Host the Perfect Bonfire Night Bash

Snap, Crackle and POP Host the Perfect Bonfire Night Bash

By Kate McCarthy

Pre Covid we hosted an annual bonfire party for friends. We’re not big on planning but we follow the four Fs – Friends, Flame, Food, Fireworks. Our little bonfire bash afforded our social group the opportunity to meet together informally to enjoy life’s simple things: food, warmth, companionship, and laughter, and we really missed it in 2020, so this year we’re planning to bring it back. If you fancy hosting your own get together I’ll share our ‘recipe for success’ here. Let’s start with the bonfire. There is a ‘proper’ way to build a fire which affects how long it will last and the amount of heat it gives off. It’s best to arrange kindling (e.g., twigs, cardboard, and small pieces of wood) in a sort of wigwam shape over a base of tinder (e.g., paper, wood shavings or fire lighters) and then add more bulky pieces of wood and logs which ignite more slowly but burn longer. Light the fire about 20-30 minutes before the party is due to start so that it is burning merrily when your guests arrive. Some people don’t like the idea of a Guy Fawkes, but if it appeals to you, you can hold a Guy Fawkes competition with prizes for the best or the funniest. Our garden is small, so we don’t have room for huge effigies, so we dress up our Halloween skeleton as Guy and he gets a seat of honour at our garden table…that’s probably weird but it’s our party so you don’t get to judge! No gathering is complete without food. November weather is traditionally cold and damp, so homemade soup, served in old mugs is always welcome. Guests often want to contribute to the food table. We have no rules so this usually results in a completely random selection of goodies, though we always provide hot dogs with fried onions (is there anything on earth that can beat that smell?) and homemade parkin, mainly because parkin is easy, and I can make it when I remember. Fireworks are a must of course. They are also expensive in large quantities so don’t be shy about asking your guests to bring along a banger or two. Even with a substantial financial outlay, your display is unlikely to be hugely impressive, but that is absolutely not the point of a homegrown bonfire night party. It’s amazing how much enjoyment can be gleaned from the humblest box of shop-bought rockets. Invest in lots of sparklers too. Everyone loves sparklers, even adults, so be sure to have a good supply at hand, with matches to light them with and a bucket of water to extinguish them. Always remember the firework code and stay safe at all times. Other tips we have learned from (sometimes bitter) personal experience is to make sure that carpets are protected if people are going to be in and out of the house, especially if the ground outside is wet, and have a supply of torches on hand if your bonfire is located some distance from the back door (which to be honest it should be!) For me, the key to hosting a successful bonfire party is similar to handling fireworks – set everything up, light the fuse, then step away and allow the magic to happen. Happy Bonfire Night!

FREE CONSULTATIONS FREE ESTIMATES FREE FITTING

Shutters, Blinds, Curtains, Poles and Awnings

Established, Family Run, Local Independent Business Free Fitting • Free Finance Price Beat Promise • Local Showroom CALL 01462 816429

E: sales@impactshuttersandblinds.co.uk W: www.impactshuttersandblinds.co.uk