Six Tips For Your First Summer Pool Party

Summer’s not started until the pool parties begin. If you’re hosting your first summer pool party, here are a few tips to make sure it’s one your guests will remember for all the right reasons.

1. Food First

Well, not first, but make sure you’ve got an idea of what you plan to serve your guests well ahead of party day. Get a good idea of how many guests will be coming along a few days before the party so you have plenty of food on hand and are not rushing to the supermarket the day of the party. Do as much of the food prep as you can before the party so that you can enjoy yourself, too, instead of spending the whole time going back and forth between the kitchen and the poolside. Better yet, serve everything outdoors.

2. A Place for Everyone

As you’re planning your party, take a look at your pool furniture to make certain you have enough seating. Ideally, you’ll want enough chairs and/or sun loungers for all your guests to have a place to sit, even if they’re using their laps for tables while eating. Short on chairs? Buy a few extras that match your existing pool furniture and can fold away when they’re not in use.

3. Consider a Theme

It may seem wonky, but everyone secretly loves a theme party. Luaus are great for pool parties, but come up with some less-common ideas for an outdoor bash that’s truly memorable. Try a night party, a treasure hunt party or a fancy dress party.

4. Plan Some Activities

Theme parties make coming up with ideas for games fun and easy, but even if you forgo a theme, plan something for your guests to do so your party doesn’t fizzle before and after the food is served. Have the necessary equipment on hand for water and poolside games. Splurge for a few prizes—even if they are only silly white elephant-type gifts—and your games will be even bigger hits.

5. Have Extras

Hosting a pool party means planning for guests who forget some of the bare necessities, especially sunblock and towels. Have plenty of sunblock on hand to prevent painful sunburns from becoming a souvenir of your party, and extra towels for those who won’t remember theirs. A few extra t-shirts and shorts are good to have on hand, as well.

6. Have Fun!

Whatever you do, don’t get so caught up in your party preparations that you forget the whole point: fun! Don’t sweat it if the games are duds, if you run out of crisps or a few raindrops fall—roll with it, dive in and have a great time!