Edible gift kits packaged in jars are a huge trend, and with good reason. Who can resist a cup of cocoa on a chilly winter’s day? See more DIY ideas!
Photo Credit: Jack Deutsch, © 2012 The Stonesong Press, LLC.
Crafty Commitment
10 minutes per favor. Get your groom involved! Even the least crafty groom-to-be can get on board with this project. Set him to the task of measuring and pouring while you add the finishing touches (or vice versa).
Supplies
(Makes 1 favor)
• 1 clear glass jar, pint size
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup powdered milk
• Pinch of salt
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed peppermint candies
• Mini chocolate chips
• Tape measure
• 2-in.-wide ribbon in brown
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• 1-in.-wide ribbon in mint
• Computer with Microsoft Word
• Printer
• Cardstock, 8 ½ in. by 11 in.
• Hole punch
• Twine
Directions
1. Filling each jar couldn't be easier: Layer sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, and salt in the jar.
2. Add a layer of mini marshmallows, a layer of crushed peppermint candies, and top with a layer of chocolate chips. Seal the jars.
3. Measure around the circumference of the jar. Cut a piece of brown 2-in. ribbon to length.
4. To secure the ribbon, place a small piece of double-sided tape on the jar. Wrap the ribbon around the jar, pressing the ends onto the double-sided tape.
5. Cut a length of mint-colored ribbon twice as long as the brown ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the jar, centering over the brown ribbon, and tie it into a pretty bow.
6. Now it’s time to create a tag so that your guests know how to prepare the hot chocolate mix when they get home. Open Microsoft Word and create a new “8.5” by “11” document.
7. From the drawing toolbar, select the text box icon. Click on the document and drag your mouse to create a text box that’s 2 in. wide by 3 in. long. Click inside the text box and create a personal message for your guests. The instructions for cocoa preparation are “Mix contents in a large bowl with 2 2/3 cups boiling water. Makes 2 servings.”
8. Save and print your document on the cardstock. Cut out the tags with scissors, punch a small hole in the top, and tie the tag to the metal closure of the jar using the twine.
Fit Your Style
Hot chocolate out of season for your wedding? No problem! Jars can be used to package homemade lemonade mix, cookie mixes, spice mixes, or granola. Use dry ingredients only and include directions for your guests.
Tips & Hints
► If you want to go a bit upscale, opt for hand-made marshmallows, Dutch-processed cocoa, and artisan chocolates.
► These can be made a few weeks in advance. Keep the jars sealed and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to give them away.
► Ribbon is a simple and cost-effective embellishment for your jar. It comes in hundreds of colors and widths so that you can mix and match to your wedding’s color theme.
► The best prices for glass jars are generally found at online specialty retailers who offer bulk discounts to customers. Beware that glass is heavy and expensive to ship, so always inquire about shipping costs before you order.
Price Breakdown
Your Cost: $51 for 12 favors, or $4.25 each
• Jars for 12 favors $36
• Cocoa $3.50
• Powdered milk $1
• Mini marshmallows $2
• Peppermint candies $1
• Chocolate chips $1.50
• Ribbon $3
• Tape $2
• Cardstock $1
Store Cost: Basic favors of hot chocolate packets cost $3 or more from online boutiques.
Adapted from The DIY Bride—An Affair to Remember, Khris Cochran (The Taunton Press, 2012)
