by Mary Byrd

Created on: June 09, 2008

How to throw a pool party

"Summer time and the living is easy," by George Gershwin from the musical Porky and Bess, give a idealistic picture of a lazy summer. What can be easier and more fun than a pool party.

If the idea of throwing any party puts you in a spin, then follow this step-by-step plan for a perfect pool party.

Number uno, you will need a pool. If you don't have a pool then stop at this point, or either purchase an above the ground pool or surprise hubby with a pool for Father's Day, his birthday or any other occasion you can dream up. If you have a pool in the backyard, or live in an apartment complex with a pool then you're in business.

Now that you have a pool, the first thing is to decide on a theme for your party. One of the most successful pool parties I give is a luau. At this point, you should purchase, or order any supplies and decorations to coordinate with the theme. To save money and to be environmental friendly, you should use as many things as you can that are recycled and can be reused next year or at another party. For safety sake you should never have glass in the pool area, instead use reusable plastic dishes and cups.

Second, decide on a menu, and how many people you will invite to the Luau. Traditionally at a luau you serve a roasted whole pig. I personally find this rather disgusting, but some people love it. For quick and easy preparation, use as many prepared foods as possible that you can purchase from the deli at the supermarket. Should you choose to go this route, then do a little disguising and get rid of the store containers.

Another option is to have the food catered. This can be expensive, but well worth the peace of mind. One last suggestion for the food is ask everyone to bring a dish or two. The only drawback to this is many people will stop on their way over and buy from the same deli you did. Should you ask people to bring food, be specific about what you want them to bring, otherwise you will end up with 15 bags of chips, and no dips.

Third, about 7-10 days before the party mail out invitations. You can either make or buy invitations. If you type the words free luau party invitations into the search engine, you will be directed to a number of sites with free invitations you can down load. Be sure to include your phone number by the RSVP and the words, by three days before the party.

Since only about half of the people seem to know what the letters RSVP means, about 3 days before the party, I give everyone who hasn't called a ring.

Two days before the party, purchase groceries for the party, ice, beverages, liquor and any other supplies you may need or have forgotten.

The day before the party, prepare any food that needs to be cooked ahead of time, make sure dishes are clean from being stored, and table cloths and napkins are ready. One idea I've used for a table cloth is to purchase inexpensive colorful fabric from the big department store. Cut fabric with pinking sheers into large squared and place diagonally over tables.

On the day of the party, clean the pool, and hose down the area surrounding the pool.

Lots of flowers both real and artificial add a festive touch. Float a dozen large color flowers in the pool Burn torches in the evening, and have a fire.

A few things to include for guess are beech towels, sunscreen, insect repellent, and thongs. Pool toys and safety floats for children and adults goes without saying. But the most important thing you, as the hostess, can do to have a successful party is to go with the flow, smile and have a good time.

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