Rainy Day Back-up Plan
British weather has ruined many a garden party, but only for the parents who had no plan B. A little contingency thinking means a downpour on the morning of the party is a minor wobble, not a disaster. Here is how to be ready to move it all indoors at short notice.
Have a plan B ready
- Decide your cut-off. Agree with yourself the night before: if it is raining by a set time in the morning, you move indoors, no dithering.
- Clear an indoor space in advance. Know which room becomes the play zone and what furniture moves, so the switch takes minutes.
- Keep decorations flexible. Bunting and balloons work just as well on a wall indoors as strung across a garden.
- Have indoor games listed. Write down 4 to 6 games that need no outdoor space, ready to go.
Indoor games when the garden is out
Swap the running races for games that suit four walls: musical statues, pass the parcel, sleeping lions, a treasure hunt around the house and a craft table are your rainy-day heroes. A craft activity is especially useful, since it fills a longer stretch calmly and sends everyone home with something they made. If the rain clears mid-party, you can always send everyone out for a quick bubble chase to burn off energy before the cake.
Frequently asked questions
When should I decide to move indoors?
Set a morning cut-off time and stick to it. Trying to make the call an hour before guests arrive is stressful, so decide early and let any helpers know so the room is ready in good time.
Can I move the party indoors last minute?
Yes, if you have prepared. Know which room you will use, keep the decorations easy to hang indoors, and have your indoor game list written down. With that groundwork the switch is quick and the children will barely notice.
Keep a back-up box of party games ready, stock your kids party supplies so nothing depends on the weather, and match the indoor look with kids party themes.