How to Host a Bonfire Party

After long days of swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding at the cabin, my family and I gather around the bonfire before settling in for the night. It has become quite the family tradition. Some nights are for lounging where others are for hosting bonfire parties with our extended family and friends (and depending on the night, the tiki bar comes out to play!).

Here are some of my family’s tried and true tips for hosting the ultimate bonfire party.

Choose a Theme

My family loves any excuse to bring out the tiki bar, but there are plenty of other fun bonfire ideas to choose from. Some of our other favorites are glow-in-the-dark (with glow-in-the-dark attire, of course), patriotic and an outdoor movie bonfire. No matter which theme you choose, they’re all simple to set up on a whim.

Bonfire party theme ideas:

• Tiki party

• Glow-in-the-dark

• Patriotic

• Outdoor movie

• Campfire meal (complete with fun campfire food recipes!)

• Beach bonfire

• Halloween

• Game night

• Sing-along

Start with a Fire Pit

The fire itself is the main event, so you’ll want to be prepared when it comes to your fire pit. If you don’t already have one, you can choose from fire tables, tabletop fire fixtures, chimineas and standard fire pits—whatever fits your space and needs best. (FYI, we’re obsessed with the Breeo fire pit.) If you’re handy, you can even build a fire pit yourself.

Before you even pick which is best for your space, read up on local laws. Some cities have specific ordinances regarding recreational backyard fires, and you’ll want to ensure you’re following guidelines to keep you and your neighbors safe.

Set up the Space

Make sure there is ample seating for your guests, who’ll want to be front row to the warmth. Set up some stools, lawn chairs or benches. We also suggest tucking blankets into baskets for when the sun has fully set and the temps have finally dropped.

Make Your Own Mood Lighting

If you’re feelin’ extra fiery, create cute and economical tea light holders out of soup cans. Simply use a hammer and nail to punch holes in any pattern you choose. Then, place them around your backyard for a glowy effect or cluster them together on your serving table to act as a centerpiece.

And for a fun activity to further light up your backyard, look to hand-held fireworks, such as party poppers or sparklers. To adorably display the latter, fill a metal pail with sand or small pebbles, then arrange the sparklers, metal side down, in the bottom. Voila!

Plan a Bonfire Party Menu

And what’s a party without food? Hot dogs, brats and pudgy pies are the quintessential bonfire foods that you absolutely need around the fire. These recipes will help you take your bonfire party menu above and beyond.

• Favorite Hot Chocolate: Sweeten things up by serving this steamy drink from insulated bottles or mugs. Trust us—the rich sipper is best enjoyed fireside. Plus, it offers a fun new take on the quintessential bonfire combo of chocolate and marshmallows.

• Cheese & Pimiento Spread: For partygoers with a taste for the southern classic—or even just for those who love cheesy goodness, this spread is perfect. Pair it with veggies or, to match the twinkly night sky above, star-shaped crackers.

• Watermelon & Cucumber Salsa: For something on the fresher side, look no further than this condiment. It’s delectable piled high on everything, including hot dogs!

• S’mores Cupcakes: For another variation on classic s’mores, your crew will love these bite-size cakes. With toasty frosting and customizable toppings, they’re hard to resist.

Or, if traditional s’mores are what you’re craving, make sure you’re stocked with roasting sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers and your selection of chocolate candy bars. Don’t stop at just Hershey’s bars! Garnish ’em with Reese’s, Crunch bars, even Butterfingers. Yum!

Hungry for more? We’ve got plenty of other backyard bonfire recipes for you to consider:

More Bonfire Recipes to Try

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Blueberry-Cinnamon Campfire Bread

A neighboring camper made a bread so tempting, I had to ask for the details. Here’s my version, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee by the campfire. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Get Recipe

Ham & Jack Pudgy Pie

Pepper jack cheese adds spicy flavor to these warm, melty sandwiches. —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin

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Campfire Hash

In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona

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Pot of S'mores

Mom’s easy Dutch-oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho

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Scrambled Egg Bread

We always eat ham, eggs and bread on camping trips, and we often have extras. Combine them and you’ve got scrambled egg bread. We first made this on a visit to Mount Shasta. —Shirley Mondeau, Rohnert Park, California

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Campfire Dessert Cones

Kids love to make these! Set out the ingredients so they can mix and match their own creations. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Grilled Spicy Corn on the Cob

During a family picnic, we added jalapenos and hot pepper sauce to our homegrown corn. Now we spice up the ears every chance we get. —Bernadette Walker, Waco, Texas

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Eclairs on the Grill

My best camping treat is an easy eclair on a stick. This is the one that makes people watch what you’re doing and beg to be included. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets

Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California

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Campers Favorite Dip

Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches, especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas

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Grilled Peach Sundaes

These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina

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Tomato-Herb Grilled Tilapia

This super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Pizza Mountain Pies

Because we liked this pudgy pie recipe so much, I started making them for my daughter on our stove at home. —Pam Weik, West Lawn, Pennsylvania

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Hot Quick Banana Boats

These delicious, warm bananas are great on camp-outs or in the backyard. You can eat them right out of the foil bowl. Cleanup is easy, too. —Sheila Parker, Reno, Nevada

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Grilled Green Beans

I cook almost everything outdoors, including green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania

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Campfire Peach Cobbler

This dutch oven peach cobbler recipe has been a family classic for 60 years. We prefer peaches, but fresh cherries and berries are fun, too. Almost any fruit would work. Mix and match! —Jackie Wilson, Wellsville, Utah

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Potatoes Plus

On our busy farm, meals need to be ready fast. These herb-seasoned potatoes and vegetables wrapped in foil packets cook in only half an hour. They're excellent with steak or chicken. —Jill Jellett, Leduc, Alberta

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Can-Can Chicken

Here's a tasty take on the popular beer-can chicken. Once the bird is on the grill, the work's basically done. And cleanup is a cinch—a must for a guy like me. —Steve Bath, Lincoln, Nebraska

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Potato-Sausage Foil Packs

We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia

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Campfire Bundles

I created this recipe on a family camping trip. I'd brought along a hodgepodge of ingredients, so I just threw them all together in a foil packet. Everyone said that the bundles were delicious. Ever since, I've grilled them at home with equally good results. —Lauri Krause, Jackson, Nebraska

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BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs

For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

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Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California

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Cajun Boil on the Grill

I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Cherry-Chocolate Pudgy Pie

Here’s an ooey-gooey treat that’s just right for campfires and cookouts. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

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Grilled Hash Browns

Since my husband and I love to grill meats, we're always looking for easy side dishes that cook on the grill, too. So I came up with this simple recipe for hash browns. There are never any leftovers. —Kelly Chastain, Bedford, Indiana

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Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

The most casual cookout will seem elegant when it stars this delicate fish combined with seafood stuffing and a lemony sauce. Just add a salad and baguette. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois

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Grilled Cabbage

The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio

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Quick Barbecued Beans

Baked beans are a simple, classic recipe, and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois

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Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho

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Reuben Pudgy Pie

Our favorite pudgy pie is the Reuben: corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese! We always use buttered bread. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Chicken Ole Foil Supper

These Mexi-style chicken packets can be assembled ahead and frozen if you like. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, then grill as directed. I like to serve them with warm tortillas and fresh fruit on the side. —Mary Peck, Salina, Kansas

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Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon

If you’re new to cooking fish (or even if you’re a pro), this no-fail salmon recipe is one you have to try. It’s easy enough for everyday, but also wows at dinner parties. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

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Grilled Peppers and Zucchini

This versatile side dish is so simple and quick that I had to share it. Grilling the colorful veggies in a foil packet means one less dish to wash, but I sometimes stir-friy the mixture on the stovetop. —Karen Anderson, Fair Oaks, California

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Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets

Dining by the campfire? This easy packet of potatoes, bacon and cheese makes a terrific hash. We like to serve it with eggs and fresh pico de gallo. —Gina Nistico, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Ginger Salmon with Green Beans

I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas

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Spiced Grilled Corn

The wonderful spice mixture doesn't add heat, only great flavor. This just may be the best corn you've ever had! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil

Whenever we go camping, cheesy potato packets are a must. They just may remind you of scalloped potatoes. In the winter, I bake them in the oven. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan

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Milky Way Pudgy Pie

My favorite pudgy pies have Milky Way candy bars, graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows. So irresistible! And buttered bread is a must. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Campfire Trout Dinner

Your fresh catch will taste even better with this simple treatment that keeps the fish moist. Carrots are an excellent accompaniment; cook up in a separate foil packet. —Wendy McGowan, Fontana, California

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Campfire Cinnamon Twists

Cinnamon rolls get the toasty treatment when wrapped around skewers and warmed over a fire. Brush with butter, then sprinkle with sugar and spice. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Play Bonfire Games

Depending on the age group of your party, you can choose from a wide variety of bonfire games. Unleash your inner child with a round of hide-and-seek tag or kick the can. Bonus: everyone will sleep great tonight after a round of these. If it’s an adult-only party, try singing some classic campfire songs or playing a round of telephone. Check out these other outdoor games for more ideas, too.

Our favorite bonfire games:

• Hide-and-seek or hide-and-seek tag

• Kick the can

• Telephone

• Truth or dare

• Campfire songs

• Two truths and a lie

• Charades

• Mafia

• Outdoor scavenger hunt

• Red rover

Annamarie Higley, Taste of Home Associate Editor, contributed to this article.