1DIY Cocktail Cart
Bless'er House You don't have to actually buy a cocktail cart to create one. Any elevated cart will do with the right bar essentials, glasses and, of course, drinks. Not only does a well-decorated cocktail cart add to the decor of any pool party, but it keeps all the back-and-forth trips to the house for refills at a minimum. Whip up a specialty drink in bulk and leave a pitcher of it on top at the centerpiece to your cart. You can do the same with lemonade for kids.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »
RELATED: Unique Bar Cart Ideas to Bring Personality to Your Space
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2Get Balloons Involved
Studio DIY Pool floats are a must, but to take the fun to the next level, blow up some colorful balloons, or even ones that spell out words. It'll be an incredible first impression, and make for an epic photo opt.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY»
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3Self-Serve Snack Bar
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4Hang Mood Lighting
Mindful Media Backyard spotlights and lamps work fine for lighting purposes once the sun starts to set, but can be pretty harsh and ruin a cozy vibe you might be going for. String some hanging lights throughout the trees and around the perimeter of the pool and yard to create the ultimate ambiance once it starts getting dark out.
SHOP POOL LIGHTS
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5Create a Signature Cocktail or Mocktail
mike garten In 15 minutes or less, you can have the perfect summer drink, filled with fresh fruit. For a kid-friendly version, skip the prosecco and top it with sparkling water.
Get the Star-Spangled Spritzer recipe »
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6Invest in Big Inflatables
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7Have a Taco Bar (or Any Food Bar Really!)
Gulcin Ragiboglu Food at a pool party can be tricky, especially if you're worried about feeling a LOT of people. A build-your-own taco bar (or rather a build-your-own-anything bar — wraps, ice cream, sandwich etc.) is a great way for every pool party guests to get exactly what they want to eat, plus you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time (for the most part) and set out when it's time to dig in. For the taco bar, grab soft and hard shells, provide some beef, chicken and rice bases and let folks go while with sauces, toppings and more!
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8Pool Accessories and Toys Chest
A Night Owl Blog Set up a few baskets around the poll area full of underwater toys, bubbles, beach buckets, water guns, beach balls and more to add even more fun to an already splash-tastic day. And when it's treat time, set aside one of those beach buckets, fill it with ice and pop a bunch of popsicles in for easy serving.
SHOP POOL TOYS
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
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9Plan Some On-Theme Games
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10Set Up a Kid's Pool Area
FamVeld Kids should always be monitored, but make it easier on the parents with a designated kiddie pool area for younger ones who might not be strong enough swimmers to tackle the big pool yet. As always, make sure there's always at least one adult supervising when children are swimming.
SHOP KIDDIE POOL
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11Host a Backyard BBQ
AzmanJaka When in doubt, go with the expected. Pool parties and backyard BBQs practically go hand in hand. Get the grill going and throw on some steaks, chicken, veggies, kabobs and more that'll leave every party guest eagerly reaching for seconds. Need some new ideas? Check out our favorite grilling recipes below!
RELATED: Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP
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12Create a Poolside Towel Caddy
Oleg Breslavtsev There's nothing worse than someone forgetting their towel and then, ironically, coming into the house dripping wet to ask you for one. And while we're more than happy to accommodate any guests, our floors don't appreciate the mess! To easily avoid, set aside a towel caddy with extras easily in reach of the pool and/or hot tub. Although, fair warning — we can't promise a few folks won't end up wandering home with one or two of them.
SHOP POOL TOWELS IN BULK
SHOP CADDY
RELATED: Best Beach Towels for Summer
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13Turn the Pool Party into Movie Night
svetikd The pool party doesn't have to stop just because the sun has s disappeared. In fact, make it even more entertaining by turning it into a movie screening, with snacks (popcorn and candy bar, anyone?) and plush pool floats perfect for prime seating. Invest in a blow-up movie screen, or go at it the old-fashioned way with a giant white sheet and some clips. The only question now — what are we watching?
SHOP INFLATABLE MOVIE SCREEN
RELATED: Movie Night Ideas to Jazz Up Your At-Home Viewing Experience
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14Invest in Fun Cups
How adorable are these watermelon cups? You can also get them in a pineapple shape. The best part is, they also act as a little favor for guests.
SHOP CUPS
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15Build Your Own S'mores bar
A Night Owl Blog How can you enjoy warm weather without a nice gooey s'more? With this tutorial, you don't need a full-fledged bonfire to create marshmallow and chocolate treats — it uses a canned sterno! Set up a little station of roasting sticks, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers — and of course some more unique add-ins like Reese's Cups, cookies and cream chocolate bars and even fruit — and ready, set, roast.
SHOP SNACK JARS
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
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16Use a Watermelon Whale Fruitbowl as a Centerpiece
Mike Garten Don't let it scare you — this watermelon whale fruit centerpiece can easily be created by the average Joe. With the tutorial at Woman's Day, you can create a truly stunning (and delicious) table centerpiece that also acts as the perfect pool party snack.
Get the tutorial at Woman's Day »
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17Set Aside Sunscreen, Aloe and Bug Spray Basket
Catherine Falls Commercial The only thing that'll ruin the great mood both you and your guest will have after a great pool party? Skin that's sore from sunburn or itchy from bug bites. Make sure everyone has access to the basics by putting out a basket of sunscreen (be aware some folks need higher SPFs than others), some aloe (for those who still might not be able to beat a few rays) and of course bug spray to keep the pesky bugs and mosquitos away.
SHOP ALOE
SHOP BUG SPRAY
SHOP WOVEN BASKET
RELATED: Best Sunscreens, Tested by Scientists
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18Create the Ultimate Oasis
Maria Korneeva Some lawn chairs and towels will technically do just fine to provide extra seating, but if you really want to bring a sense of rest and relaxation to the party, set up an area with beachy pillows and blankets that guests can rest on in the shade.
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19Say Hello to a Snow Cone
Matt Hoover Photo We touched on the topic of food bars earlier, but for dessert, snow cones are the nostalgic sweet treat that's much easier to serve up than ice cream. Compared to pints of ice cream, toppings, syrups and more, all you need is some shaved ice, syrup, cups and a spoon — all of which come in most snow cone kits. Talk about easy-peasy!
SHOP SNOW CONE KIT
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20Inflatable Pool Cooler
grandriver Keep the pool party theme in full swing by using a mini inflatable pool as your cooler. Fill it up with lots of ice, stock it with your favorite drinks and set it aside in the shade to keep drinks ice cold all day long.
SHOP MINI INFLATABLE POOL
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