1st Birthday party - Gazebo for rainy day?

livalicious

Hi

We hoping to have a double birthday party for our little 'un, a barbecue for family in our back garden one week, and his party for his little mates the following week. This is to take place the first couple of weeks in September, and judging on previous years, it usually rains on and off round about that time.

So as we having this outside, it makes sense to have some sort of covering to go on our decking where all the food bits and chairs will be. Ive been googling gazebos but its bit of a minefield, we dont have a very big budget so cant really afford the very expensive ones. Can anyone recommend gazebos they've used in rainy weather (obviously not blustery rain) that were fairly affordable?

Thank you!

teacherandmum

are the wee ones walking? if not, as a parent, I would prefer to be indoors where they could be clean and dry.
obviously the bbq could still be done outdoors under a large sun umbrella in a stand perhaps (the patio type umbrellas I mean)

mumlady1

Hi livalicious, your plans sound fabulous! One of the best christenings we ever went to was outside with a barbecue. The hosts had a small sandpit & a water table with lots of outdoor toys for the kids and a very small bouncy castle so lots to keep them occupied. I still love looking at the pictures from that day, the kids are just having a ball & look so happy
Regards a gazebo, we bought a very cheap one (about £20 ish) from B&Q a couple of years ago which might suit you. It is absolutely fine for light showers but it does take a wee bit of putting together so make sure you do it before your guests arrive! It's also very plain but it could easily be cheered up with a few decorations or balloons.
Good luck, I hope your day goes well

LV_Sue

Argos have their gazebos on special offer at the moment.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search/searchTerms/GAZEBO.htm

For my granddaughter's 1st birthday party we had a gazebo, but no sides for it. We bought some cheap patterned shower curtains and hooked them up around 3 sides to protect us from the rain.

livalicious

Thanks everyone, I mentioned our plans to a neighbour in conversation, and they have 2 gazebos which they are happy to lend us for both days! So thats sorted! Whoop whoop! :T

That means I can use the funds for that towards some of the things you suggested mumlady1 from the christening barbecue! Maybe a small jumping castle, a bubble machine to create ambience (I always think of Mickey Flanagan when I use that word ), and a chocolate fountain with fruit kebabs, marshmallows and mini donuts (for the adults perhaps!)