I think you will be fine. It may or may not rain. Also sometimes if there is any type of weather people don't even leave the house. Also for a party like that it will likely be drop in's and not stay for the entire birthday party. I honesty wouldn't worry if it's packed.
Rescheduling is such a pain for the hosts and the guests. There's no guarantee the weather won't suck next time or your kid could be sick or any number of things. Don't do it Labor Day weekend.
Just roll with it and do your best. Can you borrow a smaller tent and put it on the deck/drive? although that doesn't work in really nasty rain. Make a few calls to check on social halls or community rooms but really just do your best to relax and have fun.
Post by aprilsails on Aug 26, 2016 10:04:25 GMT -5
Ok- I talked it through with DH and he wants to stick to the plan.
We've had a couple of RSVPs change today anyhow so it will be closer to 30 which we can work with. Fingers crossed that all the rain falls overnight and into the morning!
Thanks ladies- there are some good ideas here that I will use. I've gotten rid of all the bottles and baby food paraphernalia and cleared out an entire cupboard in the kitchen which means we can now put away the toaster and teapot so that opens up a lot of counter space. Also makes it easier to prep everything!
our house is a 1200 square foot cape so I guess downstairs is about 800 square feet. I had 30 women for a baby shower once and it honestly seemed fine. If there are no children running around I wouldn't worry about 30 people even in a small home.
I think rescheduling is not a good idea as it sounds like it's this weekend? I don't think you should reschedule something with such short notice just because of rain. Sickness or something is one thing.
Embrace it! If people are uncomfortable they can always leave early
If you are short on seating, I would see if anyone you know has one (or two) of those long plastic tables you could use- it would provide seating for eating and just chatting and shouldn't take up too much room if you move furniture. Good luck to you, it'll be fine!
Post by jennistarr1 on Aug 26, 2016 10:26:16 GMT -5
Maybe send a note that you are concerned about the rain and you are shifting to an "open house" style for the party. I did this and used language "there will be food out and refreshed continuously so drop by, have a bite to eat, grab a seat where ever is open, and enjoy a few drinks...the birth day girl is looking forward to seeing everyone"
that day came people said "where should I sit" and I said "well it's open house format so after you grab some food just see what is open" to discourage people from claiming seats the whole party.
It did rain, we had it at a venue but when all my no responses started to turn into yes literally the week of, I had to do this
Post by aprilsails on Aug 26, 2016 10:35:48 GMT -5
DH has committed to clearing out a space in the garage so we can set up the coolers and drinks in there if we have to do so. He's also picking up more folding chairs from his parents house this afternoon.
Post by jennistarr1 on Aug 26, 2016 10:46:44 GMT -5
you are definitely doing what you can...but don't break the bank or stress out over this. I really know how hard it is but little solutions like what you identify above a exactly what you need...you're doing good
Post by hopecounts on Aug 26, 2016 11:03:44 GMT -5
If the basement is unfinished can you move the construction stuff down there to clear out the garage? Labor intensive but could really give you some more space for guests.
Move extraneous furniture that won't be used into the basement/bedrooms. Rearrange to open up more space!
This is what I was going to suggest. Move anything you don't need for the party into bedrooms or your basement. Just clearing up any clutter or furniture will make a huge difference.
Post by aprilsails on Aug 28, 2016 13:26:53 GMT -5
Since I know you were all in tenterhooks it appears as though the rain is going to bypass us completely. The main city centre is going to get a wallop but the radar shows clear skies to the South.
That being said, we are all prepared for the worst and we were able to scare up a tent for the back deck so we should have enough space. It's going to be a hot one though! We're lucky to have full shade in the backyard by the time the party starts.
They called rain for us all day today. Not a drop. Hope you live nearby
It rained for 3 minutes an hour before the party started. Just long enough to get all the lawn furniture wet but it was a quick fix. After that nothing but blue skies! Everything went perfectly. 39 people total! We would have been screwed inside.