Seven Steps to Throwing the Perfect Pool Party
It’s summertime, and the living is easy… so why not take advantage of sunny weather and long summer nights by planning the perfect pool party for you and your friends? After all, in New Jersey we practically live in our swimsuits until October.
Pool Access
Step one to throwing an amazing pool party: have access to a pool. It’s important not to over-invite if your pool’s on the small side–unless you’re going for that Vegas pool party vibe, in which case, pack the place! And no great party ends early. Take your pool from day to night with your white holiday lights to decorate around the yard. We also love the idea of throwing glow sticks into your pool to light it up. These nighttime lights will make for a beautiful ambiance and sweet Instagram memories.
Floats!
Step two: pool floats! There are so many fun floats out there now, and you can get affordable ones at places like 5 Below. Some of our favorite floats? This sea shell float from Urban Outfitters, this giant pineapple pool float , and this pizza slice pool float are sure to get you a bunch of Facebook likes.
Don’t Forget to Eat!
Step three: FOOD! BBQ’s are so standard. Step up your food game and set up a taco bar. We love this taco bar how-to from Building Our Story.
Delicious Treats
Step four: Drinks and Dessert. They’re basically the same thing, right? Start the day portion of the party with a watermelon eating contest, then use that hollowed-out watermelon as the serving bowl for a summery sangria.
Jello shots and homemade boozie popsicles are perfect for beating the Jersey heat and humidity (and getting a buzz.) Lastly, Mix up a summer cocktail, like a raspberry mojito, and freeze in an ice cube tray. You can serve them up as treats or drop them into your cocktails to pack an extra punch.
For Landlubbers
Step five: non-pool activities. Of course, there will always be a few party guests who are avoiding the pool entirely. They don’t want to mess up their hair for their Snapchat friends. And for this reason, it’s good to have some non-pool activities. Time to break out the tailgating lawn games: lasso golf and cornhole are always popular favorites. Bikini Twister (you know, the game Twister, but this time in a bikini) is a good way to help your guests get to know each other better. Just avoid wet t-shirt contests. Those are so early-2000s MTV Spring Break.
Everyone Loves Presents!
Step six: party favors. Want to go down as one of the most memorable hosts or hostesses, send guests home with party favors they’ll be using all summer long. Your own custom beer koozies are a hilarious parting gift. Or you can go for the party favor grab bag, where guests don’t know what they’ll end up with–pick up a few cheap bikini tops at H&M or sunnies from Urban Outfitters.
Summer Sounds
Step seven: music, duh! What would your gathering be without an epic pool party playlist? Here are some summer jams that are sure to get the pool dance party started.
“California Gurls” by Katy Perry
“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
“Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
“Summer Girls” by LFO
“Summer” by Calvin Harris
“All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line
“Cool for the Summer” by Demi Lovato