How to host a fall bonfire

It’s that time of year when the weather is still warm enough to be outside, but your outdoor activity options are starting to dwindle. Now is the time to host one more event in your backyard before the cold fully sets in, and a fall bonfire is the perfect reason to invite people over. To have a successful night, here is what you need to do:

Send invitations
Invite people to your fall bonfire in style with party invitations. Make sure the card design matches the theme of your event, too. For instance, you could use ones with a little fire on the front or an image of a s’more. The paper invite will help people remember the date and time of your event and also get them exited to attend.

Gather burning materials
You can’t have a bonfire without burning materials, so make sure you gather plenty of logs and kindling. Be sure to keep these materials at a safe distance from the fire pit but close enough that you won’t have to go too far for more fuel.

If you want a more eco-friendly bonfire, try using alternative burning materials, like straw or switch grass logs.

Prepare the food
A fall bonfire is not complete without the right food. Set up a small table near the chairs to hold the snacks. It’s essential that you remember to buy the proper ingredients for s’mores. A fire requires at least a little marshmallow roasting, so have at least one bag on hand with plenty of graham crackers and chocolate bars, as well.

Hotdogs are another food that goes well with a bonfire setting. The slightly smoky flavor the flames give the meat is delicious when nestled into a bun with ketchup and mustard on top. When you know how many people are attending your event, make sure you buy enough food to last you all evening.

Going along with these fire-roasted foods, don’t forget the skewers. You need to make sure you have enough for everyone to use, so this is a time when an attendee list would be helpful. This way, you can determine in advance if you’ll need to borrow more sticks from a friend.

Be prepared
This time of year, the evenings tend to get pretty chilly, so set a few blankets near the gathering area for people to use. Yes, the fire is going to give off plenty of heat already, but some people might still get cold. The blankets will offer a little extra warmth if they need it.

Flashlights are another item you should have on hand near your fire pit. This will be useful when people start to go home. You can use the flashlight as a guide back to the house so nobody trips over anything in the dark.

Stay safe
Most importantly, when hosting a bonfire, make sure everyone stays safe. This is possible with a few simple precautions. First, don’t set any flammable items too close to the fire pit. A stray ember could set a nearby straw log ablaze in minutes. Keep a hose nearby just in case something like this were to happen. Instead of trying to run for an extinguisher, you could pick up the nozzle and dose the flames.

Second, double check that the fire is out at the end of the night. As the last of your guests are leaving, spread out the ashes and slowly pour water over everything to make it damp. Walk the last few people to their cars and then swing by the fire pit again to check that you can’t see any more hot embers. If the fire looks like it’s completely out still, place a cover over your fire pit so the wind won’t spread the ashes.
Following these tips for your fall bonfire will ensure your event goes well and everyone has a good time!