The art of outdoor entertaining with firepits
The Art of Outdoor Entertaining: Why Your Garden Needs a Firepit
There's something utterly magical about gathering around a crackling fire as the sun dips below the horizon. The gentle warmth on your face, the dancing flames casting shadows across smiling faces, the way conversations seem to flow more freely when there's a fire at the centre of it all. If you've ever been to a beach bonfire or a countryside gathering, you'll know exactly what I mean.
But here's the thing – you don't need to trek to the coast or wait for a camping trip to experience that magic. With the right firepit, you can transform your garden into the ultimate entertainment space, where every evening feels like a special occasion.
More Than Just Heat
Let's be honest – we British folk have a complicated relationship with our gardens. We spend a fortune creating beautiful outdoor spaces, only to abandon them the moment September rolls around. But what if your garden could be a year-round destination rather than a fair-weather friend?
That's where a quality firepit comes in. It's not just about warmth (though on a crisp autumn evening, that's certainly welcome). It's about creating a focal point, a reason to be outside, a gathering spot that naturally draws people together. Think of it as the outdoor equivalent of a living room fireplace – except better, because you're surrounded by fresh air and stars.
At Sal's Place, we've watched countless customers transform their entertaining game simply by adding the right firepit to their space. Suddenly, dinner parties extend into the wee hours. Weekend brunches turn into all-day affairs. Tuesday evenings become mini-celebrations rather than just another weeknight.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Now, not all firepits are created equal. Choosing the right one is a bit like choosing the right sofa – it needs to suit your space, your style, and how you actually live.
Size and Space Considerations
First up, let's talk size. A common mistake is going too small. Yes, that cute little tabletop number looks adorable in the shop, but will it actually provide enough warmth for six people on a chilly October evening? Probably not.
Consider your typical gathering size. If you regularly host eight to ten people, you'll want a substantial firepit – something in the 90cm to 120cm diameter range. For more intimate gatherings of four to six, a 60cm to 80cm pit works beautifully.
Don't forget to factor in safety clearances too. You'll need at least two metres of clear space around your firepit, away from overhanging branches, garden furniture, and anything remotely flammable. Trust me, singed eyebrows are not a good look.
Wood-Burning vs Gas: The Great Debate
This is where people get quite passionate. Wood-burning purists will tell you nothing beats the authentic crackle and smell of burning logs. They're not wrong – there's something primal and utterly satisfying about building and tending a real fire.
However, gas firepits have come a long way. Modern designs offer realistic flames, instant heat, and zero hassle. No wood storage, no smoke in your eyes, no ash to clean up the next morning. Just turn a dial and you've got ambience on demand.
My advice? Think about your lifestyle. If you love the ritual of fire-building and don't mind the prep and clean-up, wood-burning is incredibly rewarding. If you're more of a spontaneous entertainer who wants hassle-free warmth at the push of a button, gas is your friend.
Style That Speaks to You
Gone are the days when firepits meant rustic metal bowls that looked like they belonged at a medieval fair. Today's designs range from sleek minimalist statements to sculptural centrepieces that double as garden art.
Contemporary Elegance
Clean lines, premium materials like brushed stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium, integrated seating – modern firepits are design pieces in their own right. They work beautifully in contemporary gardens with architectural plants and minimal colour palettes.
Industrial Chic
Raw steel, geometric shapes, maybe a hint of rust for character – industrial-style firepits bring an urban edge to outdoor spaces. They're perfect for city gardens, roof terraces, or anyone who loves that warehouse-conversion aesthetic.
Traditional Warmth
Cast iron, copper details, classic bowl shapes – sometimes you want something that feels timeless. Traditional firepits work beautifully in cottage gardens, period properties, or anywhere you want that cosy, established feel.
Making It Work for You
Here's where the magic really happens – turning your firepit from a garden feature into a lifestyle upgrade.
Create Zones
Position your firepit to create distinct areas in your garden. We love seeing customers create a dedicated fire pit zone with permanent seating arranged around it. Add some outdoor cushions, a side table or two for drinks, maybe some festoon lighting overhead, and you've got yourself an outdoor room.
Think Seasonally
Spring and summer? Your firepit becomes a gorgeous evening centrepiece, perfect for those balmy nights when you don't need much heat but the ambience is everything. Autumn and winter? Crank up the warmth and add cosy blankets, sheepskin throws, and maybe a hot chocolate station nearby.
The Entertainment Factor
A firepit naturally encourages lingering. People don't dash off when there's a fire going – they settle in, pour another glass, tell one more story. It's the secret weapon for memorable entertaining.
We've had customers tell us their firepit has become the star attraction at their gatherings. Some keep marshmallows and skewers on hand for impromptu toasting sessions. Others have perfected the art of firepit cooking, grilling everything from vegetables to seafood over the flames.
The Practicalities (Because Someone Has to Mention Them)
Let's quickly cover the boring-but-important stuff:
Placement: Check local regulations about open fires in your area. Most residential gardens are fine, but it's worth a quick look. Choose a level surface, ideally on stone, concrete, or a fire-resistant patio. Never place directly on grass or wooden decking without proper protection underneath.
Fuel Storage: If you're going wood-burning, you'll need somewhere dry to store logs. A stylish log store near your firepit keeps fuel handy and can actually look quite attractive. For gas models, ensure your gas bottle storage is well-ventilated and away from the house.
Maintenance: Quality firepits are surprisingly low-maintenance, but they're not zero-maintenance. Wood-burning models need regular ash removal. Gas models need occasional checks on connections and burners. Most weather-resistant materials will happily live outside year-round, but a cover during the worst winter months will keep everything looking pristine.
The Investment That Pays for Itself
Here's something we hear time and again from Sal's Place customers: "I can't believe we waited so long to get a firepit." It's one of those purchases that genuinely changes how you use your outdoor space.
Yes, a quality firepit is an investment. But consider what you're getting: dozens of extra evenings in your garden each year, a gathering point that brings friends and family together, and a feature that actually increases the value and appeal of your property. Not to mention the money you'll save on nights out when everyone wants to come to yours instead.
Ready to Transform Your Evenings?
The best time to install a firepit was last year. The second best time is right now. With autumn approaching and those crisp evenings on the horizon, there's never been a better moment to create that perfect outdoor gathering spot.
At Sal's Place, we've curated a collection of firepits that don't just heat – they inspire. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, every piece is chosen because it's something we'd be proud to have in our own gardens.
Browse our full collection online – we deliver nationwide and our team is always on hand to help you choose.
Because life's too short for cold shoulders and early nights. It's time to gather, linger, and make those memories that only happen when there's a fire burning and good people around it.
Ready to start your firepit journey? Get in touch with our team at Sal's Place – we'd love to help you find your perfect match.
