How to Host a Holiday Fireside Party, Inside or Out

When the temperature drops outside, it’s your chance to turn up the cozy vibes inside. Make your home warm and inviting, and gather with friends and family around the fire. Whether you’re lighting up the fire pit outside, or stoking the fireplace inside, there are countless ways to create cozy, delicious moments. And it all starts right here!

Betty has a variety of recipes for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. Perfect for kicking off a cozy holiday party any time of day. While you may not find chestnuts roasting on an open fire, you’ll discover treats and flavors that elevate the festive fun.

Get the Gear

Before you can start the fire, you’ll need to set the scene! If you’re heading outside, begin with an outdoor fire pit. Whatever footprint you’re working with, find one that strikes the right balance of heat, elegance, and safety. From there, give your guests a place to gather with a set of outdoor rocking chairs.

Boost the cozy factors indoors with some comfy throw pillows and blankets that create an inviting atmosphere. Next, it’s all about the food. Make sure you have indoor and outdoor friendly servingware, some cute mugs for hot drinks and hot cocoa, and plenty of skewers for s’mores, and more. With everything in place, you’re ready to gather around the fire and embrace the warmth of the season!

Outdoor Recipes: Bring out the Best in the Backyard

Heading out to the fire pit? You’ll want to bring something hot to drink. But not just any everyday cup of coffee will do. This is Christmas, after all! Raise the bar with a rich, comforting mug of hot chocolate or cider, bursting with the flavors of the season. For an adult twist, add some spiced rum or cinnamon-flavored liqueur. For the best fireside treats, you truly cannot beat the classics—s’mores are the perfect way to get everybody around the fire. Add some festive flavors by swapping the crackers with chocolate-covered mint cookies, using peppermint chocolate as the filling, or getting creative with our blueberry-granola foil pack recipe.

Inside Recipes: Home Is Where the Hearth Is

Take some time this season to indulge in the warmth of a cozy fireplace, while savoring all the delightful flavors. Bring the joy of s’mores indoors with an elevated twist on a classic treat. Betty’s s’mores dip gives you all the deliciousness you love, offering a customizable experience that lets everyone enjoy their favorite flavors in a fun new way. For a fun variation, create indoor-friendly skewers by stacking fresh fruit and mini pancakes, or opt for waffles, cookies, or marshmallows. While you enjoy the dessert, why not set up some drinks? Consider a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar or a hot chocolate buffet (with an optional splash of Irish cream liqueur for adults) and let everybody make their own the way they like it.

Fire Up the Festivities

Whether you’re celebrating indoors or outdoors, when gathering around a cozy, glowing fire, you can’t help but get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to follow @BettyCrocker social for even more ways to make the holidays merry and bright.