It’s July, and it might as well be the official month for pool parties! There has never been a better time to invite the friends and family over to cool off poolside. So we gathered a few tips to help make your pool party planning a bit easier and have neighbors referring to you as the go-to guru for fun in the sun.
Got Tunes?
Nothing kills a party faster than lame music, or no music at all! Take a few minutes and think about the type of tunes that you and your guests will enjoy most.
- Download a satellite music station like Pandora to your computer, smart phone or iPod and you’ll have an easy way to play a continuous variety of music.
- An iPod/Mp3 stereo dock is a great option for volume and sound quality.
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Bose® SoundDock® Portable Digital Music System $359, Target
Essential Eats
In order to host a successful pool party, a steady supply of snacks is a must. While you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen beforehand, stocking your patio with easy finger foods and light bites make hosting a breeze.
- For those budget-conscious hosts, a pot luck-style party will keep food costs low, and ensure a delicious variety.
- Fire up the grill! Stock up on staple hot dogs and hamburgers and consider adding marinated skewered veggies—sure-fire crowd pleasers! Shish kabobs, anyone?
Weber Genesis E-310 Black Porcelain-Enamel 3-Burner Gas Grill, $699, Lowe’s Home Improvement
Cheers!
You’ve gotta keep guests hydrated and provide plenty of beverage options. Beers and cocktails for the adults, and juices and teas for the kiddies.
- Keep a cooler of nonalcoholic drinks, including bottled water, poolside for easy access.
- Beers, wines and cocktail mixers should be placed on a separate table near the food, away from direct sunlight. Serving up a signature cocktail will have you looking like a party pro, so mix up your special concoction. Be sure to have plenty of bags of ice, as well as decorative plastic cups so there’s no worry about broken glass and bare tootsies.
Hammered Beverage Server $55, Pier 1 Imports
Special Touches
Finally, you’ll want to wow your guests with splashes of fun summer colors.
- Guests may not always remember to bring their own towels; have a few on hand, rolled up in a basket by the pool.
- Decorate your space with festive bright plates, trays and cups. A tablecloth in a corresponding color scheme will also pull this look together.
Colorful Ribbons Pitcher, $32; Global Cocktail Napkins, $4, Pier 1 Imports
