How Disasters Can Actually Make Your Party Better
Never let 'em see you sweat...
By Erin Henderson
We’ve been having a heckuva lot of rain in Toronto this summer.
I’m not sure if this is a meteorological fact, or simply my exasperated observations that seemingly every day there is a downpour.
I have one client who is planning a backyard party. She is absolutely hysterical about this unfortunate climactic turn of events. So, naturally, I’ve become her event therapist, in addition to her sommelier, and have spent many an email trying to talk her off the proverbial ledge.
That’s the challenge about outdoor soirees, when the gods smile upon you, the ambience is breathtaking; but when they frown, it can feel like the wrath of the heavens has made you the sole target of their discontent.
If you are facing the worries of an outdoor wedding, al fresco anniversary dinner, or birthday pool party getting washed out, fear not. Let me share with you a recent party woe, that became a party win.
Housewarming Fizzle to Sizzle
A few years ago, a friend threw a housewarming pool party.
As someone who hosts a lot, she purchased her house, in large part, for its entertaining appeal: a raised bungalow that featured a large walk-out basement with a bar, pool table, and comfy media centre with a huge movie screen and projector. The backyard, surrounded by huge trees for both beauty and privacy, had a large, in-ground pool and hot tub. As we said, perfect for parties.
In a very TWS-approved move, she sent out invitations months ahead of the summer soirée. She prepped nearly everything well ahead of time: upon arrival, the outdoor was already table set, food prepped, bar stocked, and extra towels piled beside the pool for swimmers' convenience. Brilliant.
There was just one, itty-bitty, teensy-weensy, challenge. Just before dinner, the skies turned charcoal, the only light source the fierce strikes of lightning piecing the ballooning clouds, which in turn ripped open to an immediate downpour.
The wind went from gentle breeze to deafening roar and ... the power went out.
Now this could have been a disaster. In fact, to some hostesses, it probably would have been. But here's the thing: what should have sunk the party, made it better! Mother Nature's party-pooper tantrum didn't rain on guests' parade, instead, it made the event so much more fun as adults came together to bring the table and chairs inside, gather the kids, dig out candles and flashlights, and batten down the hatches as cushions and flower pots started to take flight.
With no power, one barbecue, and 17 people to feed, adults all pitched in helping with Plan B for dinner prep – which also led to impromptu dance parties – and jumping behind the bar to whip up some liquid inspiration for the rest of the crew.
This turned a potentially terrible night into a happy, memorable one.
Here is what our friend did right.
Stay Flexible
Things may go wrong – in fact, you're almost guaranteed they will – so don't be so rigid that you can't go with the flow. It's a party.
Have a Plan B
When we arrived, we knew a dinner-time storm was likely to happen. Our hostess already made the call that should the weather take a turn for the worse, we would move the feast indoors. She had cleared and designated space for the table to be relocated.
Team Build
If a really big challenge occurs – like a power outage – recruit the guests to roll up their sleeves and get involved. It helps build memories and turns a problem into a fun activity for all.
Mix It Up
We've long been proponents of serving both hot and cold foods and making as much as possible in advance. This party had a mix of barbecue, salads, and finger foods - some homemade, some purchased - and in the end, it was a lifesaver.
