If you’re thinking about adding a fire feature to your outdoor space, you have options. From fire pits and fireplaces to fire bowls and tabletop flames, there seem to be a plethora of ways to light up your life outdoors. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are some differences worth knowing.

Once you've picked your favorite, you can bust out the marshmallows (or read on for more delicious options!) and the fun really begins.

Fire Pits: Made For Gathering

A traditional backyard fire pit is hard to beat when gathering around the fire is the main event. The open design puts the flames front and center and creates that classic campfire feeling.

Fire pits are great for:

• Gathering with family and friends

• Roasting marshmallows and making s’mores

• Adding warmth on crisp evenings

• Creating a natural focal point for a patio

• Enjoying that classic “sit around the fire” atmosphere

If your ideal fall evening involves a circle of chairs, a few cozy blankets, and nobody checking the time, a fire pit might be your perfect match.

Fire Tables: A Little More Patio Friendly

A fire table combines the warmth and ambiance of a fire feature with a surface that can be incorporated into your outdoor seating area.

They’re particularly nice for entertaining because the fire can become part of the conversation without necessarily being the center of attention. Picture cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and conversation happening around the table while the flames flicker in the middle.

In other words, fire pits say “come gather around,” while fire tables can say “come sit down.”

And What About A Fire Bowl?

When comparing a fire pit vs. fire bowl, the biggest difference is often the look and how the feature fits into the overall design.

Fire bowls can offer a sleek, sculptural feel and work beautifully as a focal point or as part of a larger outdoor design. They can also be used in pairs or as accents around a patio or pool area.

There’s no universal winner. The best fire feature is the one that fits the way you actually want to use your outdoor space.

S’mores, But Make Them Gourmet

Let's be clear: classic s’mores are classics for a reason. But if you’re looking for ideas for creative s’mores recipes, your backyard fire pit is basically an outdoor dessert laboratory.

One of our favorite combos? Drum roll please....

Strawberry shortcake s’mores

Swap the usual chocolate for white chocolate and add thinly sliced strawberries between your graham crackers and toasted marshmallow.

It's basically summer dessert meets fall campfire. We especially like it for a Valentine’s Day treat but it can be made any time. Nothing is tastier than perfecting your favorite recipe time and time again!

If strawberries and white chocolate aren’t your thing, consider swapping out with other delicious options. Use peanut butter cups instead of chocolate. Or, make a cookies and cream variation by swapping out your graham crackers with chocolate sandwich cookies.

For people who love savory and sweet, toasted marshmallows go exceptionally well with dark chocolate and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Honestly, when it comes to sweet treats like this, it’s hard to go wrong!

Pro tip: Set out several types of chocolate, cookies, fruit, caramel, peanut butter, and other toppings and let everyone build their own. A DIY s’mores bar is an easy way to turn dessert into an activity.

Easy, Savory Recipes For Your Fire Pit

S’mores are fun but your fire pit can serve up so much more.

With a little preparation, there are plenty of easy campfire recipes you can enjoy before the s’mores even come out.

Fire-roasted pizza

Take store-bought pizza dough and divide it into small portions. Stretch each piece into a personal pizza, add sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then cook it in a fire-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over the fire.

Everyone gets to make their own. And somehow, pizza tastes approximately 73% better when you made it outside.

(The 73% is not scientifically verified. We stand by it anyway.)

Campfire nachos

Layer tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, jalapeños, and your favorite toppings in a cast-iron skillet or foil packet.

Heat until the cheese is wonderfully melty, then finish with salsa, avocado, cilantro, or whatever else makes your nacho-loving heart happy.

This is especially good for groups because you can make a big batch and let everyone dig in.

Grilled fruit

For something surprisingly delicious, try grilling slices of pineapple, peaches, apples, or pears.

Brush them lightly with butter or oil and add cinnamon, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. The heat caramelizes the fruit and brings out even more sweetness.

And yes, grilled fruit absolutely counts as dessert.

The Best Part Of A Fire Pit Isn't The Fire

Okay, maybe it is a little bit about the fire. But the real magic of an outdoor fire feature is what happens around it.

It's the kids roasting marshmallows while the adults catch up.

It's dinner that somehow turns into songs around the fire.

It's pulling out an extra blanket because nobody wants to go inside yet.

It's telling stories, listening to music, watching the stars, or doing absolutely nothing for a while.

A thoughtfully designed outdoor living space can make those moments possible long after summer has packed up and gone home. Add comfortable seating, good lighting, a few cozy touches, and a fire feature, and suddenly a chilly fall evening becomes a reason to head outside rather than stay in.

Ready to make your backyard the coziest place to be?

From traditional fire pits to stylish fire tables and custom outdoor living spaces, System Pavers can help you create an outdoor space designed around the way you love to spend time outside.