Host a Themed Pool Party
Anyone can plan a day at the pool with friends during the summer months, but to throw a large, successful BBQ-pool party that everyone can enjoy, you need to have a game plan. The basics are simple: invitations, decorations, food, music, drinks, activities and financing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. The invitations:
Use large, colored index cards for the invitations, and hand-deliver or mail them to friends and family. Remind guests to bring towels, bathing suits, food or beverages if desired, or to provide some compensation upon arrival. Set up the party for a weekend so more people are able to attend. Name the party for what theme you would like: common themes are BBQs and luaus. Send invitations at least 2 weeks before the party.
2. The set-up and decorations:
Set up the party area between the pool area and barbecue; a volleyball court is a plus. Set up speakers with a stereo or iPod in a high, out-of-reach place to avoid damage. Set up two large tables with grass skirts attached around the edges for trays of food and a bar area, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage table. Place a keg with the keg tap and ice by the tables. Stick tiki torches, beach balls, volleyballs and various pool tools if desired around the area. Make sure there are available chairs around the pool as well as an area close by where guests can change.
3. The music:
Supply an upbeat soundtrack for the day of poolside festivities. Appropriate artists include the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley and other reggae music, classic rock bands such as the Rolling Stones and popular dance music your guests might like. Create a iPod playlist for the day or appoint a few people with good DJ skills and knowledge of what the crowd likes to take charge of the music choices.
4. The menu and drinks:
Set up the table with bright tablecloths, hula skirts and colorful paper plates, napkins and plastic silverware. BBQ burgers and hot dogs throughout the day. Designate a friend to do the grilling. Set up the snack table by the pool with chips, dip, platters of vegetables and Greek or fruit salads. Keep platters of freshly cooked hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs on the table at all times.
Set up the bar table with disposable cups, a blender, stirrers and little paper umbrellas. At the bar, provide refreshing drinks such as margaritas, pina coladas and wine spritzers. Offer nonalcoholic beverages such as soda, water, club soda and tonic water, smoothies and Kool-Aid. Make sure you have plenty of ice.
5. Out-of-water activities and games:
Provide set-ups, nets, tables and balls for volleyball and beach volleyball. Other possible activities include ping-pong, soccer, football and dancing.
6. The financing:
Before the festivities, consider asking close friends to help you pay for the party. If you do not want to ask others for help financing the party beforehand, pay for everything yourself and ask arriving guests to pitch in a few dollars. Shop for the food, decorations and beverages at discount stores and bulk stores such as Smart Dollar, 99 cent stores and Costco.
Tags: Host Themed, Host Themed Pool, Make sure, Pool Party, pool with