Sunny szn is finally here! If you’re ready to kick off your summer with a party to remember, a poolside bash is calling your name. And guess what? We’ve already planned it for you! If you’re ready for a splashy soirée of your own, we’ve got all the tips you need to make it a success.
Slay the setup
We’re gonna let you in on a little secret–if you don’t have a pool available to you, you can absolutely still host an unforgettable backyard bash with all the same tropical vibes. No matter where you’re throwing your party, though, one of the most important parts is getting together the perfect decor.
If you’re hosting at an actual pool, you can start by adding some of your fave themed floats to your pool (yep, we’re bringing the flamingoes out of retirement). You can also scatter bright colored balloons all over the party for an extra fun touch. Can’t get your hands on any helium atm? Even better–you can use any extra balloons as impromptu pool volleyballs. As for the tablescape, we recommend going *all out* on tropical colors. Aquamarine paper plates, hot pink napkins and neon yellow silverware? Now it’s starting to sound like summer.
Snag some snacks
Since your guests will probably be in the pool for most of the party, there’s no need to go all out on a five-course meal (phew!). Keep it light with refreshing snacks like fruit (mmm, watermelon) and mini ham sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls. And, ofc, if your squad is craving something a little sweeter, you can put out a bowl of whatever candy screams tropical to you. (Nerds Gummy Clusters, anyone?)
Once your squad gets thirsty (all that swimming *is* hard work, after all), it’s time to bring out the refreshments. Sure, you can go with plain ol’ water or Kool-Aid Jammers, but why not take it up a notch with fresh coconut milk? If your grocery store sells coconuts in the summer, snag one for each guest along with some adorbs striped straws. Each coconut should have three dots on the top of it, any of which you can pierce through with an ice pick or knife to make an opening (this can be pretty tricky, so get some help with this from a parent). Slide a straw through the hole, and guess what? You’ve got the tastiest and most IG-worthy summer drink ever.
Craft your photo op
No party is complete without an extra beachy photo op! As the base for your backdrop, snag a totally tiki fringe curtain (even better if you can find a bamboo-inspired one) and hang it up in your party space. To keep it quick ‘n’ easy, add a few pops of color with some balloons to make it extra festive. Got some extra time on your hands? Try crafting some personalized paper flowers to hang at the top of your booth, or invest in some plastic palm fronds to frame your photo.
Set the vibe
The table is set, the decor’s curated and all the food is prepped. The only thing left to do is to add a *few* finishing touches to cement your theme and take your bash to the next level. Keep the luau vibes going by passing out a lei to each guest, along with some of these adorbs *and* waterproof flower hair clips (which, BTW, will also look amazing scattered along your tablescape if you have any extras). Once the guests start to roll in, press play on your sunniest playlist to set a happy, carefree (and totally HSM2) mood. All that’s left to do now? Slip into your chicest swimsuit and get splashing, pool princess!
Looking for more party planning inspo? Check out these other articles!
🧸How To Host The Ultimate Jellycat Exchange Party
💝 Here’s How To Host An Unforgettable Galentine’s Bash
🪩 Plan The Perfect Pre Prom Bash With Your BFFs
Images: @luciana.events, @bitebox_catering, @elenha.deco, @nearlywedmag, @coastaldreamseventsllc
