10 Steps to a Fun and Warm(ish) Bonfire Night Gathering
Follow these tips to plan a perfect Bonfire Night shindig and enjoy the evening with friends
Whether you’re heading out to a local event or enjoying fireworks at home, it’s great to watch the festivities with friends. These ideas will help you get your home ready for a brilliant Bonfire Night party. Remember to follow safety guidelines, then wrap up and have a lovely, fun-filled evening.
Cook up a storm
Before you head out to enjoy the fun, give your guests some fuel. Bowls of soup are an easy option, and if you leave the broth warming in a casserole on the cooker, everyone can help themselves.
Read expert advice on whether or not to buy a range cooker
Before you head out to enjoy the fun, give your guests some fuel. Bowls of soup are an easy option, and if you leave the broth warming in a casserole on the cooker, everyone can help themselves.
Read expert advice on whether or not to buy a range cooker
Prepare a cosy corner
If you’ve already put your outdoor cushions away for the winter, now’s the time to give them one last outing. Your guests might want to sit down for a while, and it’s a good idea to create a spectator seating zone in order to keep everyone safely in one area.
If your garden furniture is portable, pick an area that’s sheltered from the elements, such as next to a fence and perhaps even under a pergola or tree.
If you’ve already put your outdoor cushions away for the winter, now’s the time to give them one last outing. Your guests might want to sit down for a while, and it’s a good idea to create a spectator seating zone in order to keep everyone safely in one area.
If your garden furniture is portable, pick an area that’s sheltered from the elements, such as next to a fence and perhaps even under a pergola or tree.
Help your guests wrap up
Bonfire night is great but, let’s face it, November is chilly. Make sure you and your guests are as comfortable as possible outside by providing plenty of blankets and extra outerwear.
Gather all the blankets and throws you can find and store them in a pile next to the back door. Keeping them on show and within easy reach will ensure everyone has the chance to wrap up and keep warm.
Bonfire night is great but, let’s face it, November is chilly. Make sure you and your guests are as comfortable as possible outside by providing plenty of blankets and extra outerwear.
Gather all the blankets and throws you can find and store them in a pile next to the back door. Keeping them on show and within easy reach will ensure everyone has the chance to wrap up and keep warm.
Increase visibility
Safety is paramount when you’re dealing with fireworks, so it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing. Give your garden lighting the once-over beforehand to ensure everything is in good working order.
Make sure all areas of the garden are lit, so you can easily spot any stray wildlife, such as hedgehogs, that will need to be moved out of harm’s way.
Safety is paramount when you’re dealing with fireworks, so it’s important to be able to see what you’re doing. Give your garden lighting the once-over beforehand to ensure everything is in good working order.
Make sure all areas of the garden are lit, so you can easily spot any stray wildlife, such as hedgehogs, that will need to be moved out of harm’s way.
Make space for outerwear
You’ll need plenty of room near the back door for coats, boots and shoes. During a party like this, guests are bound to be constantly walking in and out of the house. If you don’t already have outerwear storage set up, clear an area large enough for everyone to easily put on and take off their boots and coats.
It’s a good idea to place one or two mats next to the door to prevent mud moving to other areas of your home.
You’ll need plenty of room near the back door for coats, boots and shoes. During a party like this, guests are bound to be constantly walking in and out of the house. If you don’t already have outerwear storage set up, clear an area large enough for everyone to easily put on and take off their boots and coats.
It’s a good idea to place one or two mats next to the door to prevent mud moving to other areas of your home.
Warm up inside
Once the outdoor festivities are over, your guests will really appreciate a cosy space inside where they can warm up. Prepare your living room with plenty of cushions and blankets. Make sure you have enough seating by providing extra pouffes, stools and large floor cushions.
Once the outdoor festivities are over, your guests will really appreciate a cosy space inside where they can warm up. Prepare your living room with plenty of cushions and blankets. Make sure you have enough seating by providing extra pouffes, stools and large floor cushions.
Keep the party going
Just because the fireworks have finished doesn’t mean the party has to end. Top off the evening with some more warming food or dessert. Make sure you have a variety of drinks on offer, as you never know what your guests might fancy. It could be a hot chocolate, or it could be a cocktail. This kitchen has everything on offer, including a kettle and a nifty drinks trolley.
Discover how to work a drinks trolley into your home
Just because the fireworks have finished doesn’t mean the party has to end. Top off the evening with some more warming food or dessert. Make sure you have a variety of drinks on offer, as you never know what your guests might fancy. It could be a hot chocolate, or it could be a cocktail. This kitchen has everything on offer, including a kettle and a nifty drinks trolley.
Discover how to work a drinks trolley into your home
Inform the neighbours
Don’t forget to let your neighbours know if you’re planning a bonfire or fireworks party. If they don’t want to experience the loud bangs, they might decide to go out. Alternatively, they might want to pop over and enjoy the festivities with you. Whichever their choice, they’ll appreciate being informed.
Don’t forget to let your neighbours know if you’re planning a bonfire or fireworks party. If they don’t want to experience the loud bangs, they might decide to go out. Alternatively, they might want to pop over and enjoy the festivities with you. Whichever their choice, they’ll appreciate being informed.
Look after nervous pets
The loud noise that fireworks create can be extremely distressing for furry members of the household. Bring hutches and pens inside out of danger, and make sure dogs and cats are kept in the home.
If you’re going to let off fireworks in your own garden, you might want to consider giving your pets to someone you trust for the evening.
Are you doing anything for Bonfire Night? If you’re planning a party, how will you prepare your home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
The loud noise that fireworks create can be extremely distressing for furry members of the household. Bring hutches and pens inside out of danger, and make sure dogs and cats are kept in the home.
If you’re going to let off fireworks in your own garden, you might want to consider giving your pets to someone you trust for the evening.
Are you doing anything for Bonfire Night? If you’re planning a party, how will you prepare your home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Whether you’re planning your own fireworks and bonfire, or watching a nearby display from your garden or balcony, most of the action will be taking place outside. Get everyone in the party mood by hanging out some decorations. Here, the fairy lights and coloured lanterns set the scene for a magical evening.