Throw the perfect firework party

Make your bonfire party go with a bang

Cook up a feast
Bonfire Night can be a chilly affair, so keep your guests warm with hot chocolate or tomato soup in chunky mugs. Big pots of stew or chilli are warming and simple to prepare, and make sure you have marshmallows to toast on the fire.

Be safe with fireworks
Set out your garden into three clear zones – firing, viewing and landing. Make sure your audience is as far away from the firing and landing zone's as possible. Only buy fireworks that comply with British Standards BSS 7114 and look on rocket packets to check what size of garden they are suitable for.

Structure the show
Start with a volley of rockets to kick things off, then use candles, cones and cakes to build the excitement, before firing the largest, loudest rockets at the finale. See www.phoenixfireworks.co.uk for a good selection.

Protect your pets
If you have pets ensure they are indoors and that you leave either the TV or the radio on, to help drown out the bangs. If you have pets that live outside, like rabbits or guinea pigs, cover the cages with an old blanket or a piece of old carpet.

Follow the rules
Build your bonfire well away from buildings and hedges, and never leave it unattended. Light it after the fireworks, so there's no chance of sparks or heat from the fire setting the fireworks off. Don't build your bonfire too far in advance, as hibernating hedgehogs think it is the perfect home for the winter – and check there are no sleeping hedgehogs inside the pile before you light it.

Sparkler fun
Always wear gloves to protect your hands and have a bucket of water or sand ready to put used sparklers straight into after they've gone out.

Image courtesy of Pedlars

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