Today’s post is sponsored by Allstate. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Gen Y Girl!
Alright guys, so in case you’re not familiar with this whole summer/fall solstice thing, believe it or not, summer’s still in session until September 22nd. Why does that matter at all? Well, because that means there’s still plenty of time to plan an awesome pool party!
Given that I live in Miami, FL, I can pretty much host pool parties year round, but for those of you who are looking to finish off the summer with a bang, here are a few tips that’ll help you throw a super cool pool party that your friends and family will LOVE!
Make things fun with bright outdoor decor
It’s a party, so be sure to make things a little festive! The summer’s a great time to bring out your bright plates, napkins, cups – you name it! Whether you’re hosting a Hawaiian luau or a flamingo-themed fiesta, include a few details in your setup that your guests won’t forget.
Floats, obviously
You can’t scroll through Instagram for more than a minute these days without seeing one of those huge floats people can’t get enough of! And I mean, they’re super cute, so can you really blame them? Laying out in the pool while floating on a giant slice of pizza? Heck yea! I’m in! But as cute as they are, they also serve as a safety tool, so be sure to keep a few in the pool or neaby in case of a potential rescue situation. It’s a good pool safety practice, and I’m all about that.
Make sure your guests stay hydrated
It’s like a bajillion degrees outside in the summer, so make sure your guests stay hydrated! Serve plenty of water, lemonade, and maybe even some fruit-flavored popsicles to promote hydration at your party!
Have plenty of shady areas available
I don’t know about you, but after about 30 minutes of fun in the sun, I need to take a little shade break. Having shady areas available for your guests is a MUST when hosting a pool party, so be sure to have some shady spots set up in your backyard where your guests can escape to. Trees, awnings, and umbrellas are all great options.
Serve easy, fuss-free snacks
Sure, your guests want to enjoy the pool, but they also want to eat! I mean, who doesn’t? Be the hostess with the mostess by serving super simple fuss-free snacks poolside so that people aren’t starving. Things like chips and dip work nicely, as do cheese cubes, and a healthy veggie platter.
Have all the sun essentials handy
Your guests were so excited for your pool party that they accidentally forgot some of the essentials at home. Lucky for them, you’re a pro at this hosting thing, and have tons of extra stuff handy. Things like hats, towels, bug spray and the non-negotiable sunscreen. Having these ready and available will ensure that your guests have the very best time at your place.
That’s it! What else can you think of that makes for a great pool party? And for those of you planning a few more outdoor get togethers this summer, make sure you check out Allstate’s comprehensive guide to outdoor summer fun and safety!
*This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.
My former apartment had two pools and I swear my roommate, myself, and our friends were in the water almost every day! Love a pool party! Now I live in a complex with no pool and I miss it!!!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
I was recently at an outdoor grad party and they had buckets with sunscreen and bug spray in them. While I don’t have a pool, this list still applies to most outdoor events! I love the idea of having essentials on hand in case anyone forgot something.
http://www.andthenwetried.com
Love having bright items for outdoor parties & outdoor living! We eat outside most summer & spring days, so I like to use plates that won’t shatter & be an issue. I found the cutest, bright colored outdoor plates at TJ Maxx with different colored pineapples all over them!
ahh i want all the pool floats, fun ice trays, and colorful decor! So so so festive!
Floats are the best part of a pool party!!
My mom just got a boat and I’m really trying to convince her to get a pizza float!
Tori
http://www.mooretori.com
Yaaaasss! Pizza float!! 🙂
Yes! I love pool floats! I have the pineapple one as well as a giant diamond ring! They are awesome!
xo CourtneyDrew
A diamond ring? How cuteee!! I haven’t seen that one yet! Hope you’re having an awesome summer, lady! xoxox, Kayla
All of these tips are so cute! Nothing better than a pool party in the summer!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
I agree! Love being out in the sun and in the water!! 🙂
When I was in CA I saw shops filled with fun outdoor party things! Made me want to have a pool party ASAP haha.
Ahh pool party planning can be so stressful – these are all excellent tips!
This post made me miss throwing pool parties! These are great tips!
Hahaha thanks! Glad you liked them! 🙂
Such festive, colorful props + decor can make all the difference! This makes me wish I had a pool to celebrate the end of summer with.
Stay inspired,
Mary
Right?! I don’t have a pool myself, but I crash at my momma’s anytime I need a little Vitamin D! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
such cute tips! wishing I had a pool to use rn…