Tips to have an Enjoyable Summertime Party
The sun is hot which makes for a perfect time to gather the friends for a little get together. Weather it be for Independence Day, a special occasion, or just because. Here are some great tips to make it a fun time for all. Some of these links are associated with an affiliate link to me.
Bonfire:
One of the most popular get togethers in Iowa include a bonfire. The warm glow of the flames contrasts beautifully with the sunset creating a cozy and fun atmosphere. It is a perfect way to gather your friends and family while keeping the mess outdoors. It makes for unforgettable memories.
Tire Ring Fire Pit
Creating a fire pit using a semi tire ring is a popular and practical idea for those of us living in the country . You could also use an old tractor tire ring.
The metal ring provides a durable and heat-resistant barrier, ensuring safety and longevity.
To make one, simply place the semi tire ring in a desired spot, preferably on a non-flammable surface like gravel or sand. Surround the ring with stones or bricks for added stability and aesthetic appeal.
This setup not only offers a sturdy fire pit but also recycles old materials, making it an eco-friendly option for enjoying bonfires during summer nights.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere:
Setting up for a bonfire gathering involves a few key elements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable evening. Start with an elastic-fitted tablecloth on your outdoor table. This type of tablecloth stays securely in place, even on breezy nights, providing a stable surface for your snacks and essentials. This will be a great place for your s'mores ingredients, and guests to leave their snacks.
If don’t have the elastic-fitted tablecloths, you can also use a twin bed fitted sheet.
You can find the plastic fitted tablecloths at Dollar General, Hobby Lobby or on Amazon as well. Here is a link to my favorite ones.
Mosquito Repellent Lanterns
Place a couple of these mosquito repellent lanterns on the table to keep pesky bugs at bay, ensuring everyone can relax and enjoy the evening without constant interruptions.
Keeping It Simple with Food:
My biggest tip here is to keep it simple. Simple for you and for those eating it. Sometimes, having too many choices can not only leave you with leftovers but also leave your guests feeling overwhelmed. For our recent get-together, I served chicken, potatoes, green beans, rolls, and salad. I asked guests to bring a snack to share with everyone.
Dessert:
Bake up your favorite dessert and bam you have your meal.
For the Chicken, I went to the local grocery store and got chicken halves. Using my pampered chef salad chopper and cut the chicken into slices. Then seasoned them with garlic, chicken seasoning, and some onion. Let soak for a couple hours or over night. Then grill them up.
Potatoes, I cut those up into little squares as well. Put them in foil with butter, bacon bits, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Once you have them prepared put them onto the grill and let cook til they are soft.
Cook up your favorite veggie like corn or green beans. You can keep it even simpler and do baked beans.
Salad: Either use shredded lettuce or cut up a head of lettuce. Have cheese, bacon bits, crotons, and salad dressing. Allow the guests to create their own salad from there.
Don’t forget about your S’mores. All you need is Graham crackers, heresy bars, marshmallows, and sticks.
Drinks:
Smiley Drink Pouch
Again, keep this simple. I usually make up lemonade and ask guests to bring anything else they would like to drink. The drink pouches are a fun gift you can have for your guests. They are useful, cute and fairly good priced. These Smiley Face ones from Amazon with Butterfly Straws were a HUGE hit at the last gathering.
Entertainment & Games:
No bonfire gathering is complete without some fun and games to keep everyone entertained. Set up classic outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, croquet, horseshoes, ladder toss, and lawn darts. These games are easy to set up and provide hours of enjoyment for guests of all ages.
For a lively atmosphere, bring a Bluetooth speaker and create a playlist of your favorite tunes. Music adds to the festive vibe and can even inspire spontaneous dancing or sing-alongs around the fire.
By combining engaging games and great music, you’ll create an entertaining and memorable experience for everyone at your bonfire gathering.
Bugs, Sun Protection, & Sticky Fingers Station
For a truly thoughtful bonfire gathering, consider setting up a "Bugs, Sun Protection, and Sticky Fingers" station. This ensures your guests have everything they need to stay comfortable throughout the event. Use a basket or crate to keep all the essentials organized, and add a charming touch with a chalkboard sign to label the station.
The station should contain:
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
Spray Water bottle to quicky wash your hands
Baby wipes
Paper towels
Hand sanitizer
The Ultimate Bonfire Gathering Experience
By following these tips, you'll create a seamless and enjoyable bonfire experience for all your guests. From the simplicity of your food choices to the thoughtful setup of your fire pit and the convenience of the bug and sun protection station, every detail contributes to a memorable evening. With engaging games and lively music, your bonfire gathering will be the highlight of the summer, bringing everyone together for a night of fun and relaxation. For more tips on event planning and to stay updated with our latest ideas, sign up for our newsletter today!
