Don't Let the Rain Ruin Your Barbecue

— -- You've already invited your family and friends over for a Fourth of July barbecue, only to find out that Hurricane Arthur may plan to attend, as well.

Even so, a rainy day doesn't have to mean the end of your patriotic festivities. Just follow these tips to make the transition from an outdoor to indoor barbecue as smooth as possible.

First and foremost, figure out how to cook the barbecue classics indoors.

“It’s something that everyone’s had to do at some point, and you can still make great favorites indoors,” Joe Davidson, master griller and owner of Joe’s Barbecue Group, told ABC News.

Davidson suggested using a convection oven. The air circulation allows for the most authentic barbecue taste. Use a large cookie sheet and put a line of aluminum foil down for easy cleanup. Use a bacon rack over the cookie sheet for even more air flow.

“You can really use the same recipes,” Davidson said, “but if you normally cook on your grill at 450, you’ll want to cook at 375 in the convection oven.”

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Arthur and July 4th

Read More: Recipes to Impress Your 4th of July Guests

Watch: Have a Patriotic Party for July 4th

Also, don’t count out your slow cooker. Grilling expert Derrick Riches has a great baby back rib recipe here.

Ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, brisket and corn are all fan favorites you can make indoors. Add some potato salad and baked beans into the mix and you have a great barbecue spread.

After the food planning has been taken care of, it’s time to figure out how to smoothly move an outdoor party inside.

Barbara La Bella, an event planner and co-owner of La Bella Planners, gave ABC News some advice for making the most of an indoor party.

“Bring the blankets and beach chairs inside,” La Bella said.

That, she added, will keep the atmosphere summery and fun.

“Even bring in an umbrella to put behind the couch if you have enough space,” she said.

Use a blanket as a table cloth and give guests the option of sitting on the beach chairs or eating on a blanket on the floor.

"A barbecue is self-serving, [so] if you have a counter lay everything that you can out on it," La Bella said. "And let people sit where they may."

As far as drinks go, “fill your bathtub with ice and put your drinks or kegs inside to keep everything cold,” she said.

For entertainment, make sure to have games ready to keep everyone occupied, especially kids.

“Apples to Apples is great,” said La Bella, who suggested having games and activities that will keep people taking and spark conversation.

An indoor party also has its perks.

“Guests may enjoy being inside,” La Bella said. “There won’t be an insect issue and the house may be more comfortable, even though there isn't as much space.”

Also, be sure to account for wet jackets and muddy shoes. Have a designated place for guests to put their soaked items to save a mess in your home.

Have any advice? Share your tips for making the most of moving a barbecue indoors.