What is the wildly popular camping treat that is sticky, gooey and absolutely delicious? S’mores, of course, and you don’t have to be a scout to enjoy the utter decadence of this toasted marshmallow-and-chocolate-on-graham-cracker delight. The s’more is so popular that it’s got its very own holiday. Yes, August 10 is National S’mores Day, and you’d better start getting ready to celebrate. Now is a great time to install a new fire pit in your backyard and study up on a few safety tips.
Fire Pit Basics
Nothing says “home” better than a fire element, be it a fireplace or fire pit. The crackling flames warm you on cool evenings and light up your backyard living area at any time of day. A fire pit is nothing more than an area that can protect a campfire and keep it from spreading to places it isn’t supposed to go. You’ve doubtless seen fire pits at the beach or at campgrounds, yet the modern fire elements available in commerce, such as those offered by Belgard, are much more attractive and elegant than your basic metal ring.
Just remember that in a beach, campground or backyard, you need to be prudent around fire. Don’t ever pour starter fluid on a flame or coals, and make sure the last spark is doused before you head for bed.
Adding Flare to Your Outdoor Space
You can toast up marshmallows in a metal-ring fire pit at the county park, but you’ll have much more fun on National S’mores Day if you install an easy-on-the-eyes version in your outdoor living area. And they don’t have to break the bank.
Ashland
One classic fire pit to consider is called Ashland. It’s offered by Belgard, the company known for its great outdoor-living designs. Ashland is an attractive version and you can get it in a DIY package at Lowe’s Home Improvement for under $200. Ashland comes with ready-to-assemble pieces and can be placed straight into a backyard patio or landscape. At about 45 inches in diameter by 12 inches tall, it’s plenty big for lots of marshmallow-toasters to get into action at the same time. The outside is ringed in cement textured to look like flagstone. The key to safely using a fire pit is to prevent the burning material from getting out. The combo of metal and cement provides a good barrier.
If you prefer a different type or look of stone for a slightly more elegant fire pit, Belgard recommends the clean, contemporary look of its Weston Stone® Universal Kit, also available at Lowe’s, which offers a pleasing visual alternative to some of the more textured products.
Weston Square
These stones are available in a variety of colors to complement your existing patio or other stone features. You can choose between Ashbury Haze, Cotswold Mist and Gascony Tan. Another great feature of stone is that it doesn’t heat up, which means you won’t get burned when you touch it, even if a fire is crackling inside the ring. Still, for safety sake, watch young children around any fire and make sure they don’t get too close.
Bristol Fireplace
If you decide that you want a grand set-up for living in your backyard, Belgard has got you covered for that too. Their Bristolâ„¢ Series stone fireplace and brick oven create a rustic look that creates warmth and beauty in virtually any landscape. Optional add-ons include a stone hearth for the fireplace and wood boxes to store the kindling and logs. The series also includes a grill-island. What a feast you could have for National S’mores Day with a set-up like that!
Belgard’s National S’more Day Giveaway
In honor of National S’mores Day on August 10, Belgard will be giving away an Ashland Fire Pit Kit to make someone’s s’mores dreams a reality. Head to Belgard.com for more details and submit either your favorite s’mores recipe or s’mores memory for a chance to win.
