Pool Parties

I plan pool parties for fun.  I just really enjoy everything about pool parties and they are just so easy to pull off.

When I plan pool parties, I go step by step down a list and when I’m at the end of the list, the work is done.  The first thing that I do is invite people and remind them to bring their bathing suits and that they will not need towels.  I have a lot of towels just for pool parties.

The second thing that I do for pool parties is plan the menu. 

I keep the fare light with salads, fruits, veggies and dip.  I buy sodas and tea at the grocery store.  I have to drive to the next county to buy beer and I only buy beer for the non-swimmers.

The third thing that I do is clean the pool. 

Pool parties are not really very fun in a dirty pool.  I usually clean my pool myself, but if I have any trouble with it at all, I call a pool service.

I have a changing room for pool parties that I stock with towels, a few extra suits and sunscreen.  It feels like no one remembers to bring sunscreen, so I started stocking up. 

The fourth thing I do to get ready is double check that the changing room is stocked and clean.

Pool parties don’t occur entirely in the pool, so I make sure to set up enough patio chairs and tables around the pool area to accommodate everyone that I’ve invited.  I didn’t do this at one of my very first pool parties and I was very embarrassed when people were standing around with no where to sit. 

That is why setting out the chairs is my fifth thing to do.

I have purchased several large tables for my pool parties.  They fold up and store easily in my garage.  When I’m working on an upcoming pool party, I pull the tables out of the garage and clean them.  The sixth thing that I do to get ready for pool parties is to set up those tables.  I use one for food and the other for drinks.

The seventh thing that I do when I am getting ready for pool parties is to arrange plates, cups, napkins and utensils on the serving tables.

I like to have good music playing at my pool parties. 

The eighth thing that I do to get ready for pool parties is to set up my stereo and speaker system near the pool.  I like to use surf music for some background music.

I like to be creative when I’m decorating for pool parties. 

One party this year, I arranged sand and seashells in an old children's pool around the pool area to give the look of a seaside escape.

My pool parties usually last into the evening, so I light the pool area with candles in lanterns and Christmas lights strung from my tree limbs. 

Once the party has broken up and most of the guests are gone, I like to use floating candles in the pool while I relax and reflect.

I have also created a set of games for use at pool parties.  I have searched online for games to play in the pool and have made instruction cards for each of them. 

I’ve had the instructions laminated and before pool parties, I set the games manual beside the pool for kids and adults to peruse.