Despite some firework displays being cancelled this year, Bonfire Night is going ahead and can still be celebrated even if it’s different to your usual agenda on November 5.
If you’ve already got plans to watch the fireworks outside, make sure to wrap up warm and if you’re without plans this year, it’s not too late to make some and we think we might be able to help.
Head of Luxury Rattan, Ryan Schwarze, along with other industry experts, has shared his top tips for hosting a bonfire night party at home while also being considerate of the wildlife around you.
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Expert tips for hosting a last-minute bonfire party at home
Clean garden furniture
With the cooler winter months now here, your outdoor furniture might not be useable soon so why not get another use out of it before packing it away?
Ryan gave tips on how to clean your furniture. He said: “Give your garden furniture a quick once-over with a vacuum or sturdy brush to get rid of any dirt and debris - for any stubborn bits collected in the weaves, you can use an old toothbrush.
“You can then fill a bowl with soapy water and wipe down your furniture with a soft cloth before thoroughly drying with an old towel.”
It’s not just about cleaning the furniture before using it. It also needs protecting from the potential upcoming weather.
Ryan said: “When it comes to storing your furniture, if you’re struggling for space in your shed or garage, stack up the chairs, push the whole set together and invest in a good quality outdoor cover that completely hides the set and ties at the bottom to protect it from the inevitable rainfall and snow.
“Make sure you bring any outdoor cushions inside too when not in use as they need the added protection from the harsh weather.”
Try to reuse and recycle decorations
Celebrating events and occasions throughout the year can mean that we are sometimes tempted to buy more when we already have plenty in storage.
Jess Martin, decoration expert at Ginger Ray, said: “There are plenty of ways to decorate your surroundings to create a super cosy and cute 5th November celebration aside from the traditional bonfire, sparklers and fireworks.
“Start by reusing any leftover Halloween decorations that you may have lying around - anything with warm autumnal tones, some pumpkins or even garlands, will still look great placed around your garden and seating area.
“Then set the ambience with some lighting. Add string lights above your seating area to cast some warm hues as the night draws in and place some tealights in random groups of 2-3.”
Decorating surfaces like tables can bring the cosy vibes outside too. Lights and foliage could be reused from other celebrations to create the look you’re going for.
Jess said: “If you do have a table, you may want to arrange some foliage you may already have this or be able to gather it from your garden, and then incorporate foliage string lights within any sparse areas which will act as a stunning centrepiece and another welcoming warm glow for guests.”
Make some warm treats
If you feel your hands getting cold, making a hot beverage might help you warm up. JÖRĐ has a recipe which tells you how to make a Nordic-inspired forest berry hot chocolate in 5 steps.
For the recipe, you will need:
- 500ml Jord Oat & Barley Drink
- 50g fresh or frozen blackberries
- 50g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 50g fresh or frozen cherries
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
1️. Add your berries, cherries and icing sugar to a medium pan over a medium heat stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the fruit begins to become soft and sticky and a compote begins to form. If using frozen fruit this will take a little longer.
2️. Push your compote through a sieve (removing any larger bits of pulp and seeds left in the sieve) and pop the temptingly sticky mixture to one side.
3️. Add Jord Oat & Barley Drink to a medium pan over a medium heat and bring to a simmer before adding your vanilla extract and chocolate, continue to stir until the chocolate has melted.
4️. Remove from the heat, add 2/3 of your sticky berry mix and stir until combined.
5️. Pour into your favourite mug, top with your chosen toppings and a drizzle of sticky berry mix.
Have another think about the bonfire
As Bonfire Night approaches, plans are usually made to prepare the bonfire before the display, giving wildlife the chance to make a new home under all the sticks and leaves, putting them in danger.
Therefore, it’s important to think of alternatives for your outdoor party. Fire pits are a good way to help maintain the fire without having to worry about monitoring it through the night. You should make sure it is completely dry before heading back inside.
Ryan, Head of Luxury Rattan, said: “Gas fire pits can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch, making for a safer option for bonfire night. These heating solutions can also protect you from an open flame that you would have with a traditional bonfire with a protective glass cover.”
Keep the noise down
Noise pollution on Bonfire Night can cause local wildlife including livestock and horses to be extremely frightened, according to the London Wildlife Trust.
The loud bang of fireworks is similar to thunder and lightning and since fireworks are set off repeatedly throughout the night, it can cause prolonged panic and anxiety.
Some birds leave their nests and some horses bolt so take advantage of the low noise options that are available.
Your neighbours might appreciate less noise too.
Watch out for wildlife
The concern for wildlife shouldn’t just be around bonfire night but as the seasons change too.
You can help wildlife by creating a safe space for them to nest and explore in your garden for the winter months.
Calum Maddock, gardening expert from Home How, said: “You should leave any dropped leaves or branches in a corner of your garden and delay clearing it away until spring. This also provides a refuge for other animals, such as bats, worms, frogs and toads.”
“To ensure garden birds remain well looked after, you should feed them with seeds during the colder months to keep their fat reserves high.
“Leave out sultanas, raisins and mixed fruit to create a 'birdy dessert' as well as ensuring suet feeders are available in order to provide birds with much-needed energy - which are also great for hedgehogs and other wildlife.”
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