Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Nicki Warner, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 931-6601
Email: nicki@mmfrealtors.com

Tips for Outdoor Entertaining in Bad Weather

by Nicki Warner 04/01/2025

With the right preparation, you can host a comfortable outdoor gathering any time of year. Whether you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or just cold temperatures, there are many ways you can adjust your porch and patio to accommodate guests. Here are some simple tips for weatherproofing your next outdoor gathering:

Invest in Heat Lamps

Portable heating options are only becoming more convenient and advanced. The classic gas-powered heating lamp is still the go-to for keeping guests warm outside. Each lamp is powerful enough to create a wide radius of heat around it, so depending on the size of your outdoor space, you may only need one. You can purchase these portable heating devices to keep all year or you can rent them out temporarily from event suppliers and home improvement stores.

Have a Pop-Up Shelter

Don’t let unexpected rain ruin your outdoor gathering. With a pop-up shelter, you can quickly put a roof over your guests and stay dry. These shelters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from rectangular awnings to full tents. You can keep them folded up and conveniently stored in the garage or basement until you need it for a party. Most are easy to assemble quickly, but it’s always a good idea to practice installing or setting it up at least once before your event. Having a pop-up shelter will help you stay dry and continue your outdoor experience free from the rain.

Keep Surfaces Safe

One key element of weatherproofing an outdoor space is proper floor and ground surfaces. Be aware of potential tripping, slipping or other hazards caused by the elements on your patio. Fallen leaves are especially slippery and pose danger during the fall, so sweep them away from high-traffic areas and walkways before your guests arrive. For dry but cold climates, consider some heated outdoor rugs or floor panels for a cozy and luxurious feel. You can also use highly textured outdoor rugs to reduce the chance of slipping in case of rain or frost.

It’s easy to have a safe outdoor gathering with the right tools and strategies. Not only will these tips keep you and your guests safe, they will improve everybody’s experience by keeping them comfortable.

About the Author
Author

Nicki Warner

Nicki has a passion for building relationships and fostering community engagement, honored and enthusiastic about joining the MMFRE team. An Oakland County native, she, along with her three children, make Clarkston their home. Having an in-depth knowledge of the area and all the lakes have to offer, her insightfulness equates to rewards to all that are purchasing (and/or) selling their most valuable asset.

Armed with a Michigan State University (MSU) degree as well as 10 years of business experience in advertising and marketing, Nicki's "silver lining" shines through when it comes to showcasing properties for the "highest" and "best" results in this fast-paced, competitive industry.

She's "people person" at heart and enthusiastic about delivering results, you're sure to get to a successful finish line as my resourceful package of approachability, talent, resourcefulness, creativity, cheery attitude and honest hard work is yours for the asking.