It’s that time of year! Bonfire time!
Bonfires are a great way to get outside when the weather starts getting colder. There’s just something refreshing about the cool breeze, smell of fall trees, and smoke…not to mention the delicious snack food!
After hosting many bonfire parties, I decided that it would be nice to gather a how-to guide when it comes to hosting that. Through this post, you will learn different ways to host a bonfire ranging from simple to a little more detailed. Britt + Co. has also released a great list of items that will bump your bonfire to the next level. I will be listing several of the items they mention but be sure to check out their own list by clicking here.
Let’s Start Simple
- You will first need to choose a great night to host your bonfire. Aim for one that isn’t freezing and has little to no chance of precipitation. It’s never fun to be cold, wet, and have a ruined fire.
- Send out invites. My favorite way to send out invites for a bonfire is through Facebook and texting. It’s simple and fast. The details for bonfires don’t have to be elaborate. Just provide food or ask your friends to pitch in and you’re covered.
- Making the Actual Fire
- A few days before you are having your bonfire, either chop wood or buy some from the store. You will also need to make sure the wood is dry. If it isn’t lay it somewhere the sun will hit it during the day but will still be dry.
- Purchase a fire starter or newspaper. Okay so this one is pretty easy. You need a way to get your fire started. I’m not a huge fan of fire starter liquid as it can be fairly dangerous if not used properly. If you purchase a fire starter, they are easy enough to light and keep the fire from going out. If you want to challenge yourself, gather kindling and wad up some newspaper. Insurance Tip Reminder: You shouldn’t burn leaves. Not only can they release toxic fumes, but all it takes is a slight breeze for them to blow away potentially causing major fire damage.
- After the fire is started, slowly build up on the size of wood you throw onto it. Once it’s been burning for a while, you can begin adding more wood as it will burn faster.
- Seating. Try and ask your friends to provide their own seats. The collapsible camping ones work perfectly. Otherwise you could use a blanket or wood stump.
- Food and Drinks. Set up a designated area where the food and drinks will be. If you have a lantern, place it by them as well. This keeps it from going everywhere or getting ruined by bugs/animals. Standard bonfire food items are hotdogs and s’mores but feel free to mix it up!
- Bug Repellant. This is a must especially if it’s before the first frost. If you don’t have any, be prepared for a bunch of little bug bites.
For a More Complex Bonfire
These are pulled from the Brit + Co. list. They’re great ideas but they will need either time or money to be invested in them. Some of our favorites ideas they provided are:
- S’mores Invitations
- Pine Cone Fire Starters (These look so cool, I’m going to have to try them myself!)
- Firewood Tote (Useful if you would need to carry your logs from a distance.)
- Blankets
- Lanterns
- Coasters
- S’moretini (I maybe could use this if it rains on my fire? Yum!)
- Food Storage Bins
- Cooler
- Recipe Ideas: Cheese Fries and Popcorn
- Campfire Tales App
Whichever type of bonfire you decide to host, I hope you have an amazing and safe experience! Bonfires are a great way to enjoy the outdoors especially when it starts to get cold out. If you have any more questions or comments please post below and remember to share this with your friends!
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