Barbecue season has officially started. You have an entire summer of fun ahead of you. If you’re looking forward to throwing an outdoor party at your apartment this summer, it’s best to prepare for any and all potential setbacks.
Since weather can be unpredictable, have a backup plan for any outdoor party. In the event the sky fills with dark clouds, keep it from raining on your parade with the following preparations.
Don’t Run for Cover. Have a Good Backup Plan!
A few sprinkles never ruined an outdoor party. Thunderstorm activity and consistent, drumming rain, on the other hand, are cause to move a party indoors. If you’re planning a barbecue or pool party, designate a backup location where you can relocate. You should also have backup activity ideas in mind, like billiards and table games, that can fill the fun void left by the lack of access to the swimming pool.
If your apartment has a clubhouse, game room, community kitchen, or other lounge area, you may be able to use this space if it hasn’t already been rented. Otherwise, move the party to your apartment. Keep this in mind when determining how many people to invite and and make sure to clean and decorate your apartment before the party if there’s a chance of rain.
Choose a Barbecue Alternative
Since you can’t be 100 percent sure you’ll have a rain-free day, it’s good to have a backup dining plan that can be executed inside. One option is to make a couple of your favorite casseroles a night before the party. If it doesn’t end up raining, the casseroles will keep in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them.
You’ll already have the chips and dip, and those’ll taste just as good indoors as outdoors. The same can be said for fruit and veggie platters. Cold cuts are another classic option that won’t feel like a fallback. As a last resort, you can order pizza and snacks from a nearby restaurant. A move indoors should pose no obstacles where cocktails, iced tea, beer, and other party drinks are concerned.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Start tracking the weather about 10 days before your scheduled event. As the event nears, consider rescheduling the date or time of your party, or get the ball rolling on your fallback plan if rain looks likely. You can even add a “rain date” to your outdoor party invitation. In case it does rain on the initially scheduled date, guests will automatically know when they should plan on coming over.
If your apartment has outdoor cabanas or ample covered space, a little rain might not force you inside. Torrential downpour, on the other hand, calls for use of some sort of indoor space.
Outdoor parties are a rite of summer enjoyment. Don’t let poor weather and a lack of preparedness put a damper on yours. Plan ahead, have a backup plan, and adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Whenever your party ends up actually taking place, have fun!
Do you have tips for working around rain at outdoor apartment parties?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst