Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Best way to build a stone patio?

Hi everyone!

I have a patio sized area (grass currently) outside that I would like to convert to a stone patio. What is the best way to construct such a patio. It would have a curved edge on one side and the other two sides would be straight. I have seen patios or walkways done in 3 different ways. Cement, dirt and sand. Usually the sand is done with bricks though. These are odd shaped stones and wouldn't fit together like bricks so I am not sure.

Any advice would be great! =)

On a side note, I will also be making a fire pit with these stones if anybody has tips on that as well. =)

ps-I had this in the wrong section elsewhere so moved it here.

You start by removing the grass and enough dirt to get down the thickness of your pavers plus about 4" where you want the patio to be. Install a permanent edging, like Trex landscape bender board around the perimeter. Use a compactor to compact the soil, then add 4" of sand. Level and compact that, then set your pavers. You'll have to make some cuts to form the curves. Fill the joints with sand.

For the firepit, use fire brick to line the pit with. Standard bricks and pavers can't withstand the heat.

Thanks Lefty,
That's actually helps a lot even though I'm not using pavers. I am using odd shaped stones. I think they're officially called "mountain stone". I suppose once I get the sand in place, I can just set the pointy parts of the stone into the sand so the flatter part of the stone is level for walking on.