As the weather gets colder and the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming mug of hot chocolate. This seasonal classic is even better personalized with toppings, mix-ins, and your favorite holiday mugs. Creating a DIY Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar ensures all these extras are in one place, making it the perfect setup to easily grab a cup or have friends and family over to join in the cozy festivities.
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Selecting the Perfect Spot:
Find the ideal location for your hot chocolate bar, whether it’s the heart of your kitchen on the island, a cozy corner on your countertop, or a stylish bar cart.
Crafting a Theme:
Infuse personality into your hot chocolate bar by selecting a theme that resonates with the season. Think candy cane stripes, delicate snowflakes, cozy plaid – the possibilities are endless. To keep things seamlessly coordinated, snag your supplies in your chosen theme!
Gathering the Essentials:
Curate a checklist of must-have items to ensure your hot chocolate bar is both functional and fabulous. From charming mugs, elegant spoons, and festive napkins to handy containers and eye-catching decorative elements like tablecloths and signs, each detail contributes to the overall enchantment.
Picking Your Hot Chocolate Flavor:
Begin your hot chocolate journey by choosing a flavor that sets the tone. Opt for classic hot chocolate powder, or venture into alternatives such as velvety white chocolate, rich dark chocolate, or spirited peppermint and caramel options. For a mess-free and effortlessly delicious experience, consider indulging in convenient hot chocolate sticks.
Toppings & Mix-ins Extravaganza:
Now, the fun begins! Let your creativity run wild as you assemble an array of toppings that turn a simple cup of cocoa into a masterpiece.
Organization
Now that you have everything you need to create your hot chocolate bar, it’s time to set up! Add your cocoa powder and toppings to separate containers with a lid to ensure they stay fresh, and keep your refrigerated items cold until it’s time to add them to your delicious cup of hot chocolate. Once you have everything organized, lay it out in the spot you chose for your hot chocolate bar and finish by decorating with your festive essentials!
There you have it! A deliciously fun and festive hot chocolate bar to enjoy all throughout the holiday season!
Looking for a new home this holiday season?! We’ve got you covered! Browse our list of apartment homes here and find the perfect one to call your cozy haven!
With October’s arrival comes festive fall weekends filled with excitement! Whether you’re into autumn vibes or something a bit spooky, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around the Northshore this month. Here are some exciting fall events happening in the area:
Are you currently living on the Northshore or looking to make it your home? Check out our list of Northshore apartment communities in the area and discover the ideal place to enjoy everything this vibrant community has to offer.
Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas harvest a hefty crop of fun fall activities, from spooky excitement to autumn festivities. Take a look at all there is to do this October and November!
Abita Fall Fest: October 11-12
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival: October 11-13
Ghosts in the Oaks: October 17-20
Boo at the Zoo: October 18-20
Rougarou Fest: October 18-20
Lafreniere Park Trunk or Treat: October 19 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
City of Kenner’s Trunk or Treat: October 19 at 5:00 PM
Kenner Food Truck Fest: October 20 from 11:00 Am to 7:30 PM
Elmwood Self Storage Drive Thru Trick or Treat: October 25 from 6:30-8:00 PM
Coquille Trunk-or-Treat: October 25 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Westwego Farmers Market Trick or Treat: October 26 from 5:00-8:00 PM.
Harahan Fest: October 27 from 4:00-8:00
Jean Lafitte Town Market: November 9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Westwego Chili Cook-Off: November 9 from 10:00 Am to 2:00 PM
2024 Beignet Fest: November 16 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Check out the full list of our apartment communities and find your next home today!
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With its vibrant culture and renowned academic institutions, New Orleans stands out as a top destination for college students and recent graduates. According to a recent Forbes ranking, New Orleans is among the best cities for higher education. Its rich cultural heritage, academic opportunities, and growing job market create a unique experience for those seeking more than just a degree.
For students attending local universities, such as Tulane University, University of New Orleans, Xavier University, etc., finding the right place to live can be challenging. Many students enjoy the lively energy of downtown New Orleans, but for those looking for a suburban environment that still offers close proximity to campus, there’s good news. At 1st Lake Properties, many of our communities are located just outside the city, offering a balance of comfort and convenience.
In Forbes’ analysis of the best cities for college students, New Orleans stands out for several reasons:
For those who prefer to live just outside the city, our communities in Kenner, Metairie, and River Ridge are just a short drive from local colleges. This allows students to stay close to campus while enjoying a more relaxed residential atmosphere. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or early-career professional, our communities provide an ideal mix of comfort and convenience.
Living just outside of New Orleans means you can experience the best the city has to offer while avoiding some of the busier aspects of city life. Our communities are thoughtfully designed, offer great amenities, and provide convenient access to all of New Orleans’ attractions, from local hotspots to career opportunities.
If you’re looking for a place near a local university, our communities offer a variety of options to suit your needs. To see a list of available communities near you, click here!
Forbes data sourced from Forbes’ Best Cities for College Students and Graduates.
The Greater New Orleans area offers plenty of summer fun, and a New Orleans picnic is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Planning a family reunion potluck? A sun-soaked day or a romantic date? There are plenty of idyllic picnic spots in New Orleans to experience. Here are a few of our favorites!
photo by @fontainebleaustatepark via Instagram
Residents of Grand Palms in Mandeville love having easy access to the natural beauty of Fontainebleau State Park. The nature trails offer hiking opportunities. Plus, the cabins and lodges are a great staycation getaway. Grab a spot under one of the ancient oak trees, or pick a picnic location overlooking Lake Pontchartrain.
photo by @redfishabita via Instagram
Having a picnic at the Covington Trailhead feels like taking a trip back in time. Located near downtown Covington and close to Artesia, our newest luxury apartment community, the Covington Trailhead resembles an old-fashioned railroad station.
The venue hosts community events, including the Covington Farmers Market every Wednesday.
There are restrooms and water fountains onsite. And the grassy knoll here is an ideal picnic spot.
photo by @fraymesz via Instagram
Conveniently located close to many of our Metairie apartments, Lafreniere Park is an urban oasis.
The apartment communities of Wildflower, Breckenridge, and White Water Creek are closest to the park. But, with its location just off of Veterans Blvd, the park is easily accessible for all.
Lafreniere Park offers 155 acres of outdoor fun, including plenty of beautiful picnic spots. You’ll also find a Frisbee golf course and a Spray Park, which is open Thursday through Sunday from noon-7PM.
photo by @neworleanscitypark via Instagram
Just a short trip from Park Oaks, Breakers, and Surf Rider apartments, New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban public parks in the country. With 1,300 acres to explore, there are plenty of quiet spots for picnicking. And there are covered pavilions available to rent for larger gatherings.
One of our favorite spots in City Park is Couturie Forest, which features trails perfect for bird-watching.
photo by @visitjeffersonparish via Instagram
For residents of Sugar Mill East and Sugar Mill West apartments, Laketown is just steps away. This gorgeous park is situated on beautiful Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner.
Laketown is also the home of Treasure Chest Casino and the Coconut Beach Sand Volleyball Complex, the largest sand sports complex in the United States.
Picnic shelters are available for rent, or you can find a spot along the lake shore. A lighted pier also offers the perfect location for freshwater fishing.
photo by @lil_rayrayman via Instagram
Just a short drive from Audubon Gates apartments is John Slidell Park. The walking trails in this park are dog-friendly, much like our apartment communities. Here you’ll find plenty of shade for a nice picnic, as well as playgrounds for family fun.
Many of our apartment communities in Elmwood are close to the scenic La Salle Park, including Sawmill Creek and Walnut Creek. The park is located right next to Zephyr Stadium and features a nature boardwalk, a jogging path, and an outdoor environmental classroom. And there are lots of scenic spots perfect for a picnic!
Many of our New Orleans area apartments feature beautiful resort-style outdoor features onsite. So you won’t even need to leave home to have a relaxing picnic outdoors! Explore all of our available apartments to find your perfect fit.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
