If there’s one shared quirk among Southern Californians, it’s that relative to other parts of the country, we tend to have strong reactions to rainy, cold weather.
A record-breaking storm swept across Southern California on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, making it the rainiest holiday in 54 years, according to the National Weather Service. Californians were gifted a brief respite before a wet New Year’s Day. While the trickle of rain outside a picture window can create a lovely ambiance for a cozy day of reading or catching up on movies inside, it can throw a wrench in long-established plans to host a gathering, especially if the party is outdoors. (Not everyone has the space to accommodate guests indoors.)
In case dark clouds are looming over your perfect party, do not panic, readers. We tracked down some pros, and they have tips for throwing a bash, rain and cold be damned.
“I live in Lake Arrowhead, California — elevation 5,174 feet, just shy of a mile in the sky,” said Sam Perry, chef and owner of Blue Jay’s prized Stone Creek Bistro, via an email exchange. “For a good part of the year, it’s chilly to downright cold. It’s also beautiful, and we do a fair amount of entertaining outside, cold or not.
“I have some ideas: A crockpot party would hit the nostalgia vibes and warm your guests up — each attendee could bring a crockpot dish, a soup, a braise, or even mulled wine,” said Perry.
For kid-friendly gatherings, Perry recommends a s’mores bar. “A safe fire pit with a s’mores bar would be fun as well. Graham crackers and marshmallows for days, plus different types of chocolate. Pro tip: ditch the Hershey’s and swap in a Reese’s peanut butter cup.”
“A quick search of warm cocktails can ensure a boozy and cozy outdoor gathering. Hot chocolate and rum? Yes, please. Hot toddies, warm apple cider — you get the picture.”
Perry suggests even doing a combination of all of the above. “A soup-and-warm-cocktail potluck featuring a s’mores bar,” he continued. “Throw in the ‘Stranger Things’ Spotify playlist, and I’ll be offended if you don’t invite me.”
Kelly Griffith, managing director at Eventis Destination Services of Orange County, plans events months, sometimes years, in advance. “When you’re throwing a party, you think it’s going to be sunny and 70 degrees,” Griffith said.
When a surprise storm rolls into town, event planners like Griffith jump to action. “Wet is the hardest thing, and that’s what’s so unpredictable,” she said, adding that party rentals can be a lifesaver, and local mom-and-pop operations are often easier on the pocketbook. “We’re spoiled in Southern California, there are so many event rental services. There are top-tier event rental services, and then there are great mom-and-pop shops. There are a lot of services out there that are very economical.”
“If the budget permits, a clear tent is spectacular.” When folks have gone to great lengths to plan a party and arrange the decor, and then the weatherman delivers that fateful blow, Griffith has heard it all. “Oh my God, not an ugly tent!” she joked. “How am I going to spruce this up?”
“They’re probably around the same price as a normal white tent, but if you have it in the budget to already put the infrastructure for a tent in, see if whatever vendor you’re using has a clear tent.” Keep in mind that during the summer, they can become like a greenhouse.
Another tip from Griffith is to rent aesthetically pleasing space heaters and to stock up on blankets that can double as vibey decor pieces. “The little touches make all the difference,” she said.
If you’re trying to dodge the cost of renting from a vendor, you may try joining a community Facebook group in your area and posting a “looking to borrow” message. In desperate times, neighbors can really pull through.
One of the most important considerations when adjusting your party plans for inclement weather is communicating with your guests ahead of the shindig. “You’re going to have a bad time if you come to an outdoor party and you don’t bring a coat,” Griffith said. “So managing guest expectations up front is the best thing that you can do to get ahead of the weather.”
The pro party planner suggests adding a note to the invite alerting guests that the event is outdoors, “‘Coats and closed-toe shoes recommended,’ something like that,” Griffith said, adding that you can always throw in something cheeky like “Don’t worry, hot toddies will be served.”
