There’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire with other people. Especially when it’s cold out, there’s a magical quality to sitting around flickering flames with your loved ones and friends.
A backyard bonfire is a great way to gather while staying warm this winter. To ensure your gathering isn’t engulfed in a blaze of boredom (that metaphor might be a bit of a stretch, but let’s go with it), here are five tips that will make the night shine bright.
#1 Safety First
Only you can prevent forest fires (or at least that’s what a strange talking bear told us once). Before you host a bonfire, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Make a fire pit free of any brush
- Keep a source of water nearby
- Avoid smoke by using only dry kindling
- Don’t ever leave the fire unattended
As long as you’re careful, you should be fine. However, considering the potential devastation that could occur if your fire gets out of control, and take your time to avoid making any careless errors. We don’t mean to be too serious here; we just want you to be safe.
#2 No Fire Without a Spark (or Wood)
With the safety spiel out of the way, you need something to burn. It’s safest to use pre-cut firewood, so stick with that unless you know your stuff. You’ll also need tinder and kindling to get the logs burning. Putting some rocks around the fire pit is also a wise decision.
After gathering your materials, create a perimeter around the pit with the rocks. Then place the tinder and kindling in the center of the circle with the logs on top in a teepee formation. From there, all you have to do is light the tinder and kindling with a match or lighter and you should be good to go!
If this sounds too complicated, you can also purchase a pre-built fire pit. Some purists might find that sacrilegious, but all that really matters is that you have some way to make a fire.
#3 Please Be Seated
Your guests probably won’t be thrilled if they have to stand the entire night, so you should probably provide somewhere to sit! Tarps to keep rear ends dry are the bare minimum. Consider placing some seating around the bonfire—folding chairs and small stools will do just fine.
#4 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!
It’d be amazing if all types of food could be roasted over an open fire, but sadly, not everything can. Serving something simple and popular, like pizza or burgers, will go over well. Also, have little bowls of snacks to nosh on. Well-fed guests are happy guests!
As for drinks, it’s best to have both hot and cold options. Keep the beers and waters cold in an ice chest and the cider warm in an insulated thermos.
#5 Boom! Roasted
A bonfire without s’mores is like an Italian pasta without red wine to pair—it just doesn’t make sense. Marshmallows aren’t the only things you can roast, however.
Some other options include:
- Hot dogs – A classic cookout food that is incomplete without a bun and condiments
- Banana boats – These are basically banana s’mores wrapped up in foil, but the addition of the fruit really adds something special
- Baked apples – Absolutely delicious apples with butter, cinnamon, and sugar cooked over a fire in some aluminum
Don’t forget to pick up a few telescoping skewers before the party as well. Sticks might work for some people, but the more germ-adverse guests will appreciate the extra care!
All Fired Up
You’re now all ready to host a killer backyard bonfire. The blaze will keep you and your guests warm as you have a wonderful night together. As long as you remember these five tips, the party will be a safe and fun time for all involved.
