Summer is simply the perfect season to throw a pool party. What better way is there to beat the heat than to chill in the pool with your loved ones, with delicious food and ice-cold drinks waiting for you nearby?
If it’s your goal to host an epic summer pool party, however, the event should entail more than just jumping in the pool, swimming around for a bit, and then calling it a day. You’ll want to do a little planning to ensure that your pool party is fun and memorable for all guests involved.
Before you put on one of your favorite swimsuits and jump in the pool, here are some things you should do as a host for the kind of pool party people will talk about long after it’s over:
1) Open Your Pool for the Summer
The first step towards hosting the ultimate summer pool party is actually getting the pool ready. At least three weeks before the date, open your pool to ensure that it’s in tip-top condition.
Clean the pool itself, remove any debris, and balance the water’s chemical levels so that it’s 100 percent safe for swimming. If you have no experience opening a pool the right way, consider hiring a professional service to handle any maintenance or repairs that might be needed.
2) Send Out Invitations
With your pool ready for action, it’ll be time to invite your guests. But before you send out the invites, make sure that you’re inviting the right number of people. You’ll want everyone to have enough room to enjoy the water without overcrowding it.
As such, consider the size of your pool and the space you have available when creating your guest list. This way, you’ll be able to get a rough estimate of how many people you can fit into the party area.
After you’ve made the guest list, the next step is to create the invitations. There are two ways to go about this: digital invites or traditional paper invites. If you’re looking for convenience and quick responses, opt for digital invites. But if you’re itching to incorporate some creativity and a personal touch, go ahead and send themed paper invitations.
Whichever you choose, make sure to include all the essential details: the date and time of the party, your address, and any specific instructions like what to bring (e.g., swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, etc.). If your party has a specific theme, such as a tropical barbecue or a retro pool party, mention it in the invitation and suggest attire that fits the theme. This not only makes the event more fun but also gives guests an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. Remember, the more details you provide upfront, the smoother your party will go.
3) Decorate the Party Area
A festive atmosphere will complete the pool party experience, and your choice of a particular theme or color scheme that reflects the vibe you want will make the event even more memorable. Popular themes include tropical paradise, beach bash, or retro summer. Once you have a theme in mind, you can begin decorating accordingly.
Begin with the pool area itself. String up some colorful lights or lanterns around the pool and in nearby trees or bushes. Not only do these add a festive touch, but they also provide necessary lighting as the sun sets. Consider adding a few torches or LED candles for some extra oomph to your ambience.
Next, decorate the surrounding area with themed decorations like beach balls, pool floaties, and tropical flowers. A few strategically placed signs or banners can also enhance the theme. For seating, use bright and colorful cushions or towels on lounge chairs to keep the theme consistent. Don’t forget to set up shaded areas with umbrellas or canopies, and consider adding a few small tables for guests to place their drinks and snacks.
4) Prepare Summer-Themed Drinks, Snacks, and Meals
Food and drinks are central to any successful pool party. Keep things in line with your party’s summer vibe by offering a variety of summer-themed refreshments, snacks, and meals to keep your guests satisfied and enhance the festive atmosphere.
Provide an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to cater to all your guests, whether they’ll be drinking or not. You can’t go wrong with classic summer cocktails like lime, strawberry, or margaritas, piña coladas, and minty mojitos. For non-alcoholic options that can be served to kids and guests avoiding alcohol, you can prepare cool iced teas, lemonades, sodas, mocktails, and fruit-infused water. Serve these drinks in fun themed cups or mason jars, and don’t forget to provide plenty of ice.
When it comes to snacks and meals, light and refreshing options are best for a poolside setting. Offer a variety of finger foods and appetizers, like fresh fruit on a platter, veggie bites with dips, and a simple charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, chips, and nuts. Mini sandwiches, sliders, and skewers (both with meat and veggies) will prove convenient and easy to eat.
For the main course, consider a barbecue or a buffet-style setup. Grilled items like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and veggie kebabs are always crowd-pleasers at pool parties. For a more tropical vibe, you might want to include dishes like coconut shrimp, fish tacos, or a tropical salad with mango and avocado. Finally, for dessert, offer cool treats like popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and fruit sorbets, all of which are perfect for a hot summer day. If you want to get even more creative, set up a DIY sundae or s’mores station.
5) Give Your Guests Party Favors
Lastly, why not send your guests home with a small token of appreciation? Your party favors don’t have to be extravagant or expensive; thoughtful themed items will leave a lasting impression, no matter how small or humble they are.
Look for practical and fun favors your guests can use during or after the party. Personalized items like custom sunglasses, flip-flops, or beach towels can be both useful and a nice memento of a particularly special event, like a birthday pool party or a poolside anniversary celebration. Small bottles of sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, or mini fans will also be appreciated by guests who intend to spend much of the day out in the sun.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to throwing a pool party that will be the highlight of the season. Plan thoughtfully and with love, and you’ll be able to spearhead an event that everyone would love to remember the summer by.
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