Hosting a bonfire party can be a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions, enjoy some warm autumn nights, or just have some family fun. Whether you're a fan of outdoor campfires or prefer the warmth and coziness of a roaring fire in your living room, there are plenty of ideas to make your bonfire party unforgettable. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan the perfect bonfire party.
Part 1: The Bonfire Itself
A cozy portable fire
If you don’t have a big outdoor fire pit, consider using an indoor gas or wood-burning fireplace. Or, add ambiance with a tiny portable fire or a cluster of battery-operated candles.
Safe fire pit options
If you plan to put your fire pit on a patio or deck, be certain that you have the proper protection. Without heat protection, the same problems can arise and you can wind up with costly repairs. A Fire Pit Bowl Pro can prove beneficial. Moreover, make sure that your deck has the weight capacity to hold up to the additional pounds.
Consider outdoor decorations
No matter where you hold a backyard bonfire, it has to be comfortable. That means having the proper fire pit table and furniture, such as an Adirondack chair. Having a patio umbrella can create a versatile covering for those times when the weather turns inclement. It is simply about having the right patio umbrella size.
Fun activities
When the stars are bright and the flames are flickering, snuggle up under blankets and share some not-too-spooky ghost stories. Or, have a cozy conversation around the fireplace with clever conversation starters sure to get everyone giggling like "If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?". Finally, you can choose a movie the whole family will enjoy, like one of these Pixar movies ranked for parental enjoyment, kids' movies parents love too, or one from our ultimate list of movies for kids.
Part 2: The Menu
Snack ideas
Keeping snack options simple while keeping everyone well-fed is key. S’mores-inspired treats like oven-made s’mores are always a hit. Or, set up a big spread with all the s’mores ingredients, and swap out chocolate for a peanut butter cup or peppermint patty to give your s’mores a memorable twist. Pick up a few extendable kid-friendly roasting sticks.
Drinks and cocktails
If your party is at dinnertime, treat your guests to fondue or a decadent charcuterie board. Don't forget to have plenty of options for drinks. Just like making sure that everyone is fed, keeping drinks well-stocked is important, too. You can plan ahead by asking guests what they like or making the event more of a BYOB. If providing drinks make sure that there are plenty of options: water, soda, wine or beer, mixers, hot chocolate, or anything else that would fit the crowd attending.
Part 3: Planning Activities
Games
If you have a bigger outdoor space or a yard to use, bring out oversized lawn games, and when it gets dark, turn out the lights and play fun flashlight games. For small or indoor spaces, plan on classic card games like Uno, your favorite board games, or easy tic tac toe. Put together an epic mix to encourage dancing around the fire. Add fire-themed songs like Great Balls of Fire, Firework, or This Girl is on Fire.
Crafts
If you’ve got more of an arts-and-crafts crowd in your house, plan a bonfire-themed craft like making food coloring or glitter fireworks in a jar or creating a tissue paper fire. For the easiest project ever, put marshmallows on the end of sticks to use as paintbrushes—a fun tactile craft that’s super easy to put together. Stamping with marshmallows makes interesting dot patterns.
Cozy Activities
When the stars are bright and the flames are flickering, snuggle up under blankets and share some not-too-spooky ghost stories. Or, have a cozy conversation around the fireplace with clever conversation starters sure to get everyone giggling like "If you had to eat a worm, how would you cook it?". Finally, you can choose a movie the whole family will enjoy, like one of these Pixar movies ranked for parental enjoyment, kids' movies parents love too, or one from our ultimate list of movies for kids.
Part 4: Safety Considerations
Fire safety
No bonfire party would be complete without a proper fire. To keep everyone safe, make sure your kids know about fire safety: never, ever play with matches, don’t touch the fire itself, and keep a safe distance. Outdoor fire pits should be at least three feet away from anything that can catch on fire. Be sure to douse all the flames at the end of the night, and check local guidelines before lighting an outdoor fire pit. Air quality restrictions or fire warnings might mean outdoor fires aren’t an option in your area.
Other safety precautions
If you have a pet or small children at home, consider using a protective ring of gravel or stones around the fire pit to prevent burns and accidents. Also, make sure that any flammable materials are kept a safe distance away from the fire.
##Planning a bonfire party doesn’t have to be a hassle. With some thoughtful planning and inspiration, you can host a fantastic bonfire party that celebrates the joy of fall and brings your family and friends closer together.
