Weather dilemma

ctbride08

A's bday party is this saturday - outside, at a park - and the weather is not looking good.  Of course the report changes daily, but right now they are saying showers all day long.  such a bummer (especially since today is gorgeous!).   There is a pavillion at the park but the whole "feel" of the party would be ruined by rain.  There woudl be no badmitton, volleyball, ect ect - it would just be people sitting at a table, in the rain, eating.

So what do i do?? options are:

- take our chances and keep it at the park. worst case is everyone's huddled under the pavillion. but at least everyone has a seat, and no last minute scrambling will be needed.

- have it at our house.  but i'm not sure this is even an option...it would be crazy crowded with most people standing most of the time.  (brit/two - having seen our house, do you think 37ish people would even be workable??)

- a brilliant third option that someone offers up?

 

Two*True

You're house would be  very crowded but not impossible. Do you have a canopy you could set up outside at the back of your house? That way it gives you a little extra space.

For the park - can you reserve the pavillion so you know it's yours if it rains? If so, I would.  Then I say bring lots of board games, music, cards, etc and create fun that way instead of physical games.

ctbride08

Two*True:

You're house would be  very crowded but not impossible. Do you have a canopy you could set up outside at the back of your house? That way it gives you a little extra space.

For the park - can you reserve the pavillion so you know it's yours if it rains? If so, I would.  Then I say bring lots of board games, music, cards, etc and create fun that way instead of physical games.

the pavillion is already reserved (we had it regardless to eat under and for some shade)...i just called the park to see if the largest pavillion (they have 3) was miraculously available, but its not...that would have solved all my problems since its huge and we could move around in that one. The pavillion i have rented currently literally covers the tables and thats it).

I did have a friend offer up a 20x20 canopy - which i could put in the back of the house - but it doent solve the seating issue unless i scramble to rent some chairs and tables, which is really more $$ than i'd like to spend.

Mrs._F

ctbride08:

Two*True:

Then I say bring lots of board games, music, cards, etc and create fun that way instead of physical games.

the pavillion is already reserved (we had it regardless to eat under and for some shade)...i just called the park to see if the largest pavillion (they have 3) was miraculously available, but its not...that would have solved all my problems since its huge and we could move around in that one. The pavillion i have rented currently literally covers the tables and thats it).

I did have a friend offer up a 20x20 canopy - which i could put in the back of the house - but it doent solve the seating issue unless i scramble to rent some chairs and tables, which is really more $$ than i'd like to spend.

I like Two's idea of bringing some music and games for under the pavillion - and would it be possible to set up your friend's canopy right next to the pavillion, to give some more breathing room?

ctbride08

Mrs._F:

ctbride08:

Two*True:

Then I say bring lots of board games, music, cards, etc and create fun that way instead of physical games.

the pavillion is already reserved (we had it regardless to eat under and for some shade)...i just called the park to see if the largest pavillion (they have 3) was miraculously available, but its not...that would have solved all my problems since its huge and we could move around in that one. The pavillion i have rented currently literally covers the tables and thats it).

I did have a friend offer up a 20x20 canopy - which i could put in the back of the house - but it doent solve the seating issue unless i scramble to rent some chairs and tables, which is really more $$ than i'd like to spend.

I like Two's idea of bringing some music and games for under the pavillion - and would it be possible to set up your friend's canopy right next to the pavillion, to give some more breathing room?

good idea. maybe we'll just do that.  20x20 should even be big enough to play a few yard games under  

i sooooo dont want this to end up at our house (which is the option A's been pushing for)....

Mrs._F

ctbride08:

Mrs._F:

I like Two's idea of bringing some music and games for under the pavillion - and would it be possible to set up your friend's canopy right next to the pavillion, to give some more breathing room?

good idea. maybe we'll just do that.  20x20 should even be big enough to play a few yard games under  

Definitely!

Duchess1

Adding the canopy to the pavillion should be perfect! I hope it stays dry for you.

cookiemonster03

i can't really add more, but I am excited for the party

thefamilyway904

Sounds like the party would still work out beautifully at the park. I totally understand not wanting to have it at the house if at all possible. One of the best wedding receptions that I've gone to was at a state park, under a pavillion, in the rain. I'm sure the rain changed the "feel" a little bit, but it was beautiful and so,so much fun. Tons of games and music and eveyone was chatting and interacting which was a huge perk to the limited space. Hope all goes well. Can't wait to hear about it!

bluedaisyus

i want to come to your party. even if it's raining. it sounds like so much fun!

ctbride08

i actually dont think its going to turn out fun at all

i'm stressing about the rain (which is now going to be a tropical storm) and Andrea and I are disagreeing on what to do.  i'm trying to be patient with her...since its her birthday and all....but its driving me crazy. She wants to have it all at the house and just have people split up into different rooms - in this plan she's insisting that we use the basement as well (which is completely unfinished, nasty, and smelly).  ugh.

bluedaisyus

ugh, indeed! i'd be stressing, too. i'm sure you'll get it all worked out and whatever you do will be a good time, but no fun in the meantime.

and i'd still want to come. even to your smelly basement.

thefamilyway904

I'm sorry you're stressed. Weather can really screw things up. Want some alternatives?

• Try to rent a hall at a church or a rec room at the park. Both fairly low cost. Get a bunch of balloons and plastic colored table clothes to brighten it up. I've found this to be pretty inexpensive in the past.
• Bowling alley. Maybe you'll luck out and find a compassionate manager who will let you bring in food.  Those who want to play can pay for themselves.
• Pool Hall. Same concept as above.

I really hope it works out for you and that you're both happy with whatever solution you come to!