When I think of camping...it doesn't give me the cozy feels at all! I am not outdoorsy, nor like being amongst the bugs and wildlife. But a camp out party, I can handle! All the elements of the outdoors, while being very close to a clean indoor washroom and the warmth of your own home. That's my kind of camping!
So I thought, why not host a few friends over for a fall camp out dinner in the great outdoors. Try to pick a time in the fall where the weather isn't too chilly, but just cool enough that you can wear cozy sweaters or blankets wrapped around you.
The outdoor space I chose was my own backyard, but you can even take the party to a local park if you wanted. A park with picnic tables makes it a bit easier too. I also kept the party small, just four people, and kept the menu simple too, giving you more time to enjoy your company.
For the menu I decided on something fun and simple, yet filling and comforting that you and your guests are not wanting more! Chili with fixings, and Cornbread are easy to make, and so delicious. Talk about comfort food! Another great option is Franks and Beans. You could even serve them in a cleaned out tin can, which would be so cute, and camp chic! Here are some ideas of great chili fixings:
-shredded cheese -tortilla chips -chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo
-green and red onions -corn chips -corn chips
-pickled jalapenos -lime wedges -ranch dressing
-corn -sour cream
-chopped cilantro/parsley -guacamole
The cornbread can be either homemade or store bought. It will be delicious either way; you can also add in some extras such as, cheddar cheese, jarred jalapenos or chopped chives.
Chili fixings!
Use a cute enamel cup to serve the chili in!
All dinner parties have to end on a high note, and that would be with dessert! I did a "Make Your Own S'more" station, and just like the Chili fixings, I put out a bunch of add ins for them to. You cold go really crazy here with some fun add ins, and here I list some ideas for you:
-peanut butter or other nut butters -dulce de leche
-strawberry or other flavoured jams -chocolate squares such as milk, dark and
-sliced bananas caramel
-nutella -sliced strawberries
-regular graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers, or both
-can't forget the marshmallows
**for a great and easy homemade marshmallow recipe go to www.cookingchanneltv.com, and look up Tiffani Thiesen's recipe! Yum!!
How about a fun game to play while enjoying your S'mores? I found this Camping Bingo game on line at www.makingfriends.com, and thought it would be an enjoyable way to spend the rest of the party. You could even have a few prizes for the winners if you wanted; either way, it's just another fun element to add to the event.
Another fun element I incorporated in this camp out party is a "DIY Trail Mix Bar". Your guests can make their own by choosing their favourite mix ins, and then take the treat home! Put some brown paper bags filled and labeled with Trail Mix fixings, and have some extra paper bags for your guests to fill up. You could also use tin pie plates to hold the fixings, which you can easily find at the dollar store. That would look really cute too!
FIXING OPTIONS:
-pretzels
-cheerios/chex/shreddies
-chocolate chips
-dried fruit such as: cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins, mangoes
-mini marshmallows
-peanuts or slivered almonds
-banana chips
-coconut chips/pieces
-popcorn
-M&M's
Paper bags to hold the fixings!
All great parties need a great drink right? Seeing as how this is a party outdoors during the fall season, something warming and comforting will hit the spot! Try a Hot Toddy or Mulled Cider with or without alcohol. The hot toddy is alcoholic, so if you wanted to do both then keep the mulled cider alcohol free.
You can easily find some great recipes for both drinks off the internet. I am including this great and easy Mulled Cider recipe from www.foodnetwork.com. (Bobby Flay)
MULLED CIDER
2 quarts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
1 orange, thinly sliced
*place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Serve hot. (serves 8)
It doesn't get any easier, or any more delicious than that! I hope this post has inspired you to get outside and host an autumnal party for you and your friends! And if you aren't willing to brave the great outdoors, then bring the party inside; just make sure to have a great time with friends!
Until next time!
~A
