It’s officially bonfire season. After a long day of swimming and summer sun, there’s truly nothing better than kicking your feet up around a fire pit. Oh, and don’t get me started on the s’mores — that sticky, melty goodness is one of life’s purest joys. Who better to share it with than your favorite people? Here is everything you need to know about hosting the perfect bonfire party this summer.
(Most Importantly) Food, Drinks, & Other Skewering Essentials
At any sort of social gathering, snacks are obviously non-negotiable. As a bonfire party host, you have it easy: people cook their own food. What matters most is having an adequate spread of roast-able treats. For a budget-friendly appetizer, you can start your party with Jiffy Pop popcorn. Jiffy Pop pans can be set over the campfire and are ready to eat in under seven minutes. One 4.5-ounce pan of buttered popcorn yields approximately 3.5 servings and retails on Amazon for only $2.18. To add some variety to your popcorn, Watkins’ seasoning variety packs offer flavors such as ranch and white cheddar. A three-pack of these spices is available on Amazon and in select grocery stores for $11.98.
Hot dogs are naturally the best food to roast over a fire, but there’s nothing worse than your skewer falling on the ground while you’re digging in. To avoid any skewer-mishaps, purchase a kebab rack set and keep your sticks from rolling. Oh, and you can’t have hot dogs without toppings! For an ample condiment selection that’s budget-friendly, try a topping sampler. Walmart offers a Heinz picnic variety pack that includes two bottles of ketchup, a bottle of yellow mustard, and sweet relish for only $18.33.
S’mores are a must-have for every bonfire — when else would you roast them? Luckily chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers aren’t hard on the wallet, but if you’re looking to cut down on how much is in your cupboard, stuffed marshmallows may be a good option. One bag of chocolate Stuffed Puffs retails at $3.48 with about 12 marshmallows per pack. For larger parties and an even better deal, Amazon offers a bulk pack of six Stuffed Puffs bags for only $21.99.
While a cold Coke goes great with a hot dog, a bonfire party calls for kicking things up a notch. Refreshing summer mocktails are the perfect touch to elevate the festivities. A mocktail spread with various juices, seltzers, and add-ins gives your guests more customization options than a traditional 12-pack of soda would. For colder nights around the fire, warm cider and hot chocolate are the gold standard for warding off any goosebumps.
Firepits & Fire Safety
A party is only as good as the place it’s held, so whether you’re lounging by the ocean or relaxing in your backyard, be sure to follow appropriate fire safety measures. Bonfires on the beach and campfires in the woods are easier to host than you may think. Check your local park’s website and directory signs to verify whether fires are allowed in your area — some places even come equipped with pre-designated fire rings.
To make your own fire pit on the beach, dig a circle several inches deep into the sand and surround the area with rocks to protect the flames from the wind. Use dry kindling and light like you would any other fire. The damp sand will prevent any unwanted spreading. Be sure to reference your area’s fire advisories to ensure you are the correct distance from both the dunes and the ocean. For building campfires in the woods, ensure that you are at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn — that includes everything from tents to trees.
If you’re planning on throwing your bonfire celebration in the comfort of your own backyard, never fear. There are still budget-friendly options. Ace Hardware offers a wood-burning fire pit for only $49.99. Another affordable option is propane fire pits, which are a hassle-free, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood fire pits.
A better choice for those with limited yard space is a City Bonfire, a portable tin that has up to five hours of burn time. City Bonfires retail for $15.39 per four-ounce container at Ace Hardware.
For all of the locations above, keep matches and other fire starters out of the reach of children. Be sure to adequately extinguish any fires before leaving the premises– that includes residual embers. For more information on fire safety, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website.
Backyard Games
The bonfire fun doesn’t stop with food and fire pits; games are a great way to liven up your party.
If you’re looking for relaxing activities while sitting around the fire, try your hand at playing games like Winking Assassin. To play, grab one piece of paper per player and write assassin on one of them (the blank pieces mean that the player is innocent). Each player should draw a slip and keep their role a secret. Players will look around the group at one another, and if the assassin winks at you, you’re out! Try to identify the assassin before all players are eliminated. The best part about Winking Assassin is that it’s virtually free and there are tons of variations!
Luckily campfire games like truth-or-dare are free to play, but for those looking to splurge, an activity kit may be the most cost-effective option. Walmart offers a six-in-one sports set for only $28.86. Games include volleyball, frisbee, badminton, and horseshoes. If you’re looking for a race-style night, Amazon also offers a backyard game set. Instead of traditional sports equipment, this set includes supplies for egg-on-a-spoon, three-legged, and sack races for more competitive fun.
Three Tips For Hosting Your Own Bonfire
1. Make sure you have lots of napkins—skewered food gets messy.
Sticky, greasy food is the best kind, but unfortunately, it comes with a lot of cleanup. Be sure to have ample sanitary supplies for your guests to clean up throughout the evening.
2. Always have a backup plan.
Rain, wind, and other uncontrollable factors can upset your festivities. Whether it be having a fire starter, an extra tank of propane, or a spare lighter, it’s always best to come prepared in case things don’t go according to plan.
3. Relax.
Bonfires are all about kicking your feet up, and how could you do that without comfortable furniture? Rocking chairs, hammocks, lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and even a comfortable log are all great options for bonfire seating.