It's been a while so I'm sure you've finished your renovation. Show us some images of the end result!

The area appears well-lit, although the fixtures do not appear in the photo. Perhaps some post lights behind the benches and get rid of the overhead carnival lights. Put a table top over the pit during the normal times, so the kids can kneel on the cushions all around and have a game board or activity/project area. When they get to be teenage, you can mount some screens in front of the area, so they can be hidden from your view, yet still at home, under your protection, and near the refrigerator.

We are more than happy with our fire pit in the garden from www.redhillwroughtiron.com.au Best to get a really good one as they last for ages. Ours is 10mm thick and a garden structure in itself. It is versatile, free standing and great for any gatherings. We use ours all the time and cook dinner on a BBQ plate that was made for us.

A simple metal bowl looks fabulous, a Corten steel ring is simple or if you want to make a statement add one that doubles as a piece of art.