Here are tips to help you get the most out of your end of summer bonfire.

With summer winding down and fall fast approaching, there are few better ways to celebrate the changing of seasons than by bathing in the glow and warmth of a big fire surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones.

1. Find a Perfect Location

A bonfire is large by nature and calls for plenty of open space, not just for the fire itself, but for the guests you have invited and the festivities you have planned. Finding the perfect location for your bonfire is a great first step, as this choice will inform the size of your guest list and what activities you can then plan safely and effectively. Some locations to consider for your bonfire include local campsites and parks, the beach, or your own backyard if you have enough space.

2. Inviting Guests

Your first instinct when planning something as exciting as a bonfire party may be to invite everyone you can think of, but there are some things to keep in mind before sending those invitations. First and foremost, how many people can the location you have chosen safely and comfortably accommodate?

Another thing to think about when inviting guests to your bonfire is providing them with ample notice. With many teachers and students going back to school and family trips being planned around holidays, it is important to ensure that you give your guests plenty of time to fit your bonfire party into their busy schedules.

The invitation phase is also a great opportunity to tell your guests what to expect at your bonfire. Is your party a potluck? What will the weather be like? Are there any special activities planned? It is important to let your guests know if they need to bring anything of their own in order to enjoy themselves, such as food and drinks, extra layers of warm of clothing, or folding chairs and blankets. It is also a good idea as the host of your bonfire party to have backups of these things on hand just in case one or more of your guests forget their own.

3. The Fire Itself

Bonfires, while beautiful and often majestic, also hold the potential for danger. It’s a good idea to enlist the help of one or more of your guests when it comes to monitoring and maintaining a safe and enjoyable bonfire.
Seating is another thing to consider when planning your end of summer bonfire party. It is important to find that sweet spot between comfort and being cozy. You want your guests close enough to the fire to be able to enjoy its warmth and light, yet far enough from the fire to comfortably mingle and move about.

How you start and maintain your fire is also up to you. While some people prefer the all-natural approach of kindling piles and delicate oxygen distribution, others may prefer using a fire-starting log to keep things simple and more carefree. Whichever method you decide on, make sure you have enough supplies to keep your bonfire going for as long as necessary. After all, what’s a bonfire without the fire?

4. Seasonal Food & Drink Ideas

As with any party, it is vital to ensure that your guests have plenty of options available to them in regards to food and drink. Standard party fare such as finger foods and libations are great options, but an end of summer bonfire also opens the door for more seasonal, fire-specific options:

• S’mores: the simplest and most apparent bonfire party fare, just marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Pro tip: step your game up by offering a variety of options, from dark chocolate to gluten-free graham crackers.
• Apple Cider: a quintessential fall drink option that can be warmed up in a cauldron or teapot over the open fire. If you want an adult version, incorporate spiced rum for an extra kick!
• Corn on the Cob: a summer staple, all this easy to cook item requires is some foil and your favorite seasonings. Place your wrapped corn straight on the fire and let it do its thing!
• Brats: This makes for a fun and interactive dish! Pre-boil your brats in beer, onions, and garlic, pack skewers, and have your guests roast them themselves! Bring all the fixings like sauerkraut, mustard, buns, pickles, ketchup, etc., and let people build their own!

5. The Clean Up

As your party winds down, it is essential to respect whatever location you have chosen for your bonfire and clean up your entire space. The pack it in, pack it out policy is a good one to follow when throwing a bonfire party: whatever you bring with you at the beginning, should be taken with you at the end. Having clearly marked trash and recycling receptacles available to guests through your party will minimize the time and energy required to clean up afterward. It is also extremely important to ensure that the fire is completely put out before packing up and going home.