Planning The Perfect Pool Party

By Author: Lucy Carter
Total Articles: 102
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A pool party is the ideal summer celebration to enjoy with family and friends of all ages. Here are some fun and practical ideas to make your fiesta the hottest pool party in town.

First you'll need to send invitations. Print them on aqua blue colored paper stock and send them in a tube. Insert cheap diving sticks in the package along with some aquatic or tropical confetti and don't forget to remind your guests to bring bathing suits and towels.

Every party needs great music. Set the mood for summer fun with classic beach and tropical tunes like Bob Marley's "Legend", the Beach Boys´ "Sights and Sounds of Summer" and Jimmy Buffet's "Meet Me in Margaretville - The Ultimate Collection".

The dining table should be set with summery colors, as well. Use a sunny yellow tablecloth set off by aquamarine plates and glasses. For a centerpiece try yellow flowers like daisies, daffodils, lilies or roses.

Anticipate guests' needs ahead of time and stock up on sunscreen for those who forget to bring their own. Also use umbrellas to create shady areas by the pool if there are no shade trees for escaping ...
... the sun's rays. Make sure you have enough seating for all of your guests; if not, ask your guests to bring their own beach chairs when they call you to RSVP. No pool party would be complete without loads of fun swimming pool toys such as beach balls, water guns, floats and other inflatables. Beach balls can be used for impromptu volleyball games in the yard, as well. And don't forget to buy plenty of ice!

As a party favor you could send people home with a small bottle of after-sun body lotion wrapped in colored see-through baggies sprinkled with confetti and tied with a ribbon.

Now for one of the most important elements of any party: the food. Serve a buffet that will make your guests feel cool and refreshed and one that will let you enjoy your party without being a slave to your kitchen. Drinks like iced tea and bottled water are popular choices and for the adults offer something special like frozen Pina Coladas, Daiquiris or Margaritas. Offer snacks like tortilla chips with salsa and fresh fruit kebabs with dip. Offer main course options like mango and shrimp wraps, Thai chicken wraps with spicy peanut sauce and Greek salad. Polish off the meal with desserts like Key Lime tarts and Pina Colada ice pops.
Francesca Bailey is the manager of 1st Direct, leading providers of swimming pool heat pump parts and products.