There is something quintessentially autumnal about a backyard bonfire as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler. Between the smell of the roaring fire, the rustling of the leaves, and the taste of roasted marshmallows, it signals that fall is officially in full swing. And although a backyard bonfire is casual by nature, that doesn’t mean you can’t elevate it through thoughtful touches and unexpected details. The most memorable events aren’t necessarily the most lavish; they’re ones that feel considered.
To help you host the ultimate fall backyard bonfire, we enlisted the help of Amber Mayfield Hewett, founder of To Be Hosted and author of the recently released entertaining book, Your Turn to Host. Ahead, you’ll find a step-by-step guide for setting up for a backyard bonfire. We’re talking simple details that make the occasion feel extra special, practical tips for arranging seating, safety precautions to keep on your radar, and essentials to make the night go smoothly. Here’s to a memorable fall bonfire season!
Come Up With a Creative Name or Theme for the Event
A clever name or theme instantly makes a simple gathering like a backyard bonfire feel more special. “Come up with something fun and fitting for the surrounding details of your gathering,” Mayfield Hewett says. Her favorites include Camp "Insert Last Name", a S'mores Social, Toasted for the Fall, Fireside with Friends, or Bonfire & Burgundy if you plan to serve wine. Think of the atmosphere you want to create, the food and drinks you’ll be serving, or a distinguishing feature in your backyard—such as a red barn or a frog pond—to come up with a unique name for the occasion.
Send Out Invitations—and Include a Rain Date
Once you have a fun name for the fall bonfire, send out invitations with all the details. “The invitation is your first opportunity to get people excited about gathering, so give a little extra thought to the name and theme,” Mayfield Hewett says. Since a bonfire is an outdoor event and weather can be unpredictable this time of year, the hosting expert recommends planning ahead and choosing a rain date. “People love having something to look forward to, so send your invitations early and include an alternate date in case weather is not on your side,” she says.
Take Safety Precautions
Fire safety guidelines vary by state and neighborhood, so do your due diligence and double-check what is allowed and recommended in your area when it comes to bonfires in the backyard. “Consult your local fire station to make sure the fire pit is safely placed and all proper safety precautions are considered,” Mayfield Hewett recommends.
Arrange Seating Around the Fire
When the RSVPs start coming in, begin planning the seating. A backyard bonfire may not require an elaborate seating chart, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need sufficient seating for people as they roast marshmallows and chat around the fire.
Mayfield Hewett’s pro tip is to treat seating like an arena, because it allows people to gather around the fire pit. “Start with a circle row of floor cushions in the front and add a second row of lawn chairs if the gathering is on the larger side,” she suggests. This works particularly well if you have a mix of kids and adults attending, she says, since the little ones can be in the front row and their parents can keep a watchful eye on them.
Add Cozy Touches
If there’s a chill in the air, have an assortment of blankets and pillows ready for guests to grab. Bring a big basket to hold the textiles, or place a stack of folded blankets by the entrance to the backyard so each guest can grab one as they arrive. Not only do blankets offer functionality, Mayfield Hewett notes they double as decor. “Mixing and matching colors and textures will add more character to the space,” the entertaining pro says. Use a mix of plaid, buffalo check, and striped blankets for a classic, yet collected-over-time feel to channel a cozy aesthetic and keep guests warm.
Illuminate the Backyard
The bonfire itself serves as a source of light, but disperse other forms of ambient lighting throughout the backyard for a magical atmosphere. “For lighting, string lights or vintage lanterns are also nice as the sun sets,” Mayfield Hewett says. Lighting is an excellent trick for creating an atmosphere, especially if the lights are dimmable and offer a variety of light modes to choose from. On a practical note, use outdoor lighting to illuminate pathways and guide guests to other areas—such as a s’mores bar or a drink station—so the fire pit doesn’t become crowded.
Set Up a Food and Drinks Table Away from the Bonfire
Strategically set up the food and drinks table away from the bonfire. “That way, you don't have too much traffic moving around the fire, and arranging different stations will encourage people to get up and mingle at different points throughout the night,” Mayfield Hewett says. She suggests offering an assortment of mugs or even branded to-go cups, and having stations with soup, chili, hot chocolate, and hot cider. “When hosting outside, I also like to have mesh food covers to keep the bugs away,” she adds.
Have Plenty of Bonfire Essentials
To make sure the bonfire runs smoothly, have a sufficient amount of essentials on hand—we’re talking enough roasting sticks for every person plus extras in case one goes missing in the dark, plenty of firewood to keep the bonfire going, and enough paper goods such as plates, cups, and napkins, so you don’t have to keep running back and forth between the backyard and the kitchen. Additionally, keep an outdoor trash can handy so guests can easily dispose of used paper products and other trash.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
