Beach Bonfire

The key to a successful beach bonfire is to plan ahead. Think of every variable that could happen and be prepared for it. Pack your car with blankets, chairs, a portable table, cooler, and grill. Don't forget everything you need for cooking like matches, bottle openers, wood, and charcoal. For easy access, put the food in a separate cooler; nonperishables can go in reusable totes. Place the items you will need to use immediately upon arrival at the beach in the trunk last — they will be removed first. Keep bowls, cutlery, servingware, and napkins organized. Pour the punch into a durable pitcher with a lid and store plastic glasses in a handy spot nearby. When you make it to the shore, set everything up, and let the celebration begin!

Have you hosted a party on the beach? What tips can you provide?

When planning an outdoor party, like a picnic at the park, a barbecue at the lake, or a bonfire at the beach, it's important to get as much prep work done in advance as possible. For the drinks, start by filling several coolers with ice, beer, sodas, water, and white wine. Pack a basket with a versatile plastic glass, a bag for recyclables, and a couple of bottle openers. Then, take the time to make one special drink, preferably a punch or cocktail recipe that serves a crowd.

One I highly recommend is this peach rum punch. It's a potent but delicious mixture of simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, amber rum, cognac, and peach brandy. Since it's Summer and peaches are in season, I would slice a bunch of fresh peaches and float them in the punch. Place the liquid and fruit mixture in a sealable container and pack, standing upright, in one of the coolers. Learn how the party-ready punch is made now.

Ever since I saw this photo of chocolate brownie squares on sheets of waxed paper, I can't stop thinking about them. That's why I'm making brownies to serve at a beach bonfire I'm hosting in honor of my sister. Brownies are a great portable dessert because they are best when made in advance. They're also a crowd-pleaser: who doesn't love a good fudgy brownie? I'll be using a recipe I've tried before, Food & Wine's salted fudge brownies. These brownies are so good, it's hard to have just one. I love this recipe because it's super easy and involves no electrical gadgets. All you need is a trusty whisk! To take a look at a brownie recipe that won't disappoint, keep reading.

My little sister has spent the past two months in the Dominican Republic leading a small study abroad tour. To welcome her back home to California, I'm throwing a beach bonfire! Ten of our closest friends will meet us at the shore around 6:30. We'll watch the sunset and enjoy a fabulous meal. When we arrive at the ocean, I'll set out cheese, salami, crackers, and an easy homemade crab cocktail dip. For the main event, I'll heat up a bubbling pot of clam and corn chowder.


A crisp romaine salad with Caesar dressing rounds out the festive menu. To see the recipes I plan on using, keep reading.