Thanksgiving Outdoors: Fireside Gatherings for Family & Friends
When most people picture Thanksgiving, they imagine the dining room: a long table, turkey at the center, and family gathered inside. But here in the Pacific Northwest, where crisp autumn air and golden leaves create the perfect backdrop, there’s another way to celebrate: Thanksgiving outdoors, gathered around a fire pit.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we believe holidays are about connection, comfort, and creating memories that last. With the right setup—outdoor heaters, a fire pit, and a few cozy touches—you can extend your Thanksgiving beyond the dining room and into your backyard. Imagine sipping mulled cider by the fire, sharing pie under the stars, or toasting marshmallows with kids as the evening winds down.
Here’s how to create a Thanksgiving gathering that’s warm, festive, and uniquely memorable.
Why Take Thanksgiving Outdoors?
Thanksgiving is about more than just food—it’s about atmosphere. Taking the celebration outdoors offers:
Fresh Air & Ambiance: Nothing beats the glow of a fire pit against a crisp November sky.
Extra Space: Hosting a big group? Moving part of the gathering outside opens up room to breathe.
Relaxed Vibe: After hours at the dining table, heading outdoors provides a natural transition into cozy, laid-back conversation.
Memorable Experience: Guests will remember sipping dessert wine around the fire more than squeezing shoulder-to-shoulder indoors.
The Essentials: Fire Pits & Heaters
The PNW in late November can be chilly, but with the right setup, outdoor gatherings are completely comfortable.
Fire Pits for Atmosphere
A COR-TEN steel fire pit is more than a heat source—it’s the centerpiece of your outdoor Thanksgiving. It draws people in, creates a focal point, and adds rustic elegance that feels seasonal and intentional.
Outdoor Heaters for Coverage
While the fire pit creates ambiance, infrared heaters or freestanding patio heaters provide even warmth across your seating area. The combination ensures every guest—whether right by the flames or across the patio—feels comfortable.
👉 This layered heating approach makes your outdoor space just as welcoming in November as it is in July.
Cozy Seating: Creating Fireside Comfort
Guests won’t linger outside unless it feels inviting. Here’s how to transform your patio into a Thanksgiving lounge:
Blankets & Throws: Stock baskets with plaid or fleece blankets so everyone can bundle up.
Pillows & Cushions: Add outdoor-rated pillows for softness and color.
Rugs & Layers: An outdoor rug under seating makes the space feel more like a living room.
Seating Options: Mix Adirondacks, benches, and poufs so groups can form naturally.
Lanterns & String Lights: Warm lighting enhances the glow of the fire and keeps the vibe festive.
The goal is a space where guests feel comfortable staying long after dessert.
Fireside Recipes: Thanksgiving with a Twist
Food is the heart of Thanksgiving. While the main meal usually happens indoors, your fire pit can take center stage for after-dinner treats or even side dishes.
Fire Pit-Friendly Dishes
Cast Iron Cornbread: Cooked directly over the fire, it develops a crispy crust and smoky flavor.
Baked Apples: Core apples, stuff them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, then wrap in foil and roast in the embers.
Pumpkin S’mores: Use pumpkin spice marshmallows and chocolate graham crackers for a festive spin.
Charred Brussels Sprouts: Toss in a cast iron skillet over the fire for a smoky take on a Thanksgiving classic.
After-Dinner Drinks
Mulled Wine or Cider: Simmer with cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices, then ladle into mugs by the fire.
Hot Cocoa with a Twist: Offer adult versions with Bailey’s, bourbon, or Kahlúa.
Coffee Around the Fire: Brew strong coffee and serve with whipped cream and nutmeg as a cozy nightcap.
These simple recipes make the outdoor portion of the evening interactive and fun, without adding stress to your cooking schedule.
Stress-Free Hosting with Outdoor Kitchens
If you have an outdoor kitchen, Thanksgiving becomes even smoother. Instead of juggling dishes inside, you can:
Use a Pizza Oven: Perfect for appetizers or fire-baked bread rolls.
Rely on Built-In Refrigeration: Keep drinks and desserts outdoors so guests can help themselves.
Expand Counter Space: Outdoor counters make plating and serving easier.
Stay Present: With prep and cooking zones outside, the cook never misses out on the conversation.
By positioning your kitchen near the fire pit, the flow of the celebration feels natural—people move between dining, lounging, and gathering seamlessly.
Designing the Perfect Outdoor Thanksgiving
When planning your fireside holiday, think of your backyard as a stage for hospitality.
Step 1: Anchor with the Fire Pit
Start by placing your fire pit as the centerpiece. Make sure it’s on a safe surface like stone, gravel, or concrete.
Step 2: Add Heating Layers
Place outdoor heaters strategically so every seat stays comfortable.
Step 3: Create Cozy Zones
Arrange seating in clusters for conversation. Use blankets and rugs to soften the space.
Step 4: Style with Seasonal Touches
Add pumpkins, gourds, and evergreen clippings to your décor. Keep it festive but simple.
Step 5: Plan Food & Drink Stations
Set up a drink bar near the fire and prep a few easy cast iron recipes to cook outside.
FAQs: Thanksgiving Around the Fire Pit
Is it too cold for outdoor Thanksgiving in the PNW?
Not with fire pits and heaters. The layered heating approach makes patios cozy, even in late November.
What’s the best firewood to use?
Seasoned hardwoods like maple, oak, or alder burn cleaner and hotter—perfect for long fires.
How do I keep kids safe near the fire?
Provide long marshmallow skewers, set clear boundaries, and assign an adult to supervise.
What if it rains?
A pergola, canopy, or even a covered patio ensures the party goes on. Fire pits like our COR-TEN models are built to thrive in damp climates.
Will an outdoor Thanksgiving add stress?
Not at all. By shifting desserts and drinks outdoors, you reduce congestion in the kitchen and dining room.
The Emotional Impact: Why It’s Worth It
Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s about connection, tradition, and gratitude. An outdoor gathering highlights those values:
Guests gather closer together, basking in the glow of the fire.
Conversations feel less rushed in a relaxed setting.
Kids and adults alike create memories that extend beyond the table.
It’s the kind of experience that lingers in people’s minds long after the holiday ends.
Final Thoughts
This year, take Thanksgiving beyond the dining room. With the right mix of fire pits, heaters, cozy décor, and easy recipes, your backyard can become the heart of your holiday.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we specialize in helping families create outdoor spaces that are built to last—using handcrafted COR-TEN steel fireplaces, premium heaters, and thoughtful design. Delivered, installed, and supported by our team, our products make it easy to host memorable gatherings year after year.
🔥 Ready to make your backyard Thanksgiving-ready? Explore our collection of fire pits, outdoor heaters, and outdoor kitchens today and discover how to bring warmth and joy to every season.
