Food
Bonfires are designed for ease and comfort, so creating an elegant meal accompanied by a dazzling display might not be necessary. Instead, incorporate elements of down-home comfort food mixed with seasonal cuisine to impress your guests. Set up outdoor food bars that allow guests to serve themselves and create an endless array of delicious comfort food. Be sure to lay out campfire forks on a serving platter near the bonfire so that guests can easily cook their own food.
Hot Dog Station
A build-your-own hot dog station is a great way to incorporate summer fare into your fall bonfire. Have guests cook up hot dogs and sausages over the open fire, bringing them over to your outdoor dining table once they achieve a perfectly roasted sausage. Display various condiments in white sauce bowls and offer everyone’s favorite garnishes such as lettuce, onions, tomatoes and jalapeños in matching servers. Courteously label the garnishes with place cards or chalkboard markers so guests know exactly what they’re eating. Try serving the meals in hot dog baskets with paper napkins rather than dinner plates to keep messes to a minimum and have guests coming back for seconds even faster.
S’mores Bar
No bonfire party is complete without mouthwatering s’mores. Present graham crackers on a large serving platter, various chocolates (think milk chocolate, dark chocolate, salted caramel chocolate and peanut butter chocolate) in matching cereal bowls with marshmallows neatly lined up on a large serving tray. Display fun toppings such as fruit, peanut butter and even bacon, in large glass jars alongside serving tongs and twinkling string lights to incorporate multifunctional decor.
Drinks
Seasonal beverages are great at warming you from within, and your palate will thank you for flavorful mixes and spiced drinks. Pour cool beverages such as water, juice or soda into glass drink dispensers so that guests have easy access to drinks. But be sure to feature fall with seasonal drinks guests can revel with as the night carries on.
Hot Chocolate
Welcome the brisk air with a mug of hot chocolate that is as decadent as it is warm. Combine heaps of cocoa powder, sugar and milk in a saucepan, bring the mixture to a simmer and serve in your favorite set of mugs. If you’re expecting an abundance of guests, use a hot chocolate maker to brew up a steaming pot of hot cocoa that will stay warm all evening. Similar to s’mores, hot chocolate has endless opportunities for toppings and flavors. On your kitchen island or counter space, present your spice rack or herb jars with labels clearly displayed for guests. Place some frothy whipped cream, perfectly melted hot fudge and caramel, and lightly toasted marshmallows next to the spices for that perfect cup of cocoa.
Hot (Spiced) Apple Cider
Hot apple cider is a fantastic way to embody the spirit of fall—the sweetness of the apples mixes with the bite of tangy orange tea for a mug of steaming comfort. Consider adding 1 ¼ cup of spiced dark rum to a quart of cider for an extra kick. An easy non-alcoholic substitute is a dash of nutmeg for even more flavor. Cider is traditionally served in a clear glass coffee mug. Adorn each cup with a slice of fresh orange and a cinnamon stick or two for extra-fresh flavor that doubles as a garnish. Serve your cider in a pitcher that’s safe for hot beverages, or leave it in a saucepan on a low-heat on the kitchen or grill rangetop.
Entertainment
Bonfires aren’t just for smoking sausages and melting gooey marshmallows: enjoy fun-filled entertainment that guarantees laughs and long-lasting memories. Create an enjoyable, friendly and open atmosphere around your bonfire, complete with games and eye-catching decor that will leave your guests talking for days.
Atmosphere
A bonfire represents warmth even in the cold, so have your decor embody just that. Add deep red, orange and brown tablecloths to nearby outdoor dining and coffee tables. Fill a decorative bowl or vase with bright orange or ghost autumnal potpourri to incorporate fall textures. Add a focal point to your doorways with golden garlands and wreaths that feature the yellow oak leaf. Once the sun sets, illuminate your backyard with numerous candles and lanterns to fashion a flickering dim for a comforting atmosphere. On cooler nights, sweaters alone might not be enough to keep you warm. On an outdoor bistro or side table, set out cozy fleece blankets, quilts and throw pillows to ensure no teeth begin to chatter.
Activities
A circular seating arrangement around any bonfire contributes to the sense of togetherness and enjoyment amongst guests. Create treasured memories by playing games that don’t require any equipment, such as truth or dare or telephone. If you or a guest knows how to play the guitar or banjo, break out some classic campfire songs and have everyone sing along. After the sun completely sets, tell some chilling ghost stories to keep guests on the edge of their logs. For more visual storytelling, pull out a projector and play favorite movies on a large white sheet. If you need to accomodate more individuals, try rearranging your patio furniture near the firepit, or duck into the kid’s room and grab a few comfortable bean bag chairs so that everyone has the opportunity to sit and absorb the warmth of the fire.
After you’re done roasting smores and sipping cocoa, share your favorite fall bonfire party ideas with us using the hashtag #Cratestyle.