Bonfire party: Let's Get Toasted Invitation with s'mores and marshmallows

What’s better than gathering around a fire pit in the evening while surrounded by your loved ones? Whether you’re planning a bonfire party to celebrate the season or for a relaxed birthday party, it’s one of the best ways to embrace nature and spark some seriously good conversation.

In this guide, we’ll share how to plan and host a memorable bonfire party — including some fun ideas to make the event feel even more special.

How to Throw an Unforgettable Bonfire Party

Planning a backyard bonfire party or a trip to the beach for a fire pit in the sand? Here’s what you need to know about throwing an incredible bonfire party.

1. Choose a Theme

You can gather your friends around a fire pit at any time, but make the event feel more special by adding a theme to your bonfire party.

Host a camping party inspired by the great outdoors and camping trips from your childhood, or stage your own mini festival complete with a bonfire to stay warm and toast s’mores on. You could also mix a few concepts together for a jam-packed evening — like an outdoor movie night, backyard BBQ, or glow-in-the-dark party.

2. Decide on a Location

When you’re planning a bonfire or fire pit gathering, you’re more restricted on locations than some other types of parties. Still, there are a few options for you to choose from.

You could have the bonfire in your backyard or at a friend’s place, as long as there’s enough space to safely cozy up to the pit. For a camping birthday party, you could create a small fire pit out in the wilderness. A beach bonfire is also an option. Just be sure to check any local regulations if you choose somewhere outside your own home.

3. Send Bonfire Party-Themed Invitations

Let's Get Toasted Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Want to get your guests excited right from the start? Send them a fun personalized bonfire party invitation that lets them know the vibe.

We have a large collection of fun party invitations, including some wonderful designs inspired by bonfires and camping — like this toasting marshmallows invite.

Every online invitation can be customized, so you can DIY your way to unique invites at a fraction of the cost — and in a way that’s much kinder to the environment. Plus, guests can RSVP from the invite itself, so you can use the saved time to plan an even better celebration.

4. Curate Some Cozy Seating

Seating for an outdoor party can be a little tricky to arrange, but try your best to make sure there’s ample seating for your guests and that it’s as comfortable as possible.

Bring out some deck chairs or camping chairs, and cozy them up with soft blankets and cushions. Use oversized floor cushions, inflatable chairs, and anything else you can source to make your party under the night sky super comfy for your guests.

5. Find Some Matching Decor

If you’re hosting a themed bonfire party, use party decorations to bring that vision to life. Balloons, garlands, decorated archways, bunting, and flowers can showcase your theme and style.

In addition to larger decor pieces, use items like napkins, tableware, and glassware to feature your chosen colors or add a subtle flair to your get-together.

6. Add Atmosphere with Lighting

The bonfire or fire pit will create its own cozy glow, but you’ll also want some lighting to highlight your seating area, an outdoor bar, or any other spaces that are part of your outdoor event.

Create the right ambiance with the help of cozy string lights, torches, lanterns, and fairy lights in mason jars. Keep things warm with soft white bulbs, or use brighter colors for a more retro or futuristic vibe. You can even be functional and fun with citronella candles, adding pockets of light while repelling pesky insects like mosquitoes from party-goers.

7. Get Bonfire Supplies

Make sure you have all the supplies you need for your bonfire, or your campfire party might feel a little lackluster. Gather or buy firewood, and take care to properly prepare it for burning.

The best firewood is kept dry, as it’s easier to light. The variety of wood you use depends on what’s available nearby, but read up on the best firewood to burn to figure out what’s ideal for your campfire party.

8. Consider Safety

With a fire pit or bonfire, it’s always important to pay close attention to fire safety. Share some basic ground rules with your guests, and let everyone know where they can find a fire extinguisher or what to do if something goes wrong.

It’s also essential to consider safety if you’re using sparklers or fireworks, too — especially if there are children attending who might not be fully aware of the dangers of fire.

9. Add Some Activities and Entertainment

Maybe you’re planning a cozy evening with a few beers and a fire pit, or perhaps you want to host a big, exciting evening filled with fun activities. Whatever your goal is, adding a handful of games or activities gives you another way to spend time with your loved ones.

Invite everyone to stay later for an outdoor movie night under the stars, or put together a playlist and ask people to guess the song, artist, or year of release. Grab your guitar and string some tunes, play cards, or set up a board game on a table in your backyard. If the weather’s good and you have space, add some outdoor games or a water balloon fight — whatever feels perfect for your event and guests!

10. Plan Your Menu

S'more Fun! Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

With a bonfire party, you can keep the menu simple and traditional — or use it as the perfect excuse to introduce your guests to your favorite cuisine and recipes.

Host a BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, and plenty of condiments to choose from. Encourage everyone to bring a dish for a potluck, or host a dinner party in the garden to try out some new food.

Set up a s’mores bar where guests can load their graham crackers with marshmallows, toast them, and add some sauces or other toppings. You can even use this matching s’mores-inspired invite to stay on theme!

11. Get Some Drinks Ready

The drinks you offer might depend on the weather and temperature outside. For summer, it’s all about those cool, refreshing iced drinks, and for the colder moments you’ll definitely want some hot drinks available.

If it’s chilly, set up a hot chocolate or hot cocoa station with different flavor syrups and plenty of sweet toppings. Add in coffee and tea for some delicious options to keep everyone warm and cozy. For warmer months, keep your cooler stocked up with ice-cold cans, bottles of soda, and fresh fruit juices.

12. Enjoy the Night!

Planning makes your event run smoothly on the big night, so make sure you take plenty of time to enjoy the moment with your loved ones. Whether it’s a bonfire birthday party in your honor or a cozy way to celebrate a life milestone, don’t forget to rest and relax.

Toast Life with These Fun Bonfire Ideas

At the core, the best bonfire parties are the ones where you can sit down with your loved ones, catch up on life, and enjoy a roaring fire. Whether you decide to keep it simple or go all out, we’ve got you covered with hosting duties.

When it’s time to start getting those invitations out, use our bonfire party invites to do it. The fun art combined with your personal touch will get your guests excited to RSVP right away.