Dive into pool party season with these 11 fun ideas
When temperatures climb into the 90s, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than near some water. And if you’re lucky enough to have access to a swimming pool, a hot day naturally lends itself to entertaining beside it… or in it. Whether you’re hosting a summer pool party to fete the 4th of July, or a bachelorette, or if you’re on the hunt for pool birthday party ideas, dive into these tips for staying cool by the pool.
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1. Stay hydrated
The most important part of any pool party? Water—and we don’t just mean in the pool. With guests lounging in the hot sun all day, you’ll want to make sure you have a whole lot of H20 on hand. Kick it up a notch with a hydration station stocked with still and sparkling water infused with citrus and herbs or refreshing fruit. And don’t forget the ice cubes.
“Summer Splash ”Flyer by Paperless Post
2. Keep it relaxed
The whole point of a pool party is to cool off and hang out—so the vibe should be equally chill. Don’t try to pack too many activities into the itinerary or treats onto the patio table. Pick a short window of time (either day or night, not both!), as people are bound to be worn out—and not to mention pruney—following a few hours in and out of water.
3. Invite early
Is it just us, or does everyone seem to get busier every single summer? Whether you go with one of Paperless Post’s cute classic invitations or more casual Flyers, send out your pool party invitations far in advance. Shoot for two to three weeks prior to the party, longer if you’re hosting on a holiday weekend. And add a rain date, if possible.
Paperless Post’s online pool party invitations make it easy to get all your guests the details of the day and help you keep track of RSVPs. You can even ask people to bring food or drink for a potluck pool party, and find out if anyone has allergies you should be aware of.
“KSNY Pool Party” by kate spade new york; Image via Funboy
4. Select your swimmers
Will the bash be boozy or family-friendly? There are ways to win at both, but you’ll need to decide before you even think about sending out invitations and making your menu.
5. Plan a pool party for kids
Whether you’re planning an all-ages playdate with other parents or a birthday party for tweens, ask adult attendees to alternate lifeguarding. And since you’ll already have your hands full supervising and mitigating messes, keep the rest simple.
Make it about games: We’re all for incorporating pool game ideas including Marco Polo and noodle jousting, as well as easy yard games like Giant Jenga, freeze tag, and water balloons. They’re classics for a reason!
Bring in reinforcements: Kids are usually pretty good at keeping themselves busy in the pool, but if you want to be safe, neon-hued beach paddles or a larger-than-life unicorn sprinkler can save the day in the event of a lull.
Include all ages: Not everyone can enjoy pool time. If you’re hosting a range of ages—or if you don’t actually have a pool—consider a kiddie pool where tiny tykes can splash around in a contained area.
6. Plan a pool party for adults
We, adults, like to have a little fun every now and then, too. Leaving the little ones at home allows grown-up guests to truly relax—ideally with a drink in hand. Break out a game of floating beer pong, complete with an inflatable table that takes everyone’s favorite boozy college party pastime to the next level.
Products: Flamingo Float | Acrylic Wine Glass | Flamingo Straws | Shell Plates | Shark Balloon | Ombre Cups
7. Deck out your space
The great thing about outdoor celebrations is that they don’t require much in the way of summer pool party decorations. The pool is the natural focal point, so keep the rest of your pool party decor simple. String bistro lights or solar-powered lanterns up over the patio for ambiance toss a few floaties (1) in the pool (we love these zany designs from Funboy Inc.—dibs on the flamingo!), and you’re basically done.
8. Stock up with supplies
Don’t reach for your regular glassware or bottled drinks when entertaining outside—but also know that disposable dishes aren’t the only way to save barefoot guests from stepping on broken glass. Shop shatterproof wine tumblers (2) or party-ready plastic or bamboo cups when you’re shopping for swim party supplies. Bonus: They’re reusable (rinse and repeat all summer long!) and better for the environment.
Krazy straws will help cut down on waste, too—and not to mention, they make seriously cool party favors, whether you get summery shapes or custom names or phrases. Or stock up on more eco-friendly paper straws (3) in fun designs.
9. Queue up a pool party playlist
You can’t exactly splish-splash in silence. For the soundtrack to a poolside celebration, we love rocksteady, a Jamaican style of music popularized in the ’60s. But you can (and should) curate your queue based on who’s coming and your own taste, of course. Hits from the ’90s and ’00s will provide a nostalgic nod to the millennial set’s younger pool days at the pool, while ’40s doo-wop and ’70s rock appeals to an older (or simply older-souled) crowd.
Image by Kristen Kilpatrick
10. Prepare easy party food
All that paddling, backstroking, and tossing ping pong balls into cups can really work up an appetite. Take cues from whatever pool party theme you choose, but keep the dishes relatively light. The 30-minute rule may be a myth, but still, no one likes feeling uncomfortably full and bloated in a swimsuit.
Our advice: Skewer tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for easy-breezy Caprese bites, toss a corn or pasta salad and fire up the grill to make Jamaican jerk chicken. For drinks, sparkling wine, beer (hello, Red Stripe!), and beer cocktails will please pretty much everyone, but think about hydrating options as well. We’d recommend coconut water or water infused with cucumber, lemon, or mint. We also love the idea of a luau party, complete with Tiki drinks topped with pineapple leaves or edible orchids. Serve everything on pretty trays and platters that won’t break if they accidentally slip.
And since no one will want to get out of the water for refills, set up a swim-up drink station on the side of the pool so guests can help themselves. Fancy!
Image by Heidi’s Bridge
11. Don’t forget dessert
We’re firm believers that a party just isn’t a party without dessert. No need to preheat the oven and whip up any batter, though. For a pool party, opt for chilled treats. After a full day of fun in the sun, homemade popsicles hit the spot. Try molds that will give you fun shapes or stick with the traditional paddle molds of your childhood.
Some more ideas: This no-bake frozen margarita pie is making our mouths water. Or, for a healthy pool party cake idea, carve up a refreshing watermelon basket. We promise no one will miss the cake.
Now that you’ve planned out your perfect summer pool party, it’s time to invite your friends with Paperless Post pool party invitations, pool-themed bachelorette party invitations, or birthday invitations. And head to the Paperless Post Party Shop to stock up on unique pool party essentials, like beautiful melamine food trays, reusable cups, and unforgettable pool floats.
