A wet-weather plan for a Peterborough garden party buffet

Walk the route to both possible buffet spots

Start at the kerb or car park and walk to the outdoor serving area and your indoor backup. Check side gate width, steps, sloping paths and door thresholds. A paved route that works with trays or equipment will be easier to use if the lawn is wet. Brief the caterer on anything that changes when the indoor layout is in use, including a different entrance.

Set aside a flat surface for the food, room for guests to reach it and a separate place for spare chairs. If cover is part of the outdoor plan, ask whoever provides it about wind, ground conditions and how to secure it before deciding that it will still be suitable in poor weather.

Make the indoor layout worth using

The backup could be a dining room, the indoor bar at a venue or another room included in the hire. Put the table where there is enough space for people to serve themselves and turn back to seating. If there is a bottleneck at the patio door, put drinks elsewhere so that guests who only want a refill have no need to join the food queue.

If seating is split between indoors and outdoors, check how guests reach the food and toilets in either layout. Leave the closest seats for those who may need them and avoid placing rugs, steps or electrical leads on the main route.

Ask how the menu will be served in both layouts

Tell the caterer whether you expect people to sit down together or eat while moving around. Platters and small savoury items can suit an informal gathering, while a fuller meal needs somewhere for guests to put plates comfortably. Ask the caterer how items will be stored and set out, especially if the serving table could be in full sun or the group will eat in stages.

Check the shade, power and space available under both plans. Ask who will look after serving and replenishment, and give the caterer any limits on kitchen or fridge access before agreeing the menu.

Set a time for the weather call

Agree who makes the indoor or outdoor decision and when to tell the caterer. That person should also tell the team setting out tables and chairs. Write both locations on the delivery instructions, including the one to use if the party moves inside after setup. Leave an indoor table clear as a fallback so a shower does not mean shifting furniture while guests wait.

• Before setup, check both serving routes and confirm which entrance the delivery will use.
• Before guests arrive, tell whoever is setting up drinks where to move them if the buffet goes inside.
• If it rains during service, pause the queue and ask the caterer to direct any movement of food or equipment.