Outdoor Party Planning in Pittsburgh: Rain, Sun and Slopes

A lot of the events we supply are outdoors, in yards, parks and church lots. Pittsburgh makes that interesting. The weather turns quickly, the ground is rarely flat, and the lawn that looked perfect in June is a puddle after one storm. A little thought about the ground and the sky saves a lot of chair-moving.

Rain

Look at the forecast three or four days out, and again the day before. If rain is possible at all, decide now where everything goes: a garage, a covered porch, a hall. Chairs and tables handle a light shower. Standing water and mud are what they don't like, and your guests like them even less. If the forecast turns, call us early and we'll talk through moving the delivery window or putting things under cover (FAQ on rain).

Sun

Think about where the sun will be at the time of the party, not at noon when you looked. A west-facing lawn is bright and hot at a late-afternoon graduation party. Put the seating where the trees or the house give shade at that hour, or plan for your own cover. Keep the food out of the sun too.

The ground

This is where Pittsburgh yards cause the most trouble. Slopes are normal here. Chairs and tables sit best on the flattest part of the lawn, even if it isn't the prettiest, because a tilted table means spilled drinks. After rain the grass goes soft, chair legs sink and tables rock, so a patio or the edge of a driveway is better if you have one. Gravel is fine for tables and awkward for chairs. Tell us the surface when you ask for a quote and we'll advise.

Tell us about access too. A gate, a flight of steps or a long carry from the street affects the delivery charge, and it's far better for us to know the day you book than to find out at the door.

Small things that catch people out

Evenings cool fast in spring and fall. Bugs gather around food and standing water. Wind will take napkins, plates and balloons unless they're weighed down. And a word to the neighbors beforehand, about the party and where cars will go, is easier than the conversation afterwards.

Pick the spot first, then fit the layout to it. Our seating arrangement ideas help with how many tables will fit, and the backyard party checklist covers the rest. When you request a quote, mention the surface, any slope, steps or gates, and where to leave things. We work across the South Hills and the south end of the city; the service area page lists the communities.