A few simple essentials for creating a warm, cozy night around the fire—without overcomplicating it.
There’s something about gathering around a fire that makes an ordinary evening feel instantly different.
The glow. The blankets. The smell of woodsmoke. Something warm to drink. And, of course, the excuse to eat at least one more s’more.
You don’t need an elaborate backyard setup to make it feel special, either.
Whether you're planning a cozy date night, having a few friends over, or gathering the family outside, a handful of thoughtful touches can turn a regular evening around the fire into a little escape of its own.
Here’s everything you need.
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01 A Cozy Fire Setup
The fire is obviously the star of the evening.
If you already have a built-in fire pit, you're set. If not, a portable fire pit is an easy way to create that cozy campfire feeling without committing to a permanent backyard project.
Arrange the chairs in a loose circle so everyone can see each other, reach the s’mores, and settle in comfortably.
Little Escape Pick — $
A simple portable fire pit that gives you everything you need for an occasional backyard fire without turning it into a major investment.
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Little Escape Upgrade — $$
A classic fire pit that makes it easy to gather everyone around for cozy evenings, toasted marshmallows, and nights that last a little longer.
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Little Escape Tip: Don't spread the chairs too far apart. A slightly tighter circle makes the evening feel more intimate and keeps conversation flowing.
02 Everything You Need for S’mores
Now for the important part.
Start with the classics:
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate
Then add one or two fun upgrades—peanut butter cups, dark chocolate, caramel-filled chocolate, flavored marshmallows, or even cookies instead of graham crackers.
Put everything together on a serving board or tray and let everyone create their own.
Simple, delicious, and almost impossible to mess up.
Little Escape Pick — $
A simple wooden serving board or tray that's pretty enough for campfire night but practical enough to use for snacks, drinks, and casual entertaining all year.
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Little Escape Upgrade — $$
A larger divided charcuterie-style board that turns all those marshmallows, chocolates, cookies, and toppings into a beautiful build-your-own s’mores station.
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Little Escape Tip: Unwrap the chocolates before everyone heads outside. It's a tiny detail that makes the whole setup feel more intentional.
03 Long Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Technically, you could hunt around the yard for sticks.
But reusable roasting sticks are one of those inexpensive things that make campfire nights so much easier.
Look for long handles so everyone can roast comfortably without getting too close to the flames.
Little Escape Pick — $
A basic set of telescoping roasting sticks that folds down for easy storage and gives everyone their own stick.
[Shop the Little Escape Pick →] Find it Here
Little Escape Upgrade — $$
A sturdier set with comfortable wooden handles, color-coded ends, and a storage case—especially nice if campfire nights happen regularly at your house.
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Then there's only one decision left:
Perfectly golden or completely on fire?
There is apparently no middle ground.
04 Something Cozy to Sip
Once the temperature drops, something warm in your hands makes the whole evening better.
Hot chocolate is the obvious choice, but warm apple cider, coffee, chai, or tea all work beautifully.
You can even set up a tiny drink station with cinnamon sticks, marshmallows, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
And definitely bring out the cozy mugs.
Little Escape Pick — $
A simple set of camp-style mugs that feels perfectly at home beside a fire and can be used for everything from cider to hot chocolate.
[Shop the Little Escape Pick →] Find it Here
Little Escape Upgrade — $$
Insulated camp mugs with lids that keep drinks warmer while everyone lingers around the fire—and help prevent unfortunate hot-chocolate-meets-blanket situations.
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05 Blankets & Comfortable Seating
The fastest way to end a lovely campfire night?
Everyone getting cold.
Don't wait until someone announces they can't feel their toes.
Keep a basket of throw blankets nearby so people can grab one whenever they need it.
Little Escape Pick — $
Soft fleece throws that are warm, washable, inexpensive, and perfect for keeping in a basket specifically for outdoor nights.
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Little Escape Upgrade — $$
A weather-resistant outdoor blanket that's made for nights outside and can pull double duty for picnics, camping, tailgates, and outdoor movies.
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And don't forget the chairs.
Little Escape Pick — $
Classic folding camp chairs that are easy to store and pull out whenever the fire gets lit.
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Little Escape Upgrade — $$
Padded or oversized outdoor chairs that make it much easier to settle in for a few hours instead of quietly wondering when everyone else is ready to go inside.
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Campfire night should make people want to settle in—not start thinking about leaving.
06 A Little Outdoor Lighting
The fire creates atmosphere, but you'll still want enough light to find the chocolate.
A little secondary lighting makes the space feel cozy while keeping everyone from turning on their phone flashlight every five minutes.
Think:
String lights
Lanterns
Rechargeable table lamps
Battery-operated candles
Keep the lighting soft and warm so the fire remains the focus.
Little Escape Pick — $
Warm battery-operated string lights that can be wrapped around a railing, fence, tree, or nearby table for an instant little glow.
[Shop the Little Escape Pick →] Find it Here
Little Escape Upgrade — $$
Rechargeable outdoor table lanterns that give you just enough light for drinks, snacks, and s’more building without overpowering the fire.
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07 A Few Campfire Extras
You certainly don't need these.
That's why they're extras.
But they're the little things that can turn a basic backyard fire into something that feels like an occasion.
Enamel Camp Mugs
Cute, nostalgic, and practically made for drinking hot chocolate beside a fire.
[Shop Enamel Camp Mugs →] Find it Here
A Firewood Carrier
Not particularly glamorous, but surprisingly useful—and much nicer than making six trips back to the woodpile.
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A Campfire Popcorn Popper
This one doubles as an activity. Make popcorn over the fire and pass it around while everyone settles in.
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A Cozy Blanket Basket
Keep one stocked with outdoor blankets near the door and you're basically prepared for spontaneous campfire nights all season.
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A Portable Speaker
Keep the volume low and put on something acoustic, folksy, spooky, or nostalgic depending on the mood.
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If You're Starting From Scratch...
You don't need everything on this list.
For your first cozy campfire night, start with what will make the biggest difference:
A fire pit or safe outdoor fire setup
A set of roasting sticks
S’mores ingredients
A few blankets
Something warm to drink
Soft outdoor lighting
Chairs you already own
That's enough.
Then, if campfire nights become something you love, you can slowly upgrade the pieces you'll actually use again.
Because creating a memorable evening isn't really about having the perfect fire pit, the prettiest mugs, or the most elaborate s’mores board.
It's about making an ordinary night feel a little less ordinary.
Now Give Everyone a Reason to Stay
You have the fire.
The blankets are out.
The marshmallows are toasted.
Everyone settles into their chairs.
And then comes the part that can turn a cozy fire into a night people actually remember.
What do you do around it?
That's exactly what Campfire Tales from The Little Escape was created for.
Instead of spending your afternoon searching for campfire activities, conversation starters, stories, games, and ways to keep everyone entertained, the experience is already planned for you.
Print it.
Set out the s’mores.
Light the fire.
And enjoy the night.
You take care of the fire and s’mores.
We'll take care of the escape.
[Explore Campfire Tales →] Find it Here
Your Cozy Campfire Shopping List
✓ Fire pit or outdoor fire setup
✓ Marshmallow roasting sticks
✓ S’mores ingredients
✓ Serving tray or s’mores board
✓ Cozy mugs
✓ Blankets
✓ Comfortable seating
✓ Lanterns or string lights
✓ Something warm to drink
✓ A few cozy outdoor extras
