touches that make guests pause and smile to the details that turn an ordinary corner into the heart of your celebration, you’ll discover how to make your space warm, inviting, and full of December charm.

With festive accents and simple hosting tips, this issue will show you how to transform one small corner into a magical moment your guests will cherish for years to come.

A Few Festive Favorites to
Make Your Holiday Hosting Easier

If you’re creating a Christmas coffee bar this season, a few well-chosen pieces can add warmth, charm, and ease to your holiday entertaining. One of my favorite hosting helpers is the large-capacity coffee urn from Global Specialty Imports, Inc. It keeps the coffee hot and steady all evening long, so you can mingle with your guests instead of managing refills.

For a cheerful touch, the  Snowman Cookie Jar and Santa Mug Set instantly brighten the coffee station. They add that little spark of whimsy that makes people smile the moment they walk over to pour a cup.

To tie everything together, the Poinsettia Serving Platter and matching serving set makes a gorgeous base for pastries, mini sandwiches, or your favorite holiday cookies. It’s bold, festive, and instantly elevates any table. 

The matching Poinsettia Creamer, Sugar Bowl, and Salt & Pepper included in the set brings the whole setup together with a coordinated, elegant look. They’re practical, pretty, and make your holiday spread feel thoughtfully curated.

And for just the right cozy finishing touch, the Evergreen Tin Candle adds a gentle winter fragrance without overpowering the room. It’s the kind of detail your guests may not notice right away, but they’ll definitely feel the mood.

Gingerbread Latte (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• • • 4 cups milk
    • 6 Tbsp gingerbread syrup (recipe below)
    • 4 shots espresso or very strong coffee
    • Pinch of crushed gingerbread cookie
    • Cinnamon to taste
      
      

Directions:

·        Measure 1½ Tbsp gingerbread syrup into each of four 10-oz mugs.

·        Add espresso

·        Fill with steamed milk

·        Top with about ¼-inch foam

·        Garnish with crushed gingerbread cookie or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Gingerbread Syrup:

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 whole allspice berries
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 piece crystallized ginger
  • About 1 Tbsp powdered cinnamon
    
    

• Simmer sugar and water over low heat until sugar is almost dissolved.
• Add allspice, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and powdered cinnamon.
• Let steep about 10 minutes, strain, and refrigerate.

• Keeps about 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, airtight jar.

A few tips to maximize freshness:

• Make sure the syrup cools completely before sealing the jar.
• Store it in a glass container rather than plastic.
• If you included whole spices (cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, ginger), remove them after 24–48 hours so the syrup doesn’t over-infuse or ferment.
• If you see cloudiness, separation that won’t remix, or any off smell, it’s time to discard.

If you ever want it to last longer, you can also freeze the syrup in small portions (ice cube tray method works great) for up to 3 months.

Germany is where holiday markets first popularized

spiced winter coffee drinks.

Happy Brewing! ☕