How To Change Your Party Plans When Snowstorms Hit Gallery

If your planned party date happens to fall right in the middle of a snowstorm, it can seem like there's nothing you can do but cancel the party. But — worry not — we have a guide for how to make small tweaks to your plans and keep the party on schedule. 

It may seem a bit like an obvious tip but, seriously, shovel your sidewalk and driveway this winter, especially if you're planning on having guests over. Icy concrete and deep pockets of snow are a recipe for disaster for guests who are elderly, oblivious, or wearing shoes that are more for a party than a trek through the snow. This is the most basic and courteous thing you can do for your guests before they even walk through the door.

What starts out as a tiny winter flurry can turn into a total disastrous snowstorm in an instant, and you never know what can happen. During snowstorms, power can go out, water can freeze in the pipes, and you can be stuck inside for quite some time. Be ready for these emergencies by knowing where your flashlights and weather radio are. Make sure to have candles, emergency backup lights, bottles of water, and food at the ready. These items are good to have on hand when any kind of bad weather is imminent, but it's doubly important when you have a houseful of guests. Not sure what to pack? Here's a good guideline.

If you know the weather is going to be bad before the party even gets rolling, be sure to call your guests to alert them and to let them know it's OK if they can't make it. Snowstorms turn the roads and sidewalks into a battlefield, so you don't want anyone getting hurt en route. Under different circumstances, it's rude to be a no-show at the last minute, but this is one of the situations where it's totally acceptable.

Just because a snowstorm is coming doesn't mean you should forget to have fun! Turn the cozy nature of being snowed in into your party theme. Light some candles for an intimate ambiance, build a fire in your fireplace for cozy heat, make some warm cocktails, and cut out paper snowflakes for a little wintry décor.

Remember when you would have a snow day as a child and spend the whole day drinking cocoa, playing board games with your family, and building snowmen outside? Channel the nostalgia of those days as an adult by participating in these same activities. Have a snowman competition or a board game tournament, and add a little peppermint schnapps to your cocoa. It will be just like your childhood... but boozier!

If you anticipate the snow turning nasty while you're party is going on, be prepared for people having to stay overnight. You don't want to risk your guests getting hurt out in the snow just so they can get home to go to bed. Make sure to tidy up the guest rooms with fresh linens and towels, have extra toothbrushes and pajamas on hand, and have plenty of blankets and sleeping bags ready if your home is going to be particularly full. 

Did the snowstorm hit before you had a chance to run to the grocery store? Don't spend your time (or energy) worrying about having the perfect menu. Dig in to your pantry to find those staple party snacks and foods every home should have: cheese and crackers, salsa with chips, vegetables, pickles, and little frozen appetizers. Break out your reserve stash of wine, and encourage your guests to do the same sort of pantry digging before they come over to make sure you still have a bountiful feast.

Snowstorms can be seriously dangerous business. If the weather conditions are going to be too dangerous for your guests to make it out, just push the party back to a safer date. Freeze your food, save the decorations, and file away your party games and activities for another time. There's no reason to risk your life just to be social.

Need even more winter weather tips? Check out the 50 best soups for surviving the snow.