Recently Trey and I hosted a little get-together in our backyard. The backyard is one area of our home that I don't feel is totally finished yet. But the feature we love most is a fire pit area we installed last summer. We LOVE our fire pit! There's just something about sitting around a fire with friends. We decided to host a fire pit party before the weather gets too chilly in the coming months. We kept things simple by serving, what I like to call, a hot dog bar. We had turkey and veggie hot dogs everyone could roast over the fire along with favorite toppings. Full disclosure: Veggie dogs get pretty weird and wart-y looking when you cook them over a fire. We had: feta and cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeno, potato chips (it's a side or a topping!), salsa, cilantro, ketchup, mustard and chipotle mayo.
For dessert we served fancy s'mores. This is my favorite outdoor dessert (we served similar s'mores at this party). To make these you simply melt chocolate, spread on a graham cracker and then sprinkle on a few toppings like sea salt, pistachios, dried fruit or candy. Once the chocolate dries you are ready to go! We also served fresh fruit, Nutella and mini cake donuts, so guests could go crazy with their s'more creations!
We got a few hay bales for extra seating (covered with a little scrap fabric). And, we set up these army tents (we got them on Amazon) for extra decor. I may or may not have begged Trey (and Love Love!) to get in a tent with me to pose for a picture. But the most important part of any party is the memories made. We spent plenty of time watching the dogs run around and passing around Elias (cutest baby ever, right?). I've really enjoyed growing closer to Michelle this season. I think we started to connect during my wedding season, and she (and her sweet family) are quickly becoming very special friends to Trey and me. I feel like in high school making new friends was second nature. New person talking to me? New friend! But as I get a little older, I think I'm more intentional about choosing and surrounding myself with good, sincere people. The Houghtons are just that. Glad they could come out and roast some weenies with us. 🙂 Thanks for letting me share this casual little party with you. Do you have any special events planned before the holiday season starts up? xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photos by: Janae Hardy, Thanks to Jeff, Michelle and Elias Houghton.
This looks like the perfect backyard party – thoughtful and casual-yet-fancy. This is like my ideal night in a nutshell. Love it!!!!
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
What a great post! I love the idea of melting chocolate and putting them on the graham crackers and sprinkling them with toppings! Thanks.
Is it just me or does Emma’s husband, Trey, kinda remind you of a blonde David Tennant?
I want to know, too!! ?
Those smores look absolutely fantastic!
Emma,
I really like your dress? Which brand is from?
Claudia
Oh it looks like a fairytail, your organisation and decoration skils are perfect! I would love to have a backyard like this! 😉
that s’more idea is the best.ever.
xx
It looks like you guys have sooo much fun!!! I love our little fire pit too but we don’t get to use it much! We may have to have a fall get together before winter comes ’round!
Thanks for the inspiration as usual!!
Heather
southernnorth.com
What a great way to get friends together. The comfort of a backyard fire pit is fantastic way to ease into a cool autumn evening.
Hi Emma,
What a lovely idea for a backyard soiree – love the hotdog idea and the s’mores!
Also would like to add that what you wrote above about wanting to surround yourself with genuine and good people, as you get older, (and as you become more successful through this Blog) you will have to really make sure your friends are non-competitive, genuine people who will always have your back…wise words coming from Jeanine in Jamaica who has been through enough situations to vouch!
Love the idea of the tents too!
Looks like a fantastic time!
Great theme for a party! I love the haystacks, square marshmallows and fun presentation for the hotdogs!
Looks like a ton of fun!
www.lelivingandco.blogspot.ca
No, we were actually referring to hay we got out of prison. 😉 Thanks for catching that. Whoops! xo. Emma
Looks like such a fun day! I would’ve eaten like 20 hotdogs.
Hilary x thehealthycollective.com
Everything looks nice but you do know it is bales of hay not bails of hay right?
I love this party idea. The food looks yummy, especially the fancy s’mores!
Elsie, I am in love with your dress! Where’s it from?
Thanks! 🙂
Emma’s dress is absolutely gorgeous!
Looks like a lot of fun! trishasales.net