Gourmet S’mores Bar

If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you probably already know I have a big farm family. We’re always laughing and cutting up when we get together. Each year we look forward to spending time at my aunt’s home on Thanksgiving night. She makes a huge pot of chili and has a snack bar set up with all of our favorite toppings. After we’ve finished eating dinner, we all sit around a big bonfire, make s’mores and hang out for hours. There’s not a cloud in the sky and I swear it feels like there’s a million stars out.

One of the things I appreciate about being at my aunt and uncle’s farm is how welcoming and relaxing our time is there. They make sure we always have what we need from extra blankets to plenty mugs for hot chocolate.

I’ve tried to replicate that same feeling for friends and family who visit my home on the island. I know a lot of you strive to do the same thing in your home too. Outdoor entertaining can be so much fun this time of year. Several weeks ago, the sweet people from Kirkland’s Home Décor contacted me about partnering with them on a blog post. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate a few of my favorite Kirkland’s products than to create a cozy gourmet s’mores bar on the back patio.

We use this workbench almost like a buffet. It sits really close to our farmhouse table, which makes serving dinner and refilling drinks for family get togethers a cinch. As you guys know, I’m always looking for new ways to mix vintage pieces with new finds. This vintage train case was the perfect perch to hold my delicious peanut butter brownies.

I’m totally obsessed with these acorns from Kirkland’s. I picked up 2 bags of them when I was out shopping. Seriously, how cute are these? The sticks have been collected from our property and tied with raffia I already had on hand.

If you’re like me, you like to keep things simple when entertaining. Keeping all of the necessary s’more ingredients in this vintage fruit crate makes it really convenient. I’ve had most of these glass containers for a while now. I like to vary the height of the containers to make it easier for guests to reach their favorite treats. Using glass containers allows them to see what special toppings you have to offer too. I’m always amazed at the creative combinations people come up with.

I’ve been on the hunt for a new cookie jar the past few months. As soon as I saw the red lid on this vintage inspired glass jar, I knew I had to bring it home with me. It’s perfect for holding freshly baked cookies or graham crackers. I picked this up at Kirkland’s too.

One of my sisters gave me this galvanized pot for basil. We recently replanted the basil in a bigger pot and decided to repurpose this pot for sticks and other utensils we use to roast marshmallows.

I know I say this every week, but I seriously heart mums. They are quintessential fall.

When it’s cold outside guests will definitely want something warm to drink. I usually serve coffee, cider and hot chocolate. We even keep extra milk on hand too. These mugs are some of my favorite mugs. I picked these up on sale at Kirkland’s.  I mean, who doesn’t want to drink out of a Hello, Beauty Full mug? They’re generous in size, which I really like. A steaming cup of goodness feels like a luxury any time of the day.

I also like to keep coffee syrups, spices, various creamers and mugs on one tray too. That way it can be easily moved from the outdoor buffet area to the table or the fire pit area for guests to enjoy.

Finally, you can’t have a gourmet s’mores bar or any other outdoor event without elements of comfort for your guests. Things like pillows and extra blankets are must haves. You guys know my weakness for plaid blankets and baskets. I found the Home Sweet Home burlap pillow at Kirkland’s too.

Outdoor entertaining doesn’t have to be expensive. Just think about what will make your guests feel most comfortable and at home. Time spent making memories with friends and family is always time well spent.

A very special thank you to Kirkland’s Home Décor for partnering with me on this post. All thoughts, opinions and shopping experiences are my own.

See you guys back here tomorrow.   I’ll share more of our fall inspired outdoor entertaining space on back patio.

Many blessings,

CoCo