Fireside Activities: 7 Ideas for Hosting Gatherings Around the Firepit

Our beautiful Lowcountry climate makes it possible for homeowners to host a plethora of gatherings year round, from Oyster Roasts, to Lowcountry Boils, to Fourth of July pool parties. Outside of the home, winter fishing is always an incredible option this time of year. On the home front, it’s a wonderful season to take advantage of an amenity common to many abodes in Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff, and Hilton Head: a backyard fire pit. Below, we’ll cover a few of our favorite, fire pit friendly activities that allow you to stay warm while hosting outdoor activities for family and friends!

Create Classic Campfire S’mores

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Recreate this sweet campfire treat in the comfort of your own backyard. Not only are the ingredients incredibly easy to come by, but it’s a fun activity for kids and adults of all ages. Just one bite of a freshly-made s’more will remind you of the warmth and joy of summer.

Want to mix things up for your guests? Add a “build your own s’more bar” near the fire pit with a selection of extra goodies to create unique spin-offs of the classic:

• Dark chocolate, mint chocolate, or sea salt and caramel chocolate squares (we recommend getting them from our very own Hilton Head chocolatier, Chocolate Canopy, or Bluffton’s Kilwins!)
• Chocolate graham crackers
• Nutella and/or peanut butter
• Raspberry or strawberry preserves
• Strawberry or banana slices
• Bacon (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!)

Grill Your Favorite Meats and Veggies

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Who says it takes a grill to barbecue? All you need is your fire pit, grate, and pack of skewers to roast your favorite meat and veggies, kabob style.

If you’re a fan of classic barbecue, check out this Carolina-style BBQ chicken skewers recipe. Want to try something new or different? Try any of these other great grilled kabob recipes. Your guests will undoubtedly be impressed!

Have an Intimate Dinner

Consider having your next date night outdoors by the fire pit, with the gorgeous South Carolina stars above. Use the fire pit to roast a quick and easy meal or “take out” your take out and keep it warm by the fire! Whatever you decide, getting cozy next to toasty, crackling flames is the perfect way to end an evening with the one you love most.

Host a Wine Tasting

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Fine dining doesn’t have to be restricted to your favorite restaurant or the interior of your house; give guests a unique wine tasting experience by bringing them outside by the fire pit! Set up a few tables, wine glasses, and charcuterie boards to pair with the beverages, and you’re all set.

Not sure which wines to try? A balanced selection of red and white wines from vineyards and wineries based in our home state of South Carolina is an excellent place to start!

• Enoree River Vineyards & Winery
• Duplin Winery
• Deep Water Vineyard
• La Belle Amie Vineyard
• City Scape Winery

Host an Outdoor Movie Night

Some Lowcountry homes are equipped with an outdoor surround sound system on the porch to watch your favorite movie or show on a mounted TV. But, if you don’t have this feature—or simply want to create a more immersive drive-in-movie-like experience for your guests—all you need are some string lights, a large white sheet or projector screen, and a projector. Need some popcorn? Heat up some kernels over the fire pit with a popcorn popper!

Take Glamping to the Next Level

Can’t get enough of the outdoors? Spend an evening with your family camped out by the fire pit with the assurance that all the cozy comforts you’re used to are only a few steps away! If you really want the full camping experience, participate in a few campfire activities like roasting s’mores, stargazing, storytelling, singing along to your favorite songs, and even playing games like telephone.

Have a Game Night

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Speaking of games, spark everyone’s competitive side by hosting game night by the fire pit. While the low lighting of a fire pit might make it a bit challenging to pull out the board games, there are plenty of other options that will keep everyone entertained as the sun begins to set:

• Charades
• Truth or Dare
• 20 Questions
• Two Truths and a Lie
• Chubby Bunny (do it for the kids, and break out the rest of the s’more marshmallows for this one!)

Just have a few snack foods and drinks on standby to keep your guests energized through the night. After all, marshmallows and s’mores will only go so far!

. . .

A fire pit is a classic Lowcountry home staple, and with all the possible activities you can plan around it, it’s no surprise why. If you’re on the market for a home that will give you that special “spark,” contact our team today to learn more about our recent listings in fine Lowcountry communities including Colleton River, Belfair, Berkeley Hall, Palmetto Bluff, and beyond.

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