How to Host a Pool Party

Fun in the Sun

Summertime and the livin' is easy. What better way to celebrate the season than with a pool party? Now that outdoor gatherings are safe and especially since last summer was spent practicing social distancing, it’s a perfect time to host an outdoor pool party. Keep it simple. It’s hot and you want to enjoy the day with your friends and be not just in the moment but IN THE POOL! Below are some tips on throwing your own pool party.

Seating

No need to haul out all the chairs and table sets. Set up casual poolside snack tables. Anything can be a table like a painted popcorn tin. Use decorative pillows as seating. Spread a blanket and create a casual and cozy seating area.

Drinks

Be sure you and your guests stay properly hydrated in the hot sun. Add a poolside bar tray offering fruit juices for Mimosas or Sangrias. Champagne is always a nice addition. A pitcher of ice cold water with lemon wedges is refreshing and an economical drink option. To keep things simple, fill a cooler with some ice and popular drinks like bottled water and soda. If you’re having an adult pool party, a beer cooler is also nice.

Snacks

No need to get out the BBQ Grill. Keep it light with fresh fruits, nuts, olives and other finger food like pepper slices, chips and hummus. Another good menu option is chocolate dipped dried apricots and spiced nuts. Fresh fruits – think apples, apricots, pears, cantaloupe, watermelon, plums, blackberries – are great options for pool parties, picnics and barbecues. They don't require refrigeration if they are being served for only a few hours. To save time, lots of supermarkets offer pre-cut fruits.

For a fun twist, serve food in unusual containers like clean beach buckets, sand pails or frisbees for a platter. No matter what you are serving, having a good balance between junk food and healthy options is important for satisfying your guests. Too much salt can cause bloating, which isn’t nice when you’re wearing a bathing suit. Just sayin : )

Decor

Floral arrangements are a nice touch. Pick from your own gardens or select a simple arrangement from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. One beautiful large peony blossom placed in a bowl is more striking in its simplicity than a dozen roses.

No pool party would be complete without picturesque pool floats. Who doesn’t love a good food themed float or lounging on a gigantic flamingo float? If pool guests include children, then be sure to have arm floaties or pool noodles so everyone can have a good time relaxing.

Pool Party Playlist

Set the mood for your party with songs perfect for a hot day in the pool or at the beach. Think tunes like “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”, or must have Gershwin classic “Summertime (and the livin' is easy)”, Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet or anything by the Beach Boys. Of course nothing gets summer off to a good start than “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper when the last school bell rings.

Protection

To round up my list of pool party essentials, I always have copious amounts of sunscreen (for those of us blond, fair skinned and prone to burn) and extra towels. For guest gifts, I have a beach tote of various sized men and women’s flip flops.

Don't Have a Pool?

What if you don’t have a pool large enough for friends and family? Any wading pool will do. After all, when you’re with good friends, with good food, good music, and good drinks …. You have Good Times. Enjoy the moment. Here’s to a healthy, active and happy summer.