Recently Trey and I hosted a little get-together in our backyard. The backyard is one area of our home that I don't feel is totally finished yet. But the feature we love most is a fire pit area we installed last summer. We LOVE our fire pit! There's just something about sitting around a fire with friends. We decided to host a fire pit party before the weather gets too chilly in the coming months. We kept things simple by serving, what I like to call, a hot dog bar. We had turkey and veggie hot dogs everyone could roast over the fire along with favorite toppings. Full disclosure: Veggie dogs get pretty weird and wart-y looking when you cook them over a fire. We had: feta and cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeno, potato chips (it's a side or a topping!), salsa, cilantro, ketchup, mustard and chipotle mayo.
For dessert we served fancy s'mores. This is my favorite outdoor dessert (we served similar s'mores at this party). To make these you simply melt chocolate, spread on a graham cracker and then sprinkle on a few toppings like sea salt, pistachios, dried fruit or candy. Once the chocolate dries you are ready to go! We also served fresh fruit, Nutella and mini cake donuts, so guests could go crazy with their s'more creations!
We got a few hay bales for extra seating (covered with a little scrap fabric). And, we set up these army tents (we got them on Amazon) for extra decor. I may or may not have begged Trey (and Love Love!) to get in a tent with me to pose for a picture. But the most important part of any party is the memories made. We spent plenty of time watching the dogs run around and passing around Elias (cutest baby ever, right?). I've really enjoyed growing closer to Michelle this season. I think we started to connect during my wedding season, and she (and her sweet family) are quickly becoming very special friends to Trey and me. I feel like in high school making new friends was second nature. New person talking to me? New friend! But as I get a little older, I think I'm more intentional about choosing and surrounding myself with good, sincere people. The Houghtons are just that. Glad they could come out and roast some weenies with us. 🙂 Thanks for letting me share this casual little party with you. Do you have any special events planned before the holiday season starts up? xo. Emma
Credits // Author: Emma Chapman, Photos by: Janae Hardy, Thanks to Jeff, Michelle and Elias Houghton.
94 Comments
Emma, where is your dress from! I love it!
It’s from Shop Sosie. 🙂 And thanks!
-Emma
Thanks for sharing this fun idea. Plus I totally appreciate you sharing that it’s kind of harder to befriend new people out of school–so true!
I don’t. BUt I have been thinking of doing a once a month get together with friends and center it around a theme. You have such a lovely space/ yard which I wish I had sometimes for parties, since I live on the 27th floor with a small balcony. Looks like everyone had a great time, and the food looks amazing.
Oh I kinda envy you, you seem so happy and relaxed (the total opposite of me right now) 🙂
tsiou, from http://www.inwhirlofinspiration.com
Everything looks amazing! All that food looks so so perfectly scrummy! x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Are Trey and Jeremy wearing the same shirt..?! They look super coordinated!
What a sweet, little party! And could all the people in these photos be any more gorgeous?! Seriously, you all look like models. 🙂
I love this idea. It looks so fun and a great way to ring in Autumn.
xo
LesliMarie
http://www.linenandtulle.com
Looks like a great evening! I love your style! Xx
This looks wonderful! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more mouth-watering s’more before in my life.
I recently moved out of the college dorms and into a little apartment, and one of the positives is finally being able to host get-togethers mnore easily. You two are just too good at hosting little parties I get so jealous 😉
Erin
a clover & a bee
beautiful. inspiring. breath-taking. wonderful.
thank you for all your work and time.
What a marvelous evening! Love the serving trays and the tent! So cute! Perfect for a beautiful fall night! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
All of your food is so well presented!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/its-10.html
Lovely <3
those fancy smores look delicious, what a fun way to gussy up an old favorite.
http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/memory-lane.html
This looks like so much fun and so cozy! Where is Elsie’s dress from?! It’s so cute!
Jamie @
http://thegrowingupdiaries.blogspot.com
A beautiful group of people. Love those little tents! Need to schedule a cookout soon. 🙂
Gypsy Plunder Vintage Shop
This looks like it was so much fun! I love all the details, like those cute tents.
I would love a fire pit in the back yard, sounds like the perfect entertainment 🙂
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
I love fire pits! Haven´t really had one this year.
Elias is really cute. Love the face he makes on the last picture.
What an amazing party!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
Silly question…are those homemade marshmallows? They look yummy but since they are kinda rectangular and flat, they can’t be the processed store bought kind?
This could quite possibly be the cutest party idea ever. I am in love with the hay bail and tent idea. Looks like so much fun!
e m m a ▼ d e e r
Holy crap, this looks like so much fun and that food looks DELICIOUS.
Gorgeous photos!
I LOVE this idea!! We sit out by our fire pit almost every night in the fall. I will definitely borrow some of your party plans! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!! xoxoxo
Ahh this looks like it was a blast!!
Oh wow all thee food looks delicious! Incredible photos, looks like you had the a lovely day!
-Jade
Gracious Silhouettes
I love the idea of hay bails for extra seating! Feel like having a little picnic with friends while the weather is still good…
Oh, I love evenings like this! Next weekend lots of friends of mine from uni are coming to town, so I think I’m going to host a little party before we’re going out 🙂 I think we’re going to stay inside, though, it’s already way to cold to stay outside any longer than absolutely necessary 😉 Thanks for sharing!
xx
Camilla
kapteinmoe.blogspot.no
That looks like so much fun, and those graham cracker treats look delicious. That one picture of Trey and Emma also made my heart melt a tad bit. Too cute.
-Casey
http://www.kceh.wordpress.com
those s’mores look ridiculously delicious! (:
Oh my goodness…this is perfect! I love it all so much!
You should write a party planning book next, just saying.
I would love to be able to entertain like this. Unfortunately, our current apartment is not very entertainment friendly — but just wait until I get my hands on a place that is!
The american way of life! J’adore.
XX
Looks like a lovely time! Those s’mores are making me drool at my desk.
ok, I have to admit, i got jealous seeing these pictures 🙂 come one, hail bails? It’s so nice having a garden. Unfortunately, I don’t. But if I did, and could have a party I’d like to host an autumn party… with leaves and pumpkins from our farm… no ideas about the food… looks like you had a great time!… happy for you! …
oh my, that hot dog with toppings is looking quite scrumptious.
i know exactly what you mean about the veggie dogs… they get quite unappetizing to look at, but they still taste good!
i love how you make your fancy s’mores – it makes it so easy for guests!
M.
The pictures are great! Looks like everyone had a great time! I can’t get over how yummy the food looks!
xo
Rachel
I LOVE the fancy S’Mores idea! I wish we had a fire pit so that we could do this!
This looks so perfect! Gorgeous photos xo
I would love to know this as well!!
Looks so fun! Tell me, did you do homemade mallows? those look like perfectly shaped marshmallows that DIDN’T come from a bag:)
They are all so nice!! I wish, I could be there. I love pug by the way :*
Love,
Katty
http://blog.pixiie.net
http://fb.com/WorldsFashion
This looks like such a lovely time! I love cookouts and time with friends!
Leah Faye
a clover and a bee
Wonderful photos and I wish I had a garden big enough fir a fire pit! Veggie hot dogs yum!!
Lulu xx
Oh I LOVE this idea! I wish I had something planned. Love it all the dogs and smores are perfect for outdoor parties. We are in SE Texas so right now it is still warm and always super humid. This would be perfect in a few months. Thanks for sharing!
This looks so fun and really, really yummy!!
yummy, yummy, yummy!! good ideas girls
I love your dress Elsie, can I buy it online?
xo
wow… so great and sound fun! i really love the tents! I think if you have a little backyard like that, you can host any party.. I’m so envy.. 🙂 So cute.. 🙂
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
my goodness, yum!
kw ladies in navy
Okay. I love this. I am such a dork. I thought you built these tents for private kissing, until I read further.
The cake donuts and premade graham cracker treats are genius!
Jenni
love the army tents I want one lol, got a question are you guys going to have the Pumpkin carving contest again this year
those hot dogs look sooooo yummy! sounds like a great party
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Absolutely love your dress.
And those smore’s look faaaaantastic.
Stella + Charlie
Oh I love this so much. I’m particularly loving the s’mores. I’ve never thought of using cake doughnuts instead of graham crackers! I think I would be way more into that textures.
those fancy smores look awesome!!! thanks for sharing 🙂
Haha veggie dogs are totally gross looking when you cook them. That looks like so much fun-the fancey s’mores are brilliant!!
Emma – where is your dress from?? Cute!
the baby Elias looks so cute.
Looks like fun!
Erin
i’m a bit jealous you guys still have the weather to do this! 😉
looks like such a fun party, going on my to-do list for next spring!
xo, cheyenne
This is adorable! S’mores are my favorite!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
I really like this get together, it feel so cozy!
Just so happens I’m having a small get together tonight ^_^!
Making apple pie, and having red wine in the back yard, he he very autmunyy!
Have a great day :)!
Loads of love, SJay!
http://www.sweetswithfreaks.blogspot.com
What an adorable get together! Love the fancy s’mores idea
I’ve just had breakfast but these fancy smores made my mouth water dangerously… (I’m on a train and drooling would probably weird out my seat neighbour!)
The food looks yummy! http://www.lavenue.com/
What a lovely Fall gathering! Looks like good times with great friends! Nothing better!
AHHHH! You’re drinking Boulevard Wheat! That beer is from my neck of the woods!
Love those gourmet looking smores!! Totally making them!
I love that you have bales of hay as seating! What did you do with them after the party?
WOW what a smores bar! i wish I were friends with you two!
I’ve been looking for tents like that forever. I love those.
vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
what an awesome post!
I love all these photos!
Bubble my Licorice
Looks like a lot of fun! trishasales.net
Emma’s dress is absolutely gorgeous!
Elsie, I am in love with your dress! Where’s it from?
Thanks! 🙂
I love this party idea. The food looks yummy, especially the fancy s’mores!
Everything looks nice but you do know it is bales of hay not bails of hay right?
Looks like such a fun day! I would’ve eaten like 20 hotdogs.
Hilary x thehealthycollective.com
No, we were actually referring to hay we got out of prison. 😉 Thanks for catching that. Whoops! xo. Emma
Great theme for a party! I love the haystacks, square marshmallows and fun presentation for the hotdogs!
Looks like a ton of fun!
http://www.lelivingandco.blogspot.ca
Looks like a fantastic time!
Hi Emma,
What a lovely idea for a backyard soiree – love the hotdog idea and the s’mores!
Also would like to add that what you wrote above about wanting to surround yourself with genuine and good people, as you get older, (and as you become more successful through this Blog) you will have to really make sure your friends are non-competitive, genuine people who will always have your back…wise words coming from Jeanine in Jamaica who has been through enough situations to vouch!
Love the idea of the tents too!
What a great way to get friends together. The comfort of a backyard fire pit is fantastic way to ease into a cool autumn evening.
It looks like you guys have sooo much fun!!! I love our little fire pit too but we don’t get to use it much! We may have to have a fall get together before winter comes ’round!
Thanks for the inspiration as usual!!
Heather
southernnorth.com
that s’more idea is the best.ever.
xx
Oh it looks like a fairytail, your organisation and decoration skils are perfect! I would love to have a backyard like this! 😉
Emma,
I really like your dress? Which brand is from?
Claudia
Those smores look absolutely fantastic!
I want to know, too!! ?
Is it just me or does Emma’s husband, Trey, kinda remind you of a blonde David Tennant?
What a great post! I love the idea of melting chocolate and putting them on the graham crackers and sprinkling them with toppings! Thanks.
This looks like the perfect backyard party – thoughtful and casual-yet-fancy. This is like my ideal night in a nutshell. Love it!!!!
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com