How to Throw a Successful Bonfire Party

Remember, remember the 5th of November Gunpowder treason and plot. Time to wrap up warm and grab your sparklers as one of the most colourful and noisiest events of the year is upon us – BONFIRE NIGHT!

If you don’t feel like heading out to your local firework display this year then why not throw a stylish bonfire party at home where your friends and family can gather for a night of food, games and explosive fun. Here our ideas for how to throw a successful bonfire party for all ages.

Everyone is going to want the best seat when it comes to watching the fireworks display so ensuring that you have adequate outdoor seating is a must. However you don’t need to rush out and try and find a new patio set as there are numerous ways to create cheap and effective seating for all of your guests. You could embrace the autumnal trend and lay out a selection of hay bales (you can ask your local farmer nicely) and add some cushions and throws for a chic and cosy touch, just ensure you keep them at a safe distance from the bonfire itself to avoid any sparks.  Tree trunks also work great as stool style seating that can be decorated with lights or paint for a bright bonfire look. If you have the space, then why not add a family sized hammock to your garden area that is perfect for the children (or adults) to crash out if they are tired.

Warmth is essential at any outdoor event as none of your guests are going to enjoy themselves if they are shivering with the cold. Lay out baskets or boxes around your garden area and fill them with autumn essentials such as blankets, hats, gloves and umbrellas and add some cute shabby chic signs such as ‘snuggle up’ or ‘get toasty’ for a quirky and fun finishing touch. Use the same display technique for your sparklers by placing them in some traditional glass jars with a sign such as ‘twinkle twinkle’ or ‘let the sparks fly’.

No Bonfire night is complete without a try at bobbing apples. Fill the largest bowl or bucket you can find full of water then throw in some apples and watch as your guests get soaking trying to get their teeth around one! Be a kind host and have a basket of towels next to the bowl so everyone can dry off when they are finished. When the games are over keep your bowl of apples on display and add some floating tea lights or some glow sticks to the bowl and use as a table centrepiece.

Your party is not going to be a success if no one can see a hand in front of them so ensure that you use plenty of lighting in all areas of your outdoor space. Solar lights and Tiki style torches are great for highlighting paths and walkways around your garden and fairy lights and lanterns look wonderful scattered or hung around seating areas and tables. To avoid any accidents you can always place LED or battery operated candles inside your lanterns particularly if there will be a lot of children around.

If you have an area of the garden that is set out for the children then why not add some fun to their space with some brightly coloured balloons with a glow stick inside each one that will provide some party themed lighting that they will love.  You can also utilise some more glow sticks to create outside games that all the family can enjoy. Purchase some circular glow sticks and place a stick or cricket wicket into the ground for a simple and illuminating game of ring toss.

Food glorious Food! When it comes to feeding your guests then ensure that your food not only tastes amazing but is displayed in an eye-catching manner that is fitting of the themes of the night. Hot dogs, Mulled cider and wine, bonfire cupcakes and marshmallows are a must, or why not light up the barbeque for some flame grilled food that is perfect for the bonfire theme. If you  still have some pumpkins left from Halloween then why not utilise them by lining them with foil and using them as Autumnal bowls for your crisps, sweets and nibbles and also re-use your large Halloween cauldrons as authentic and rustic looking vats for your mulled cider or bobbing apples. Set up a self service station near the bonfire itself and place a jar of twigs or skewers and some elegant jars or marshmallows and baskets of bread so your guests can toast their own food for a snack throughout the evening.

For more fun ideas on how to throw the perfect Bonfire night party then take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Bonfire Night At Home.

Have a Fabulous Bonfire Night and remember to stay safe while you’re having fun!