À Table: A Fondue-Filled Bonfire Party With Emma Harding

a-table-emma-harding

Emma Harding’s annual Bonfire Night is the quintessential “big‑gathering” of the year for her friends and neighbors. From a rustic fire pit in her Upstate New York home to a full‑scale, candle‑lit, fondue‑filled fête, Emma turns a simple outdoor evening into a curated experience that feels both playful and polished. Below, I break down every detail—from venue planning to final touches—so you can host a night that’s as memorable as Emma’s.

Planning the Perfect Bonfire Night

Choosing the Venue & Timing

Emma’s gatherings always take place outdoors, on the fields just outside her home. The lack of electricity or running water gives the event an almost “blank canvas” feel, allowing her to be as creative as she wants. When I first met Emma, she told me that the timing of the event is key: “It’s a winter evening, but still warm enough to be comfortable.” She recommends starting the party at sunset, when the light is soft and the temperature is just right.

Setting the Atmosphere

Lighting: Tiki torches line the entrance, guiding guests to the main attraction—a huge bonfire set by silver platters of food.
Pathway: A winding trail of tiki torches ushers guests to the main attraction, creating a sense of anticipation.
Sound: A playlist of acoustic tracks—curated by a friend—runs in the background, adding a soundtrack to the evening.

Styling the Scene: Décor & Table Design

Tablecloth & Fabric Selection

Emma’s rule is simple: “Do as much prep as possible in advance, so your outfit doesn’t have to be dictated by practicality.” She always starts with the tablecloth, which sets the tone for the entire evening. For this year’s event, she chose a faux‑velvet slate‑blue tablecloth from CV Linens, which is both washable and luxurious. She sourced the fabric on Etsy, where she found a perfect shade that complements the modern stainless‑steel, glass, and clean‑line aesthetic of the décor.

Decorative Accents & Lighting

Serving Trays: Piero’s serving tray ($109) from CB2 and Natalia Criado’s Freya serving tray ($648) from PORTA provide a sophisticated base for the food.
Fondue Pot: The all‑clad fondue pot from WILLIAMS‑SONOMA ($270) is the centerpiece of the table.
Tabletop Heroes: Stainless‑steel fondue sets and antique silver cups from Porta for linens and barware add sparkle.

Culinary Highlights: Menu & Food Styling

Main Course & Fondue

Emma’s menu is a playful mix of simple yet elegant dishes. The highlight is a large silver pot of fondue, surrounded by skewers of baby potatoes and a black‑and‑white checkerboard focaccia that doubles as decor. The pot is filled with a mixture of cheese, wine, and spices, served on individual trays with a personal cocktail side table for each guest.

Side Dishes & Dessert

Endive Leaves: Stuffed with lavender goat cheese from the farmers market, topped with dill.
Radicchio Leaves: Fanned in a martini glass with blue cheese dip.
Crudité Bites: Served in tiny fava‑bean dips, then piled with radicchio, mini cucumbers, and fronds of fresh dill.
Tiramisu Coupes: A pyramid of tiramisu‑filled coupes tops the night.

Beverage & Entertainment

Cocktail Hour

Emma’s cocktail hour is a “help‑yourself” affair, served from a stylish bar that she built out of the back of her 1983 baby blue Chevrolet. She worked with Upstate mixologist Patrick Mullins to create seasonal cocktails: a burnt maple and pear old fashioned, a bubbly hibiscus‑mezcal number, and a white negroni. Great cocktails make the night.

Guest Experience & Activities

DIY Photo Booth: A vintage backdrop with a wooden frame and a selection of props.
Live Acoustic Set: A friend brings a playlist of acoustic tracks to keep the vibe relaxed.
Guest List: Loosely organized, with people naturally finding their crowd.

Vendor & Logistics Checklist

Equipment & Supplies

Tablecloth: CV Linens faux‑velvet (slate blue) – $26
Serving Tray: Piero – $109; Natalia Criado – $648
Fondue Pot: WILLIAMS‑SONOMA – $270
Stainless‑steel Fondue Sets: Porta – $68
Silver Cups: Porta – $68
Ice Cups: Hay Italian – $30
Cutlery Set: Toast – $48
Grill Shells: Fox Run – $29
Cigarette Cups: Porta Cleo – $68
Gravel & Lighting: Tiki Torches – $200

Timeline & Budget

Emma’s timeline is broken into three phases: pre‑party prep, main gathering, and wrap‑up. I’ve listed the key dates and budget items below so you can stay on track.

Three weeks before: Order tablecloth, trays, and fondue pot.
Two weeks before: Confirm mixologist, playlist, and photo‑booth props.
One week before: Purchase ingredients and spices for fondue.
Day of: Set up tiki torches, fire pit, and bar.

Behind the Scenes: My Personal Touch

My Outfit & Accessories

Emma’s outfit is always as functional as it is fashionable. She chose a fitted dress from Zara, paired with a vintage clutch and a pair of silver‑edged shoes. The outfit is completed with a statement necklace and a pair of statement earrings, both of which add a touch of glamour to the evening.

Personal Tips & Hacks

DIY Photo Booth: Create a backdrop using a reclaimed wooden frame and a selection of vintage props (e.g., hats, scarves, and a vintage camera).
Live Acoustic Set: Ask a friend to curate a playlist of acoustic tracks that matches the theme of the evening.
Guest Experience: Keep the guest list loosely organized so people naturally find their crowd.
Staging: Arrange the food in a pyramid of servings, so each dish is visible from all angles.

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Emma Harding’s Bonfire Night is a masterclass in outdoor event planning. From the selection of the tablecloth to the final dessert, every detail is carefully chosen to create an experience that feels both intimate and expansive. Use this guide to host your own fondue‑filled fête that’s as memorable as Emma’s. And remember: the most important part of any gathering is the people you bring together. So invite your friends, let them help‑yourself with the cocktails, and watch the night unfold in all its rustic‑luxury glory.

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