Embracing the Soothing Glow of a Backyard Fire Pit
There’s nothing quite like those warm summer evenings under star-filled skies, and a simple yet charming fire pit area is the perfect way to enjoy them all season long. I start my days out on the back patio, sipping coffee, and I spend the evenings outdoors, relaxing and soaking in the fresh air. You could say I’m an outdoor sitter – I love being outside as much as possible. And when it comes to summer evenings by the fire pit, or entertaining friends and family (or just my husband and myself), you know I’m all about that ambiance.
The twinkling lights, the dancing flames, the magical touches that bring the setting to life – that’s what it’s all about for me. Today, I’m sharing a little fire pit area in our backyard, and how easy and inexpensive it was to set up and enjoy in just a few minutes. I first shared this fire pit a couple of summers ago, and this year, I’m updating the look with a few budget-friendly ideas for even more ambiance.
Choosing the Right Fire Pit
This fire pit has so much personality, it’s almost strange to think a fire pit can have that kind of charm. What I love most is the deep bowl design with a mesh grate all around, allowing the flames to shine through and create an absolutely mesmerizing ambiance. I’m in love with the side view of the flames and coals – it’s pure magic. And the double-duty feature is perfect too. If you choose a fire pit that also has a grill attachment, you can turn it into a backyard barbecue spot for making veggie burgers, grilling veggies, or whatever your heart desires.
Layering the Lighting
You know how much I love those twinkling lights – I’m kind of obsessed. And my neighbors would definitely back me up on that statement. We have the twinkly lights mostly near the house, but when it comes to setting up a fire pit area or a table setting in the back of the property, there are no outlets to be found. So, the question I get all the time is, “How do you power those lights in the far-away areas?”
Well, you can either run extension cords (which would be several to reach this area), or you can use battery-operated and solar-powered lights. For this fire pit setup, I went with a mix of solar-powered cafe lights and battery-operated fairy lights. The cafe lights are a favorite look of mine – they’re a bit smaller than the usual string lights, and the best part is, they’re unbreakable. Why does that matter? Well, when you’re stringing them through trees or the wind kicks up, they might fall and break, and you don’t want any glass anywhere that someone or something might step on.
The fairy lights add an extra bit of that twinkling ambiance I love so much. I layered a few strands of them in the tree branches to create even more magic. And for an extra touch of that cozy, campfire feeling, I used some flickering lanterns around the fire pit. I absolutely adore these lanterns – the flame dances just like the real thing, and they can also be used as actual lanterns if you need some extra light to see your way back to the house.
Creating a Cozy Gathering Spot
When it comes to seating around the fire pit, you can really use any kind of chair – Adirondack, camping stools, wood chairs, rattan chairs, or even just some rustic wood stumps. The key is to create a cozy little area with what you have and just enjoy. If you’re looking for some charming rattan chairs like the ones I have, you can find a similar look here.
And to complete the cozy fire pit setup, I added a wood table. These log and wood slice tables are such charmers, and I use them both indoors and outdoors. You can also opt for a regular old log if it’s flat enough and wide enough, or a simple log table like this one that’s not real wood.
To finish off the ambiance, I added a wood slice serving platter, some s’mores-making supplies, copper tumblers for hot cocoa or a beverage of choice, and a cozy tartan throw. Even if you don’t eat s’mores anymore (like me), you can still enjoy roasting a marshmallow for one of the kids. And those copper tumblers just look so lovely, whether you’re sipping a warm drink or a cool refreshment.
Creating Lasting Memories
Fire pit and dining areas are such fun spots to create in your backyard, and they can easily fit into smaller yards by choosing smaller-sized elements. They’re perfect for summer gatherings under the stars with friends and family, making those vacation-worthy memories right in your own backyard.
At A1 Landscape Construction in Temecula, California, we specialize in transforming outdoor spaces into enchanting havens. Our team of experts is ready to help you design and install the perfect fire pit for your home, whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of cast iron, the sleek modernity of stainless steel, or the unique elegance of copper. Contact us today to ignite your outdoor living space and create lasting memories under the stars.
