#backyardgathering

Jackson evenings are starting to get that golden-hour glow again—the kind that makes you pause for a second in the driveway and wish you had a spot to linger outside, even when the air dips a little chillier than you’d like. For years, our backyard has been more afterthought than destination. But lately, I’ve caught myself picturing something simple: a circle of chairs, laughter, and the scent of woodsmoke curling up into dusk.

The idea of adding a fire pit crept into my mind during an impromptu family BBQ. After the sun disappeared (and the mosquitoes arrived), everyone sort of migrated inside, abandoning burgers and s’mores supplies. There was just nowhere comfortable to hang out once it got dark and cool. Since then, I can’t stop imagining what it would be like to have a real gathering spot—a touch more magic than our rusty old chiminea.

But I know myself; I’m not about to haul rocks from the woods and hope for the best. I want something safe, sturdy, and stylish—that actually works with our house. The question is, how do you start?

Scrolling through ideas for fire pits, I found myself circling back to local options that know how crazy New Jersey weather can get. That’s when I hit on Fiorello Outdoor Living’s fire pit installation page. It was one of those late-night Google searches—“custom fire pit Jackson NJ”—that led me right here: https://fiorellooutdoorliving.com/fire-pit-installation/.

What stood out was just how many ways there are to get this right (or wrong). This isn’t just throwing a ring of pavers together and calling it a day. They talk about designing fire pits that actually fit into your yard, with cushions for wind direction, local safety codes, and even things like integrating seating. Stuff I never would have considered, but now feels really important.

Their approach has this whole “backyard centerpiece” vibe—where the fire pit isn’t an afterthought, but the reason you plan nights outside all year long. They mention things like:

Custom stone designs that won’t crack or shift by next spring.

Options for wood-burning or gas (that gas starter feature honestly sounds dreamy for spontaneous get-togethers).

Smokeless fire pits, which…listen, I love a campfire, but not the next-morning laundry.

Shaping the sitting area so it actually becomes a destination, not just a circle in the grass.

Building with New Jersey’s super-variable weather in mind, so it’s not a one-season wonder.

One thing I never realized: how much a good fire pit depends on setup—from foundational work and fuel lines to smart placement away from overhanging trees (I’m looking at you, maple in the corner) and code compliance. They have a process that starts with walking the yard, planning materials and layout, and then managing all the messy stuff from clearing and digging to the actual build and final walkthrough. Suddenly, even though I'm not a “project manager”—just a regular Jackson homeowner with a marshmallow habit—it feels more accessible than I thought.

Maybe it’s the stories on their page—neighbors mentioning family nights that stretch into fall, or the relief that comes from a fire pit that actually lasts—but there’s a contagious sense of possibility. Now, I’m out back in the evenings, pacing out imaginary circles and eyeing the best wind breaks. I keep comparing fire pit materials online, but the convenience of having it all handled, safely and correctly, is winning me over. (And let’s be honest: the memory of that smokey chiminea still haunts me every time I open the garage.)

Am I calling Fiorello tomorrow? Maybe not. But after digging into their guide, I feel a shift. Instead of some pie-in-the-sky “one day” plan, an actual fire pit feels possible—something that’ll let us stretch the backyard season into cozy October nights and spontaneous summer s’mores. I might not be ready to pick out pavers next week, but you better believe there are already sticky notes in the cabinet marked “future fire pit.”