Backyard bonfires can be the most magical moments of fall. Filled with laughter, ghost stories, flannel blankets and plenty of snacks, they are a favorite way to celebrate the season. Who wouldn’t want to gather around the fire pit with your favorite people while embers glow, stars glisten, and the smell of toasted homemade vanilla bean marshmallows float in the air?
Plan the ultimate backyard bonfire complete with irresistible recipes, party games, music everyone will love and more.
Your Guide to the Ultimate Backyard Bonfire
The Invitations
All the best gatherings have an iconic guest list. Spread the word about your backyard bonfire with personalized invitations. Don’t forget to decorate the envelopes or customize any number of digital invites for the perfect e-vite!
The Set Up
It’s not a bonfire without a firepit. The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is a portable, smokeless firepit made for backyard or on-the-go use. Plus, with an added grill top, you can even decide to serve up hotdogs, hamburgers or whatever your heart desires.
Make the setup dreamy by draping twinkling string lights across your backyard and adding a cozy blanket to each chair. Depending on the weather, you may also want to have a few extra mittens, beanies or earmuffs on hand.
Irresistible Recipes
Have you ever roasted homemade marshmallows? Get ready for double the gooey-ness and triple the deliciousness. The sugar coating caramelizes creating the ideal toasted outside and warm soft center. The swap from store-bought is worth it, plus making your own homemade marshmallows is easier than you think. Use our Fluffy Homemade Marshmallow recipe to create fluffy, gourmet marshmallows in your own kitchen that are made with Pure Vanilla Bean Paste for over 400 natural vanilla bean flavors and real vanilla bean seeds.
Pro tip: incorporate your homemade marshmallows into the following recipes for remarkable results
This ooey, gooey Bonfire S’mores Skillet is a delicious twist on a classic, plus it gives you the perfect ratio of homemade vanilla marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker every time. Our Pure Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor of chocolate and soothes the sprinkle of salt to create a flavorful, rich center for the recipe.
This unique treat will leave your guests wanting s’more. A switch from toasted to frozen eliminates sticky fingers and overburnt marshmallows without compromising taste. Try these intriguing and delicious Frozen S’mores at your next bonfire. Simply pop them out of the freezer for a ready-to-eat treat.
This easy Black Forest S’mores Dip is the perfect addition to any campout or bonfire party. Adding a bit of cream cheese and premium Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to classic s’mores ingredients creates a perfect creamy s’mores dessert dip that comes together in just minutes. Serve it with your favorite dip-ables from strawberries and pretzels to Oreos and donuts.
Brown Butter Rice Cereal Treats With White Chocolate Drizzle
Better than your average rice crispy treat. The nutty, salty-sweet brown butter combines with creamy, sweet Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to make this simple dessert simply irresistible. With only a handful of ingredients, this effortless, dressed-up version of a childhood favorite will be a crowd favorite.
Entertainment
Take your bonfire to the next level with entertainment that is “fire”, figuratively. Grab an old bed sheet and hang it up on an outside wall close enough to view but allow a safe distance from the firepit. Then pick out your favorite movie (or one to distract any kiddos running around) and stream it with a projector. This takes just a few minutes to set up and will add ambiance to the evening.
It’s tradition to sing campfire songs and maybe strum a guitar, but if you or your guests prefer to let Spotify keep the party going all night long with a great playlist, we’ve got you covered. Check it out our Backyard Bonfire playlist here.
Everyone loves games, so dust off your bag toss, ring toss, or Giant Jenga and set them out for the guests to rotate playing. Or prepare a few conversation starters or question games to get to know each other better. We’re Not Really Strangers and Icebreaker are simple card games with questions to dig deeper. Or stick with the classics and play Never Have I Ever, Name-Place-Animal-Thing, 20 Questions, or 2 Truths and 1 Lie.
Enjoy the Moment
The last step is to have an awesome time at your backyard bonfire. Enjoy the treats, your company and all the extras that make this moment unforgettable. Don’t forget to share your celebrations with us on social media with #MakeitMemorable or #NielsenMasseyInspires.
Get Our Favorites for a Backyard Bonfire
Sign up to receive Nielsen-Massey news, recipes, promotions and more.
From your morning coffee to your weekday breakfast routine, a splash of vanilla adds warmth, depth, and just a hint of indulgence. If you’ve ever wondered how to use vanilla extract beyond baking, here are easy, everyday ways to make it part of your daily routine. Post Views: 428
There’s something special about a beautifully crafted coffee drink alongside a leisurely brunch. The good news? You don’t need a professional espresso machine to create coffee shop–worthy drinks at home. With a few simple techniques, high-quality ingredients, and a touch of gourmet vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste you can transform everyday coffee into something … Continue reading How to Create Coffeehouse-Worthy Coffee Drinks at Home
