Whether you’re ready to dive, cannonball or dip your toes into summer, a pool party is a warm weather must. Walk away sporting the title, “coolest host” with these pool party tips, brought to you by Chinet® Classic White™.
Pool Party Decor
Fresh blooms and a manicured lawn can count as easy, natural decor but adding splashes of color — and some character — to your backyard bash can get guests even more excited.
Blow up beach balls in different colors and sizes to place around your yard and in your pool. Looking for a fun — and easy — DIY? Spray paint pineapples to add some pop to your party spread. Before spray painting, be sure to go outside (lie a tarp or newspaper down), wear gloves and cover your mouth and nose.
Garlands can easily transform any corner of your yard, so jump into making a pool noodle garland, sparkly scallop garland or both! To create the pool noodle garland, use a saw to cut one-inch-thick rounds from a pool noodle (use caution when cutting), then string twine through the noodle holes. Leave extra twine at either end of your garland so you can tie them to a fence, tree or chairs. If you want a longer garland, use more than one noodle (we used 3 noodles to create a 5-foot garland). If you want a multicolored garland, select several different colors and alternate them one after the other. For the scallop garland, simply cut paper plates in half (we chose Chinet® Classic White™ All Occasion plates) and hole punch either end at the flat top of each half. Paint half of your plates with gold paint and let dry, then apply spray adhesive to the painted plates and sprinkle with gold craft glitter. Once dry, thread twine through the top of each plate, alternating between glitter and white plates.
Pool Party Food
But first, serveware! In order to make the pool party grub a success, set out plenty of napkins, plates, cups and utensils. Opt for disposable serveware (we like Chinet® Classic White™ and Chinet® Cut Crystal®) to minimize the cleanup and keep the party casual (it is a pool party after all!). Since you’ll be hosting your party outdoors, wrap your cutlery in disposable napkins and tie with twine so the napkins won’t blow away in the wind. Don’t have time to wrap your utensils? Grab a rock from your yard (bonus points if you paint it with a cool design!) to weigh down your napkins. Same goes for your plates — place a pail of utensils on top so a gust of wind won’t blow your plates into the pool.
Finger foods and easy-to-grab grub are a pool party must! Serve veggies and Ranch dressing in disposable cups (we like Chinet® Cut Crystal®). Bonus: If you place a row of cups upside down and place with a tray on top of them, you can create a raised serving platter which adds dimension to your table.
All BBQ everything is a sure win at any pool party. To make it even easier for guests to grab and go, serve sliders in place of burgers.
Fruit is the ultimate summertime snack so make it a statement on your food table by serving it in a fun way, like in this super sweet DIY pineapple tiered stand. First, spray paint two pineapples in the color of your choice (the brighter, the better). Then, lie a tarp or newspaper down outside to prevent the paint from getting on the ground or in the house (also be sure to wear gloves and cover your mouth and nose when spray painting). Once dry, cut one pineapple in half and place the bottom portion of that pineapple in the center of a Chinet® Chip & Dip Party Tray (you can discard the top). Drill three holes in a triangle formation in the center circle of a second party tray. Slide a wooden skewer through each hole in the second tray, then push each skewer through the first pineapple and the top tray down onto the first pineapple (the skewers ensure the top tray doesn’t slide). Once the top tray is secure, gently push a second, uncut pineapple into the round, center portion of the party tray. Fill the tray with fruit and enjoy!
Pool Party Drinks
Hydration is key when you’re soaking up that summertime sun. Designate an area for drinks — such as a festive bar cart or side table. Place coolers around with different drink options (be sure to have plenty of ice to keep them cool) and provide disposable cups, napkins, straws, a kitchen towel, bottle opener and garnishes. A signature drink personalizes a party, so pick a refreshing beverage that you know your friends will love and serve in a large drink dispenser (we served pink lemonade with fresh lemon rounds).
What’s a pool party without ice pops? Serve them unwrapped on a tray of ice for an instant refresher from the summer heat.
Pool Party Activities
Keep the pool party poppin’ with summer activities. Fill your pool with fun floaties like large inflatable swans and donuts (especially if your friends will be bringing their children). But who said adults can’t have fun floating around too?!
Yard games are a surefire hit! Try this super easy DIY word jumble game. Simply place large gold sticker letters (available at craft stores) on paper plates (we used Chinet® Classic White™ square plates) then challenge guests to a friendly game.
Let the good times roll with a DIY giant dice game. To create the dice, purchase large wooden blocks from a craft store (also available online) and adhere round gold foil labels to each side to match the dots on a dice. Decoupage the stickers and let dry for 30 minutes before using. Use a large basket to “shake” your dice.
Start inviting your friends to cool off by the pool with the Premium Evite invitation below or another one from our pool party gallery.
NEXT: Check out more summertime party ideas.
The post Make a Splash This Summer with a Poppin’ Pool Party appeared first on Evite.