Sometime, all you need to reset your mindset and recharge your motivation is a campfire in nature with your favourite people. You’re eating good food, you’re having delightful conversation, you’re under the stars and you’re doing an activity people have been doing for centuries: sitting in a circle around a fire, being people, together.
Unfortunately, we also understand that one can’t always get a big group out camping. Life’s busy, leave is limited, and the logistics of venturing into the great outdoors can be somewhat overwhelming when your life is already jam-packed. That’s why we’re proposing the next best thing: A Campfire-themed Garden Party!
Invite your nearest and dearest over for an outdoorsy evening, but make sure everyone can sleep in their own beds and get to work on time the next morning. It’s the best of both worlds, and Camp Master’s got you covered with all the essentials you need.
1. Fire it up, baby!
Let’s get this party started with a blazing fire pit or fire bowl. A roaring fire will keep you and your guests warm and create the perfect ambience for a campfire party. It’s important to make sure at least one person on the hosting side knows what they’re doing around a campfire, so the star of the show doesn’t fizzle out.
Thankfully, building and maintaining a fire is a pretty easy skill to learn and master. Check out this YouTube channel to get started. Make sure your fire master is equipped with a Camp Master Log Claw to add more fuel to the flames safely over the course of the evening.
2.Get comfy and cosy
No need to rough it when it comes to seating – make sure your guests have plenty of cushions, blankets, and chairs to lounge around the fire. Go for a rustic feel with some hay bales or bring out your favourite camping chairs for the ultimate outdoor experience.
If you really want to treat your guests, bring out a range of Camp Master camping chairs. There’s a chair for every taste in comfort, and you can check out the full catalogue here. Camping chairs are what we’re best known for after all!
3.Light up the night
Make your backyard feel like an enchanted forest with some dreamy string lights or lanterns. Scatter some tea lights or battery-operated candles around to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. You can also go a little more “old school” with these fun, retro-looking Camp Master lanterns, or opt for total whimsy by hanging up clusters of glow sticks. Remember, lighting sets the tone, and it’s unlikely that just the campfire will provide enough illumination if you have a significant number of people invited to your shindig.
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Game on, people
Keep the party lively with some classic camping games like horseshoes, cornhole, or giant Jenga. If you don’t have equipment, games like broken telephone charades are also always a hit. Want to up the ante? Set up a scavenger hunt or some campfire trivia for some friendly competition. As a fun prize to offer your competition winners, take a look at some of our reasonably-priced but infinitely useful camping accessories.
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Chow down on campfire grub
It’s time to indulge in some classic campfire cuisine, and nobody knows how to make that happen quite like South Africans do. Roast some boerewors or veggie skewers over the fire, and don’t forget about braaibroodjies! Feeling fancy? Create an individual, foil-wrapped “braai pack” for each of your guests, so they have their very own readymade mini-feast with their name on it. When you get down to cooking, don’t forget to put on your Camp Master Braai Gloves to keep your hands safe.
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Quench your thirst
Make sure your guests stay hydrated with plenty of water and other non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re looking to mix it up, add some hot toddies or brew up a delicious pot of spicy gluhwein in the cold weather. Keep your guests warm from the outside in, AND the inside out. If you want to make these treats beforehand, keep them warm in a large, insulating flask.
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Strum along to the tunes
A little music goes a long way in setting the mood. Play some acoustic guitar or create a playlist of your favourite outdoor-themed songs. And why not have a sing-along around the fire? Who cares if you can’t carry a tune, it’s all about the enthusiasm! Set the stage for the performance underneath a Camp Master gazebo.
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Keep the bugs at bay!
Pesky insects can ruin any party. Be prepared with plenty of insect repellent or citronella candles. Bonus points for setting up a bug zapper or a fly trap here! Another great way to create “mozzie-free-zones” for those in the line fire is to set up a free Camp Master Mosquito Nets in the garden, for guests to lounge under.
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S’more please!
You can’t have a campfire party without indulging in some s’mores and other sweet treats! Set up a DIY s’mores station with marie biscuits, chocolate, and marshmallows so your guests can create their own delicious treats. You can also make easy foil banana splits and melt tins of caramel treat. Complete your spread with Camp Kitchen essentials from Camp Master.
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Stargaze away
If you’re hosting your party in a city, you may not be able to take in the beauty of the outdoors. However, even in the most urban areas – the milky way is still up for grabs! Take a stroll through your garden or simply sit and admire the stars. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up the magic of the cosmos. For more stargazing tips, check out our Astro Tourism blog.
Ready – set – party! If you’ve come this far, you’ve got all the know-how to pull off the ultimate campfire-themed get together. Now, all you need is the guest list and the essentials. The first part is up to you, but Camp Master’s got you covered when it comes to gear. Just set the date and head down to a Game, Makro or Builder’s Warehouse near you, and recreate the magic of camping from the comfort of your own home. You’re about to become the host with the most!