Anyone got a Fire Pit?

We have one, used it once, then it got too cold so we went into our heated conservatory ( loads of windows so it’s like being outdoors) and warmed up!

We will need to have a dedicated ‘place ‘ to put it as it’s quite big and it needs a large concrete slab under it, which so far we haven’t done.

Good to roast marshmallows over for the children though, but I can’t honestly see the two of us using it again unless we have visitors or until the GCs are able to visit again.

No, we have nowhere to site a fire pit or a fire bowl.
DD has one which the use regularly. Last year they had a Halloween party and had the fire going outside, with spooky decorations hung round the garden. It was fun. None this year, the more's the pity.

The one I've seen on Amazon is just a basic bowl on 3 legs and I was going to stand it on the patio, maybe on a couple of bricks to raise it up even more. Idk, I'm a complete novice. But as my family won't be coming inside the house on Christmas Day except to use the loo just inside the back door, I am thinking it would just extend their visit and make it more fun and more comfortable.

Obviously if it rains it will have been a waste of money, but they are selling out fast (I have discovered this afternoon) so I guess people are all having the same idea.

We have a fire bowl and used it twice before the second lockdown. You need to light it good and early and make sure the wood is dry and cut into small logs.

Check the wind direction before you decide where to sit.

I m sure you’re family will be allowed in on Christmas Day unless you have a personal reason for them not

Yes BlueBelle I have a personal reason for them not to.

Thanks for the tips merlot

we have got one- with a tripod barbecue to go over- we use it a lot.

About to get one. I saw one on Diarmuid Gavin's gardening programme (Gardening together) recorded during lockdown. Mainly filmed at his house. He wanted an extra room outside.

We've used our fire baskets in the past but they leave a mess. Looking forward to the fire pit

We have got a chiminea, we use it quite a lot for barbeques on a cool evening, just the two of us, great fun.

saw one on Diarmuid Gavin's gardening programme (Gardening together) recorded during lockdown. Mainly filmed at his house.

What a garden!

We have a fire pit and chiminea.We used both the night before lockdown it worked well had the family round for a BBQ for my birthday.Hope we can do the same at Christmas.

Sparklefizz we bought ours from Amazon, maybe if we had bought the grill as well we would have used it more, we stood it on a paving slab which it cracked so( its on 3 legs and is jolly heavy) we just put it on the lawn, the grass eventually recovered but we had to wet it down as it scorched it. We also bought the cover for it as it’s outside and would rust.

Maybe a Chimnea would be better, then the smoke would be directed upwards? as it is wherever we sit the smoke seems to waft over us.

Thank you everyone for these helpful comments.

We had one and I lit it for my daughter's 16th garden party eight years ago - left them with stacks of wood, all singing around it. Woke up in the morning and the little sods had burnt some of my garden chairs too!

Update: My son and daughter have persuaded me not to get one at all - they say it will probably rain on Christmas Day, we might have to meet in a park and not in the garden, or not be able to meet at all, etc etc. so I have saved myself some money.

I was envisaging a Scandinavian-type scene with us sitting round the glowing fire with a mug of hot choc but it is not to be.

Sparklefizz it will be a long Winter, I would get one, Christmas isn’t the only day to look forward too.
And when there is a frosty day with sunshine you can invite them (or friends) over and have your hot chocolate with cake.

I hate to put a damper on this because I too have been thinking about getting one, but, is there any impact on the environment.
I remember a few years ago, the calor gas heaters got such a lot of abusive press.

I was envisaging a Scandinavian-type scene with us sitting round the glowing fire with a mug of hot choc but it is not to be.

Go for it, Sparklefizz I love themed get togethers. Not that I always stick to the rules, We tried out the fire bowl when DD, DSiL and DGD last visited. The menu was coq-au-vin done in the slow cooker and divided between two tables, apple crumble and we drank gluhwein.

It was supposed to be Scandinavian.

We were thinking of a patio heater, but the DGC would rather go for a walk with us, warmer than sitting and more interesting for them.
Your meal sounds tempting merlot

My SIL made one out of the drum of her old washing machine - she’s had a lot of use out of it this year given how much she’s been at home, it’s lovely sitting around the fire as the sun goes down (when we were allowed to socialise obviously).

What a brilliant idea. Recycling at its best.

Sparklefizz, I would go ahead. Like others have said, it will be a long winter and you may find you enjoy sitting outside. I'm not sure of your restrictions, but I does allow you to have some people around for a visit outdoors.

We have had one for years; just replaced the old rusted one this year. We don't use it a lot, but for those sunny fall afternoons it adds an extra bit of warmth.

Another hint, try to use chairs with solid backs, and bring some blankets outdoors. Wrap the blankets around you from the back and allow the fire to heat your front.