Last week we enjoyed a staycation with family to celebrate Father’s Day and my son’s birthday. One evening we turned our backyard firepit into a cozy, memorable s’mores night. I love gatherings that are simple, meaningful, and fun—so much that I wrote a book called Simple Gatherings to capture easy ways to connect with loved ones.
For our s’mores night we used extendable roasting sticks that were an immediate hit. They keep hands safely away from the flame and collapse for compact storage, making them a practical addition to future get-togethers. I also picked up a grilling basket to hold smaller or more delicate ingredients over the fire, which opens up lots of creative possibilities for toasting or grilling items you wouldn’t want to skewer directly.
Simple tips to prepare for a relaxed s’mores night:
- Gather supplies ahead of time: graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, roasting sticks, grilling basket, napkins, and any extra serving pieces you’ll need.
- Offer a mix of classic and inventive options. Traditional s’mores are delicious (graham crackers, marshmallows, dark chocolate), but a toppings bar makes the evening more interactive. Try berries, banana slices, jams, nut butters, caramel, different candies, waffles, cookies, or even savory items like cheese, cured meats, chutneys, crackers, or toasted bread for adventurous palates.
- Include vegan alternatives if needed—vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate let everyone enjoy the fun.
- Arrange a tray or small bowls with unwrapped ingredients so guests can assemble easily.
- Provide a flat surface and plates for building s’mores and a few utensils for spreading soft toppings.
- Make sure there’s plenty of seating—chairs, benches, or floor cushions create a comfortable circle around the firepit.
- Set a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor music from a Bluetooth speaker. A split or portable speaker can create surround sound for a better listening experience.
- String outdoor lights around the seating area to create a warm, magical glow once the sun sets.
Notes and shopping suggestions:
Blue Floral Paper Plates
Blue Adirondack Chair (available in many colors)
Round Whitewashed Serving Tray
Extendable S’more Roasting Sticks in assorted colors
Firepit
White Outdoor Waterproof String Lights
Matte White Outdoor Side Table
Blue and White Gingham Paper Napkins (various colors and patterns)
Want more gathering inspiration?
If you enjoy simple, thoughtful hosting ideas, consider my book Simple Gatherings for more easy-to-execute events and tablescape tips.