Gather for campfire fun

Spend a night under the stars enjoying the company of friends— and plenty of s’mores! This easy party turns your backyard into a camp-inspired getaway that’s perfect for kicking off any summer weekend

ID drinks with herb wreaths

Guests can find their glass at a glance when it’s dressed up with a wreath. To do: Cut floral wire to fit around glasses or Mason jars. Next, loosely roll leaves of mint or basil and skewer onto the wire. Gently pull open the skewered leaves for a textural effect. Finish by tying wire ends together, then tying on a ribbon with each guest’s name. Wrap around each glass.

Delight them with a DIY s’mores station

A make-your- own s’mores buffet is the ideal party dessert because it takes the work out of hosting, says event planner Seri Kertzner ( Littlemisspartyplanner.com), who created this setup. To do: Set up a buffet on a wooden picnic bench placed near the fire to make it easy for guests to access. Then stack graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows on ceramic serving dishes and garnish with greens from the garden for a pop of color.

Inspire smiles with campfire cookies

For her campout party, Laura Aguirre (Lauraslittleparty.com) offered custom-made sugar cookies. To make your own, roll out your favorite sugar cookie dough; punch out with round and X-shaped cookie cutters. Bake; let cool, then top cookies with fondant (dab a bit of cold water on the fondant so it “sticks” to the treat). Use gel food coloring and a craft paint brush to paint on a campfire, marshmallows or a tent.

Illuminate the scene with hanging floral lanterns

Like twinkling fireflies, these petite lanterns create an enchanting outdoor scene. To make each one, start by wrapping floral wire around the lip of a recycled glass jar to create a collar. Hook another length of wire into the wrapped wire to create a handle. Next, slip a rubber band around the jar. Tuck the stems of tiny blooms like daisies and snippets of greenery under the rubber band. Place a tea light in the jar, then hang.

Send guests home with to- go s’mores

Everyone will remember the fun evening they had around the fire when they enjoy these petite s’more kit favors. ( It’s also a great way to use up extras!) Just line mini baskets (like Chipwood Baskets, $7 for 12, Orientaltrading.com) with wax paper, then fill with marshmallows, graham crackers and mini chocolate bars.

Refresh with homemade iced tea with a twist

Counter the sweetness of s’mores and cookies with a delicious iced tea cocktail. To do: The night before your party, pour homemade or store-bought iced tea into a pitcher filled with a few sprigs of mint and sliced citrus (prick the skin of the fruit with a fork before cutting to release the natural oils of the citrus for even more flavor). Refrigerate overnight. Then when guests arrive, pour the tea into ice-filled glasses, garnishing with fresh citrus slices and a mint sprig. To add a grown-up kick, stir a shot of lemon-flavored vodka or rum into each glass.