Throw a bonfire bash

September 24, 2009

Dig out your flannels and fleece and spend a night enjoying the cool fall weather by hosting a backyard bonfire.

Teach the kids how to light a fire safely. Send them out to collect natural large rocks and spend the day designing your own fire pit. Give them sidewalk chalk or non-flammable paint to decorate their boulders.

Have them collect small sticks to use as kindling and marshmallow roasters. Encourage them to make their own set of skewers by covering them in tribal marks or notches.

Before the party, collect all of the fixings for s'mores. Whip up some nature-inspired treats, such as trail mix or homemade granola bars. Make homemade cider to keep everyone warm while they watch the fire. You might even paint personalized travel mugs for your guests to hand out as party favors.

Make booklets with the lyrics to your favorite campfire tunes and host a sing-along around your backyard blaze. Tell everyone to think of their favorite ghost story to tell around the fire, and don't forget some flashlights for special effects.