How to Host the Perfect Indoor Smores Get-Together
When an outdoor celebration and campfire is not in the cards throw the perfect indoor smores get-together with an indoor sterno "campfire" that looks (and sounds) just like an outdoor campfire. Even better are the yummy, gooey smores and memories you and your guests will make together!
If you live in the South, you know that our brains may say Fall is here, when all the while the thermometer outside shows that summer is here for at least another month. We can decorate to our heart's content, pull out ALL of the pumpkins, but rest assured we'll be wearing shorts while we do it! So, what do you do when an outdoor campfire is out of the question, lest we all melt? Have an indoor campfire night instead - complete with indoor smores!
Our family, young and old, had the BEST time roasting marshmallows together - one of my big kids dropped by and had to make the first smore, before the party even started! #theyallwanttobefirst
How to host the perfect indoor smores get-together
C'mon baby, light the fire
Although you can roast marshmallows in your oven or heat them in your microwave, nothing beats roasting marshmallows over an open flame with friends and family. My favorite way to toast marshmallows is the old fashioned way - over a wood fire. Unfortunately, that isn't always an option! When a fire pit is not in the cards, make smores happen with an indoor sterno "campfire" that looks (and sounds) just like an outdoor campfire. Safety first! Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Here's what you'll need to make your own "campfire."
- Three sterno cans - find these at the dollar store in sets of 2 or 3
- A terracotta pot water tray - mine was 16" in diameter
- large stones
- small, black river rock
- optional: paper shred in red, orange and yellow
- To make the campfire, begin by opening and placing the sterno cans in the center of the tray.
- If using the paper shred, arrange a small amount around the outer rim of the tray, being sure to stay well away from the sterno cans. Yes, it's flammable and should never be used if the fire will be left unattended!
- Surround the outer edge of the tray with large stones.
- Add the black river rock in and around the sterno cans, filling it full to the top of the tray rim.
- When ready, light the Sterno cans with a grill lighter.
Set the scene - Tablescape
- Woodland plates
- Mini-faux evergreens
- sweets platter
- tablecloth
- pinecones
- mason jar glasses
- placemats
- chargers
- bear
- Rustic-style decor
- Felt Banner
To set the stage, place your campfire centerpiece atop a black and white plaid tablecloth. Turn food into art; display indoor smore fixings on a "sweets" burned wood slice. Look around your home for woodland theme accents - I borrowed this bear salt and pepper shaker holder that we usually use while camping to display a "yum" mini felt banner.
The woods come indoors with Pinecones and mini-faux evergreens borrowed from our Christmas decor. Serve dinner and treats on woodland plates in owl and fox patterns, set on top of layered, rustic placemats in natural materials. Hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle is a perfect beverage for an indoor campout, served in a Mason jar mug.
A large DIY felt banner hung overhead advertises the reason you've gathered together. Gimme smore, too, please!
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Gather Sticks
For an authentic outdoor campfire feel, gather sticks and twigs from your yard and pop a marshmallow on the end for roasting over your "campfire"! Not only are they the perfect roasting sticks, but those marshmallow sticks also double as table decor.
The Smores
Marshmallows, chocolate, and crackers
Spreads
Other things you'll need
- fire extinguisher
- trash bags
- napkins
This party was a HUGE hit - even for the teenagers; and you know that's saying something! The perfect antidote to the let down of cold, dreary January, it was so much fun, that they are asking to do it all again!
I hope this post gave you a few ideas for your own indoor smore party!
