Campfire creative for party

   (KRT) Campfires create lots of autumn party possibilities.
   As the night air grows crisper, a warm fire can be a perfect backdrop for cocktails, after-dinner coffee or an entire evening meal.
   Even people who do not like camping find a small fire fun to sit around.
   Campfires are becoming scarcer these days as parks, Scout troops and even Camp Fire USA are de-emphasizing them because of the risk of forest fires and depleting wood sources. But having friends and family over for a fireside party in your back yard is easy and safe and very entertaining.
   Chimeneas and portable outdoor fireplaces carry smoke away, and several varieties feature wire mesh screens to contain the sparks and ash.
   Typically, city laws allow people to set contained fires in devices designed for that purpose; open burning-on the ground or in a pit-is not allowed.
   Permits might be available for that type of fire.
   Ask your local fire department for guidelines.
  Give the fire 30 minutes to get fully started.
   While someone tends the fire, set up your party.
   Have a portable stereo to play the radio or other music that accompanies the mood of the gathering.
   Keep the volume at a moderate background level so everyone can take part in the conversation.
   Even though it's growing colder at night, remember to have insect repellent on hand.
   Offer blankets and extra flannel shirts to all guests so they can get even warmer and cozier around the fire.
   Arrange chairs in a half circle around the fire and safely away from the flames.
   Allow enough space for people to sit and move freely to food, drinks and inside your house.
   Campfires also make the perfect accompaniment to Halloween parties.
   Fake spiders and birds could dangle in nearby tree limbs so the glow of the fire casts spooky shadows.
   Scary ghost stories are a must.
   The best thing about a campfire party is s'mores.
   For those who have forgotten just how to make s'more, here are some tips to follow.
   Fill trays with clean sticks, marshmallows, graham crackers and milk-chocolate squares.
   To add a little variety to the traditional toasted-marshmallow treats, also include ginger snaps, dark and white chocolate and peanut-butter cups.
   For a true return to nostalgia, unbend some wire coathangers and attach marshmallows to end for toasting.