1.
Clear brush and debris from a level area of your backyard.
1 point - added 13 years ago by kris -
2.
Make sure there are no low-hanging branches or power lines directly above your site.
1 point - added 13 years ago by kris -
3.
Make sure your garden hose will reach your fire pit site.
1 point - added 13 years ago by kris -
4.
Measure the circumference of the space in which you’d like to contain your fire.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
5.
Visit a nearby river or stone yard to select large rocks for outlining your fire pit.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
6.
Arrange rocks in a circle outlining the perimeter of your fire pit.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
7.
Though it is unlikely, be prepared for the fire to spread outside of the stone circle.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
8.
Collect small sticks, brush, bark, and leaves for kindling.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
9.
Collect larger branches and logs to feed the fire once it gets going.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
10.
Collect long, thin branches for guests to roast marshmallows and hotdogs (or buy roasting skewers from a store … either way, make sure they are at least four feet long).
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
11.
Buy your party supplies: ice, drinks, hotdogs, buns, condiments, marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and paper plates.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
12.
Fill a large, clean cooler with ice, drinks, and condiments. Place chocolate bars on top of ice.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
13.
Arrange lawn chairs, stumps, logs, and stools around the fire for your guests. Be sure the circumference of the seating ring is a safe distance from the circumference of your fire pit.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
14.
Arrange for music … ideally, this would be provided by live musicians playing guitars, banjos, and harmonicas. If that isn’t possible, set up a CD player or IPod with speakers.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
15.
If your music set-up requires extension cords running toward the fire circle, secure them to the ground with stakes, or illuminate the cord with lighted garden stakes.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
16.
Stretch your garden hose to the fire pit site (see previous tip to avoid guests’ tripping over the hose).
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
17.
Start your fire with your kindling and be patient: it will likely take an hour or so for your fire to reach the size you’ve imagined.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
18.
Slowly add larger and larger pieces of wood to the fire to build it to the size you’ve imagined.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
19.
Never, ever pour gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other accelerant on a bonfire.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
20.
If your fire spreads to within one foot of the stone ring, douse the spreading flames with the hose.
0 points - added 13 years ago by kris -
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