So you’ve been planning your summer soiree since the first rays of sun hit our shores? Well, that makes all of us. And with big plans come big preparation. The lawn is freshly mowed, the fairy lights are hung and the barbeque has been cleaned, primed for storms to be cooked up if only they hold off long enough.
Yep, the weather is a fickle fiend and British summers’ unpredictability particularly familiar. But whether you’re throwing a garden party or a barbecue, summer showers shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the fun. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to save your summer soiree from the rain.
BRING THE OUTDOOR FEELING INSIDE
Bringing the party indoors is an obvious answer, we know. But why not get creative and try to recreate that outdoor feeling inside? Decorate your house with plant pots and flowers and hang some fairy lights and bunting from the ceiling. Move your furniture and spread out some blankets on the floor for people to sit on – indoor picnic style. And if you have enough time (and you’re made of money) why not rent some astroturf to resemble the look of a freshly mowed lawn. If you’re going all out and have a few lying around, you could even switch on some fans to duplicate the feeling of a gentle summer breeze. Or play some background music of birds chirping to really hone in on that outdoor feeling. Your guests will appreciate your effort, that’s for sure (and possibly think you’re a little bit crazy, but that’s ok).
TAKE SHELTER
If the threat of rain is hanging over your entertaining like a, erm, dark cloud, you could do worse than consider retractable awning. Indeed, all-weather awnings are fantastic come rain or shine, offering comfort and functionality against the odds unpredictable weather. In such cases, simply move your guests under the awning or if the sun is too hot, they retire to the shade. Go one step further with a gazebo, which again serves the same purpose – guests can take shelter from the rain or shade from the sun. An added bonus when renting one is that you have the option of turning it into a disco at night. The sound of music will be muffled by the gazebo’s material so your neighbours can’t complain (too much) and there’s nothing like a good dance to round off a brilliant party.
THE GRUB
Moving your party indoors should present no problem where pimms, spirtizers, cider and other summer beverages are concerned. You already have the chips, dips and nibbly bits and those will taste just as good indoors as out. What’s more, you’ll be thankful that your potato salad, cold cuts, quiches and other summer party favourites won’t be sweltering, congealing and shape-shifting in the heat of the sun.
But remember, no matter how bad the weather gets, don’t bring your barbecue inside and give everyone carbon monoxide poisoning in the process. If you have an outdoor area that’s sheltered, you’ll probably still be able to grill outside and serve the food indoors. But if your kitchen is tiny or you don’t have an oven and there is no feasible way to cater for your guests, you could always order in some pizzas and turn it into a pizza party – a sure crowd pleaser.
Psst, Hey you, party thrower! Even the best events planners can’t control the weather, but they always have a ‘Plan B’ – especially when it comes to feeding the masses. Make a few pies or some lasagnes and freeze them ahead of time. Then, if rain fills the forecasts in the morning of your event, thaw them out. This way you’ll be able to offer your guests something warm, hearty and substantial without having to cobble together a second rate, last minute dish, stressing yourself out in the process. And nobody likes a stressed out host.
HAVE SOME INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PREPARED
One of the best things about a summer party is lounging around in the warm sun with your friends, sipping something cold and soaking up something warm; we mean the sun. While you can still enjoy each other’s company, being confined to four walls often makes people restless. It’s therefore a good idea to have some indoor entertainment prepared. Having a couple of games at your disposal, read to pull out whatever the weather, like giant jenga or the limbo, can inject a bit of a fun into an an occasion otherwise turned disappointing. Nothing says summer party like a bright piñata – which you can do both indoors and out. And if that’s a bit childish for you, why not play a more grown up game like roulette. As far as we’re concerned it’s the easiest ‘adult’ game to plan. Get some practice in and impress your guests on sites like Fruity King and you never know, you may make back all the extra money you spent because of the rain.
ADD A RAIN DATE TO YOUR INVITATION
As previously mentioned, you’re in the UK, so the chances of rain are high. Instead of having to reschedule the entire party, add a “rain time” to your invitation. As the rain will have wreaked havoc on your original plans, you’ll probably need a little time to prepare and set up a substitute soiree, if you plan to move your party inside. So ask your guests to come an hour or so later than initially planned if the heavens decide to open on the day of your outdoor party. This will give you time to decorate and get in any additional supplies.