The Ultimate Bonfire Night Party
We all have childhood memories of the 5th of November; whether it was full on firework displays with a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes in the sky, or more intimate family parties in the back garden with mittened hands clutching sparklers, trying to write names in the darkness, toasting marshmallows and being wrapped up by Mum to keep out the November chill. There is still something special about Bonfire Night, and passing those memories onto our children, the feeling of excitement, even all these years later, that it still creates.
Here we have some ideas for you on how to create that ultimate Bonfire Night garden party:
Ambience
Create some gentle lighting as it will be very dark. Strings of battery operated fairy lights strung around the garden, hung in trees, or put into glass jars create a magical setting. Warm white is our preference as they give a lovely warming glow - twinkling if you prefer - but they really will set the scene without great expense. Not everyone will have the space to build a bonfire, but fire pits can make a good alternative. You still get the glowing flames and smokey ambience, but be sure to keep an eye on the little ones to keep them safe.
Keeping Warm
Bonfire night is usually super chilly and with most of the time being spent outside, it’s vital to keep you and your guests warm. Layers are key here, so make sure you wear base layers topped off with, of course, our favourite cashmere. Our amazing collection of cashmere sweaters are super warm, lightweight and snuggly on a cold winter evening. Top them off with one of our fun cashmere beanies to ensure you feel cosy and warm at the party. Another great idea is to place a basket of extra rolled up scarves and blankets nearby to ensure guests don’t get cold if they have underestimated the chill.
Ambience
Create some gentle lighting as it will be very dark. Strings of battery operated fairy lights strung around the garden, hung in trees, or put into glass jars create a magical setting. Warm white is our preference as they give a lovely warming glow - twinkling if you prefer - but they really will set the scene without great expense. Not everyone will have the space to build a bonfire, but fire pits can make a good alternative. You still get the glowing flames and smokey ambience, but be sure to keep an eye on the little ones to keep them safe.
Keeping Warm
Bonfire night is usually super chilly and with most of the time being spent outside, it’s vital to keep you and your guests warm. Layers are key here, so make sure you wear base layers topped off with, of course, our favourite cashmere. Our amazing collection of cashmere sweaters are super warm, lightweight and snuggly on a cold winter evening. Top them off with one of our fun cashmere beanies to ensure you feel cosy and warm at the party. Another great idea is to place a basket of extra rolled up scarves and blankets nearby to ensure guests don’t get cold if they have underestimated the chill.
Ahead of time, make some big batches off chilli (vegetarian or meat), which can be ready to go, bubbling away on the stove. Crusty warm buttered bread works great with these, served in a big basket so people can help themselves and of course we can’t forget the hot dogs!
Light up the BBQ (for additional outdoor warmth) and get those sausages sizzling; serve in hot dog buns and have an area nearby with all the condiments (caramelised onions, ketchup, mustards) so people can add as they wish. Whilst not the most planet friendly, solution, it is very mum-friendly to use disposable dishes and plates to save a lot of time and washing up after the party!
Warming drinks are an essential: for the little ones make some big flasks of hot chocolate ahead of time and have a little area set aside with extras like squirty cream, mini marshmallows and sprinkles. It will be fun for them to create their own little hot chocolate drinks. For the grown ups, maybe something a little more heart-warming: some spiced hot mulled cider, mulled wine or a gin hot toddy!
Warming drinks are an essential: for the little ones make some big flasks of hot chocolate ahead of time and have a little area set aside with extras like squirty cream, mini marshmallows and sprinkles. It will be fun for them to create their own little hot chocolate drinks. For the grown ups, maybe something a little more heart-warming: some spiced hot mulled cider, mulled wine or a gin hot toddy!
Gun Dog Damson Gin Hot Toddy
Prep time: approx 5-10 mins
Ingredients per serving:
Cloudy apple juice
Few cloves (to your taste)
Cinnamon stick
Star anise (optional)
Slice of orange
Gun Dog Damson Gin Liqueur
Method:
Add 150ml cloudy apple juice to a pan and pop in your spices and a slice of orange.
Warm slowly and gently for 5-10 minutes.
Pour one shot of Gun Dog Damson Gin into your preferred heatproof drinking vessel.
Carefully add the mulled apple juice using a ladle.
Stir gently to mix and savour those delicious aromas!
Gun Dog Damson Gin has this week won a Gold Great British Food award! It was judged by Olly Smith from BBC Saturday Kitchen.
Sparklers
No bonfire party is complete without the magic of a sparkler - children love the magic sparklers create. There are many options out there now in lots of different sizes and colours including neon! Have the sparklers ready in glass jars on the table ready for the parents to help themselves.
It’s a very good idea to have a bucket of water or sand to dispose of the used ones safely and a responsible adult standing nearby to supervise.
Our Furry Friends
Our Furry Friends
Although we love the excitement of bonfire night, our beloved pets, who are also a close part of the family, are not as keen. To avoid any anxiety for them it’s always best to put them in a room away from the garden with the blinds or curtains closed music playing or the tv on to keep them relaxed.
The most important thing is that all the guests have a wonderful, fun evening creating memories together, but please always stay safe on Bonfire Night.
The most important thing is that all the guests have a wonderful, fun evening creating memories together, but please always stay safe on Bonfire Night.