Inflatables like balloons, pool floats, or (even better!) both are a fast, inexpensive way to up the fun factor at any pool party.
See more at Studio DIY.
SHOP BALLOONS
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
2
Cool Down With Frozen Fruit
One Little Project
So easy to make from fresh fruit, these super-healthy popsicles are as pretty as they are yummy.
See more at One Little Project.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
3
Go Glam
Sugar and Cloth
If you’re looking to make a splash by elevating your bash, glam it up. Gold accents, plush pillows, a luxe flower arrangement or two and you’ve set a scene straight out of Beverly Hills.
See more at Sugar & Cloth.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
4
Make a Themed Dessert
Aww Sam
Donut cake pans, along with lots of frosting, are the keys to whipping up these delightful desserts that look just like pool floats! They’re sure to be the hit of your next pool party.
See more at Aww Sam.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
5
DIY Some Seating
Jane Merritt
Getting ready for a waterside blowout and need more seating pronto? Don’t despair, just pull together a couple of these clever recliners made from pool noodles and parachute cord.
See more at The House That Lars Built.
SHOP POOL NOODLES
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
6
Set Up a Fire Pit
A Beautiful Mess
DIY a fire pit your guests will flock to once the sun goes down and the s’mores ingredients come out. It’s easier to do than you might think, thanks to this tutorial. Or you can always buy one of these affordable fire pits.
See more at A Beautiful Mess.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
7
Sip Sangria
Caitlin Bensel
Sangria is one of summer’s most festive, flavorful drinks. Made with crisp white wine and fresh fruit, this make-ahead cocktail is a hostesses secret weapon.
Get the White Wine Sangria recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
8
String Garland
Dream a Little Bigger
If your pool party has a tropical flavor, these adorable garlands shaped like jungle flowers and fern leaves will add on-theme visual pizzazz to your gathering.
See more at Dream a Little Bigger.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
9
Serve Food on Skewers
Will Dickey
Easy to serve and eat, grilled and skewered shrimp are light enough that guests might not have to wait 30 minutes after chowing down before they get back into the pool. They make a great app or even a side for a summer cookout.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
10
DIY Pineapple Lanterns
Lia Griffith
These pretty paper pineapple lanterns will bring a glittering glow to your party. We recomend using them with battery-operated tea lights for safety’s sake.
See more at Lia Griffith.
SHOP FLAMELESS TEA LIGHTS
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
11
Throw a Flamingo-Themed Party
Polka Dot Chair
If pink’s one of your favorite hues, you might want to go with a flamingo-themed party that includes these super-cute disposable silverware pockets.
See more at Polka Dot Chair.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
12
Play Games
Lovely Indeed
Backyard games like this funky DIY cornhole set will keep the action going when everyone’s skin is too pruney to even think about hitting the water again.
See more at Lovely Indeed.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
13
Rethink Piña Coladas
Caitlin Bensel
This fun twist on a classic tropical drink has all the flavors of a piña colada (including pineapple and coconut) in cake form! Serve up each slice with a mini paper umbrella for even more poolside fun.
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
14
Give Party Favors
Ruffles and Rain Boots
If you are tossing a mermaid-themed event for the gals in your group, these sweet little sugar scrub cubes will make for a festive party favor. Pair them with mermaid bath bombs if you want to go the extra mile.
See more at Ruffles and Rain Boots.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
15
Head to a Public Pool
PMQ for Two
No swimming hole at home? No worries—grab the gang and head to a public pool. (Hint: many hotels sell non-guests day passes to their pools.) And don’t forget to bring the floats!
See more at PMQ for Two.
SHOP POOL FLOATS
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
16
Make It a Pizza Pool Party
Caitlin Bensel
Bring your pizza party outdoors by learning how to make pizza on the grill! Then finish the pies with summery pizza toppings, like fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Get the Grilled Pizza recipe.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
17
Watch a Movie
svetikd//Getty Images
Supercharge your party by setting up and outdoor movie and screening your favorite summer flick. Might we suggest one of Ree’s favorites, Jaws?
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
18
Strike a Pose
Anna Killian
Photo backdrops remain an incredibly popular addition to parties and why not—who doesn’t like to vogue? With its brilliant hibiscus flowers and rich green foliage, this one is a must for events with a Hawaiian or tropical theme.
See more at The House That Lars Built.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
19
Set Up the Poolhouse
Joe Schmelzer//Getty Images
Don’t forget to welcome guests into your poolhouse if they need to change into their suits or otherwise use the facilities. It can be a great place to add extra seating for larger get-togethers, too.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
20
Mind Your Floats
The Merrythought
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.