You know that in summer months people love to take a dip in your backyard pool but consider throwing a themed pool party with a few of our hints and tips complete with decorations, games, food and invitations.
Plan a Pool Party: Make a Splash with Fun, Food, and Friends
Summer is synonymous with sunshine, warm weather, and of course, pool parties! There’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around your backyard oasis for a day of splashy fun. But how do you transform your pool party from ordinary to extraordinary? Here are some tips to ensure your pool party is the talk of the town.
The Invitation: Set the Stage for Fun
Whether you choose a classic paper invite or a digital e-vite, set the tone for your party from the very beginning. For a luau-themed party, design your invitations with vibrant Hawaiian flowers and a festive font. Planning a poolside movie night? Feature a silhouette of a popcorn bucket and a movie projector on your invite.
Pick a Perfect Date and Time
When scheduling your pool party, consider both guest availability and ideal weather conditions. Weekends are generally a safe bet, but if you have a large guest list, a weekday afternoon during the summer break can also work well. Aim for a time in the afternoon when the sun is high and the weather is warm. Be sure to include a rain date on your invitations in case of unexpected downpours.
Ambiance is Everything: Setting the Mood
Create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere with some thoughtful touches. String up colorful lights to add a festive touch in the evening. Play a playlist of upbeat poolside tunes to keep the energy high. For a touch of elegance, set out citronella candles to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Dive into a Theme (or Not!)
Themed pool parties can be a lot of fun, but they’re not mandatory. If you have a particular theme in mind, run with it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Tropical Paradise: Transform your backyard into a mini-Hawaii with tiki torches, pineapple drinks, and festive leis. Rent a grass skirt photo booth for guests to capture silly memories. Offer guests temporary palm tree tattoos.
- Under the Sea: Hang blue and green streamers to create an ocean effect, and serve goldfish crackers and “shark bite” brownies. Fill a wading pool with colorful plastic fish for young children to play in. Play ocean sounds through a Bluetooth speaker to create an immersive experience
- Glow-in-the-Dark Party: Break out the glow sticks, phosphorescent decorations, and neon pool noodles for a nighttime pool party that will truly shine. Serve glow-in-the-dark beverages (they’re surprisingly fun!). Turn off the lights and let the glow sticks illuminate the night.
Food Glorious Food: Fueling the Fun
No pool party is complete without delicious food! Consider the time of day and the amount of activity when planning your menu. Here are a few options to consider:
- Finger Foods for the Win: A pool party is all about socializing and having fun in the water. Opt for easy-to-eat finger foods like mini sandwiches, fresh fruit skewers, and crudités with a variety of dips.
- Grill Up a Feast: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers are classic pool party fare for a reason. They’re easy to prepare, and they’ll please a crowd.
- Sweet Treats: Don’t forget dessert! Keep it cool with popsicles, ice cream sundaes, or a refreshing fruit salad.
Keeping it Eco-Friendly
- Reusable Plates and Utensils: Opt for reusable plates, cups, and cutlery to minimize waste.
- Biodegradable Decorations: Choose biodegradable decorations like paper lanterns or tissue paper pom poms.
- Water Conservation: Encourage guests to take shorter showers before entering the pool.
Let the Games Begin!
Pool parties are all about having fun, and what’s more fun than games? Here are a few ideas to keep your guests entertained:
- Classic Pool Games: Water volleyball, marco polo, and pool noodle jousting are all timeless pool party favorites.
- Lawn Games: Set up a badminton net, unleash the competitive spirit with a game of cornhole, or get active with a giant Jenga set.
- Creative Games: Get crafty and have a pool noodle decorating contest, or organize a scavenger hunt with pool-themed clues.
Accommodating All Ages
- For the Little Ones: Set up a dedicated splash zone for younger children with a small inflatable pool and colorful water toys. Provide pool noodles for extra flotation.
- For the Teenagers: Set up a volleyball net or a cornhole game specifically for the teenagers. Offer refreshing mocktails for a non-alcoholic option.
Safety First: Making Memories and Keeping Everyone Safe
Pool safety is paramount. Here are a few tips to ensure your guests have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Life Jackets: Have a variety of life jackets available in different sizes for children who are not strong swimmers.
- Adult Supervision: Assign a responsible adult to supervise the pool throughout the party, ensuring everyone’s safety.
- Clear the Deck: Keep lounge chairs, tables, and other furniture away from the pool edge to prevent accidental falls.
- Sun Safety: Provide plenty of shade for guests to escape the sun’s rays, and remind everyone to wear sunscreen and reapply frequently.
Planning for the Unexpected
- First-Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand in case of minor scrapes or bumps.
- Pool Floaties: Provide a variety of pool floats for guests to relax and soak up the sun.
- Extra Towels: Keep plenty of extra towels on hand for guests who forget theirs.
Beyond the Party: Keeping the Fun Going
- Capture the memories! Set up a fun photo booth with pool-themed props for guests to take pictures. After the party, share the photos on social media or create a digital album for your guests.
The Grand Finale: Sending Guests Off with a Splash
- As your pool party winds down, leave your guests with a sweet memory. Hand out small goodie bags filled with pool toys, candy, or personalized sunglasses.
By following these tips and adding your own creative flair, you can throw a pool party that will be remembered for years to come. So grab your swimsuit, invite your friends and family, and get ready to make a splash!
