Key Takeaways:

• With a few creative and budget-friendly backyard fire pit ideas, you can get your existing patio ready for fall.

• Comfy seating, warm lighting, and fun snacks can make hanging around the fire pit all the more exciting.

• If you’re looking for early seasonal patio and outdoor finds for entertaining, Ollie’s is the place to go. 

There’s a reason “sweater weather” culture exploded on social media in the 2010s and has carried to this day: people love fall. The color in the trees. The Halloween decor. And there’s nothing quite as cozy as a fall night around a blazing fire pit. 

Now we're not here to help you build a fire pit, or find the perfect fire pit for your yard space. But we do want to offer you some backyard fire pit ideas that transform your space into everyone’s favorite fall hang out. 

Comfortable Seating for Everyone

Standing room only? No thanks! The first rule of thumb for outdoor entertaining is good seating. Forget random barstools or those spider web-covered teak chairs that haven’t been cleaned in years…comfy, cozy seating is fall backyard fire pit idea numero uno.

If you don't want to do anything permanent, you can set up a few foldable patio chairs that are easy to store away when you aren’t using them. Otherwise, there are infinite ways to go about putting together a fire pit seating area. For permanent furniture, make sure you go weather-resistant, both with the seating itself and the cushions. 

As for style, the classic choice would be a few Adirondack chairs. But if you have some extra room, an L-shaped couch or a small side table can be a nice addition. Experiment with a few different ways to arrange your furniture and figure out what works best before adding anything else. 

You don’t have to spend a ton of money either. Ollie’s has plenty of nice yet inexpensive patio finds. 

Bring Out the Cozy Layers

Weather isn't always predictable on a fall evening. One minute the temperature’s perfect, the next, people’s teeth are chattering like ice cubes. Building a roaring fire helps, but it's wise to keep some extra accessories on hand to keep guests comfy and cozy. Throw some cushions on your chairs. Have a basket of blankets nearby. You don’t have to build a whole outdoor living room. Just be prepared for those shivering nights!

One of our favorite fall backyard fire pit ideas is decorating with knit pillows. They look great and make the experience of sitting around far more comfortable, especially if your chairs don’t have any built-in cushioning.

Lanterns, String Lights, and Ambient Lighting

Good outdoor lighting can do wonders for a backyard once the sun goes down. And we don’t mean harsh, bright white convenience store-style lighting. You just want enough of a glow that you can see every face you’re chatting with.

Combination lighting is our favorite type for outdoor entertaining.

Warm lanterns can be placed along walkways or on side tables. String lights installed overhead to frame the patio. If you want to go cordless, you can install solar stake lights that automatically turn on once the sun goes down.

We can go on and on about great backyard fire pit ideas, but if you don't have the right lighting, you won't see half of them anyway. 

If you're still dealing with mosquitoes this time of year, you can also place a few citronella candles around the fire pit to kill two birds with one stone.

Check out Ollie’s patio, garden, and outdoor living section for seasonal finds.

The Fire Is Nice, But What About the Snacks?

Hanging around the fire pit is not the time for complicated cuisine. No one wants to juggle a tiny plate, a fork, and a mug while sitting outside in a hoodie.

Some of the best backyard fire pit ideas are the simplest and that goes for your snack choices too. Throw together a few bowls of popcorn with some cookies, crackers, and candy on the side. Or go nuts and make some homemade trail mix with your favorite treats. 

Feeling festive? Whip up some hot chocolate! We recommend getting a thermal carafe to keep your tasty chocolate treat toasty all night. 

And whatever you do, don't forget the s’mores…it’s a fire pit classic!

Ollie’s has a huge selection of snacks and beverages for outdoor entertaining.

Backyard Games and Activities for Fall Evenings

A fire is enough for some people, but others need something to keep themselves occupied.

Easy, low-pressure games are where it’s at. Cards, yard dice, ring toss, cornhole, trivia, or a very serious “best fall candy” debate can all work. Any candy corn fans out there? 

Browse Ollie's outdoor recreation section for game ideas. Selections always change, but the surprise finds are part of the fun.

Get a little creative with your fall backyard fire pit ideas beyond games as well. Grab some glow sticks for the kids. Put together a playlist for the adults, and don’t be shy with the yacht rock.

If you’re feeling just a tad fancy, you might even consider setting up an outdoor movie theater. Go big or go home? More like go big at home! You get the picture. 

Shop Ollie's Early for Seasonal Outdoor Finds

By the time sweater weather arrives, you’ll wish you had prepared for a fire pit evening. Be the one person on the block who got set up ahead of the season. Check out Ollie’s current flyer and find a store near you.

With these fall backyard fire pit ideas, your fire pit will be the hottest thing in the neighborhood, and you’ll be thankful to enjoy some cozy evenings outside.