Throwing a Beach Bonfire           

From the alluring smell of the fire logs and sea air to the soothing crackling and cricket sounds, there’s nothing quite like a beach bonfire. While it’s a quintessential part of summer, it’s also perfect for those nights when the air has begun to cool. Whatever the temperature, a circle of great friends completes the whole experience (along with marshmallows, of course).

Know Your Bonfire Biz

The food and drink that go hand in hand with beach bonfires are surely the fun part, but you also need to know what you’re doing to create the bonfire. First, you’ll need to dig a small, round hole where the fire will be. Gather (or bring!) rocks to put in a circle around the fire. Add in three logs and a good amount of kindling. Use a long lighter to light the kindling under the wood. Now pray. We kid, we kid, but there is a certain amount of luck to a fire taking hold. Just be patient, though, as it will come!

S’mores Forevermore

It should be illegal (and very well could be) to throw a beach bonfire without bring the S’mores accouterments. At the very least, it’s un-American. Of course, simply bringing the marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey’s chocolate bars is plenty good but, if you want to go above and beyond, try serving them up in a unique way. If you want to get super fancy schmancy, serve bonfire guests a curveball with Banana S’mores Bites. Any which way you serve this ooey gooey treat, S’mores are a bonfire must.

Booze and Beyond

Of course, we highly recommend you check your local laws for bringing alcohol to your beach, but the straight truth is nary a bonfire is had without booze. Pack up some wine and beer for a no-fuss night, or go above and beyond with something like a Sparkling Summer Lemonade or a Shimmery Summer Spritz. Pre-make them and pack them in a cooler for ease and enjoyment. Your friends will appreciate the extra effort.

Bring Beach-Friendly Fare

There are two camps (pardon the pun) when it comes to bonfire food—those who like to go all-out, and those who prefer to keep it simple. Neither camp is right or wrong. It’s simply a matter of what you enjoy and how much preparation time you have. Feel free to bring a charcoal grill and wow your bonfire buddies with your kabobs and grilled peaches or simply throw on some hot dogs, bring your favorite wrapped sandwiches, and serve your favorite chips ‘n’ dip. Anything works as long as it makes you and your guests happy (and you end the night with S’mores, of course).

Dress to Impress (Well, Not Really)

You don’t want to wear your “Sunday best” to a bonfire, as the clothes will likely still smell of smoke after three washings (worth it!), but you do want to come prepared. Make sure to check the weather and keep in mind that the beach is typically a LOT colder than anywhere else due to the ocean/lake breezes. Going casual doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement, however, which is exactly what these shirts for the beach by Tipsy Elves do. With American flag, fish, and dolphin designs, these things banish boredom in about one second flat. Jeans or shorts are typically fine but, remember, layers are your friend once the sun goes down. Make sure to wear comfy shoes, as you could be in for a bit of a hike down to your bonfire spot of choice.

Music Makes the Mood

Music makes every party better, and a beach bonfire is no exception. Have you ever heard of the Coolest Cooler? With a blender, iPhone port, and Bluetooth speakers, this thing is a party on wheels. Of course, if you don’t want to drop that kind of coin, any JBL speaker set will do. Set it to the Jack Johnson Pandora station to match the beachy vibe and the night will be complete.

Throwing a beach bonfire should be simple, good, clean (okay, maybe not that clean) fun, especially if you follow these tips.