While in the US, the 4th of July is celebrated with fireworks in the balminess of the summer, here in the UK, we celebrate Guy Fawkes Day – a tradition that started because some guy tried to blow up the Houses of Parliment and the government stopped him. Sort of an early version of a thwarted terrorist attack. So they named a day after him and today, people gather round in the freezing cold and rain of early November to light fireworks in their gardens, eat, drink and generally enjoy loud noises and lit up skies that smell of burning sulfer. It’s a good time, promise.
So when Homebase contacted me to see if I’d like to try out some of their products for my very own Guy Fawkes Day fireworks party, I thought, sure, why not. I mean, everyone loves a good party, right?
You’ll note the rain on everything in these pictures – yes the day started out by absolutely tipping it down – I was panicking as I was afraid all day I wouldn’t have enough time to get everything set up before it cleared but thank goodness, the weather gave me a little bit of a reprieve about an hour before everyone was meant to arrive and then by the time everyone got here, it was a lovely clear evening!
The selection of plants I purchased really just dressed the space a bit – I loved the firey reds, plums and oranges and they really brought a bit of an Autumnal look outdoors.
Now my nieces (I have 3 of them ranging in age from 2 to 10) do love fireworks so we decided to make it a (Wayne’s) family affair and just have a small crowd to accommodate our equally small garden. I created a cosy seating area with a faux fur throw on our bench…
I also set up a little makeshift area near the firepit to bring an American tradition to the party – good old fashioned s’mores. Of course, we don’t have graham crackers or Hershey’s chocolate here so I substituted with Digestive biscuits and inexpensive chocolate bars. I don’t think anyone really minded to be honest!
The kids were dizzy on sugar and had a fantastic time watching pale pink and white marshmallows turn into a gooey crispy mess before their eyes.
Of course, sparklers are always fun too. Don’t worry, the kids wore gloves but I’m a risk taker clearly who has no proper regard for safety (ie., don’t try this at home).
I have to tell you as well – the firepit was SO good. I don’t know why we haven’t ever considered one previously but it kicked off such a nice amount of heat – the logs lasted for hours and as the night got colder, we huddled around it chatting and drinking beer (the adults of course, I’m not an animal) until late. I have no doubt that we’ll be bringing it out for future garden parties.
The fireworks were absolutely incredible. I mean, proper fireworks with big bangs and spectacular lights and everything.
When I saw you tweeting about fireworks, I was so confused. It just goes to show how uneducated I am. But I have to say, your Guy Fawkes evening looks amazing! Not to focus on a silly detail, but THANK YOU FOR CRACKING THE CODE FOR S'MORES OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA. I am buying a bag of digestives asap. They would have never, ever occurred to me. To reiterate my first sentence, I'm thick.
Hahaha! Yes Digestive Biscuits work rather well for this although I would recommend getting a 'thinner' chocolate than what we had, it was all a bit chunky but tasted lovely ;) xxx
I love your table with all the sweets and cakes! Yummy! I love bonfire night in England, sadly I won't be there this year!
Aww that's a shame!! It was a really fun night, might have to do it all over again on the 5th ;) xxx
Very sweet! What is that red plant that looks like skinny coral (sixth picture down)? It's so unusual! I love it – wonder if it's something I can find here in Texas?
To be honest with you, I have no idea what it's called! Perhaps a wonderful reader might be able to answer the question?! xxx
Bwahaha, I actually thought "I bet their parents loved you for it" when you wrote about the sweets for your nieces … don't you just love sugaring up other peoples' children? :D
Yes because then you can hand them back!! So much fun!! LOL! xxx
I love bonfire night, we are busy making our guy falkes, and the fireworks are bought and ready. Everyone has been out collecting bunny wood (I have no idea why they call it that) and I do love now you have decorated your table, I think I may have to do the same, thanks for the idea xxx
Ahh thanks so much hun! We really should have made our own 'guy' too!! :) xxx
This looks fantastic! Now I really want a fire pit (good work, Homebase marketing department!). I really want to make smores this winter- I just need to track down some veggie marshmallows first xxx p.s. what's that red plant that looks like coral? It's amazeballs!
Thanks H,L and S H :) The plant is Calocephalus silversand (also known as cushion bush) and Homebase now have 15% off everything, so good time to get that fire pit!