Invite the Whole Neighborhood for a Pool Party with These Fun Ideas
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Summer is finally in full swing, and you know what that means: everybody in the water! Whether you have an in-ground, stock tank, inflatable, or natural pool, chances are that you're looking forward to having the crew over for a little H2O-based revelry. But if you've been hosting swim seshes at your backyard retreat for a while now, you also might be ready to freshen things up with some new pool party ideas. You don't want to keep serving up the same old same old, after all—no matter how big a hit all of those outdoor games, grilled goodies and funky pool floats have always been.
We got you, boo! Below, you'll find plenty of suggestions to help you level up your waterside merrymaking, from festive favors to fun activities, plus on-theme recipes and delightful decorations. We've included innovative products (we can pretty much guarantee you're gonna wanna snap up that floating cabana bar), as well as creative concepts like using frozen water balloons to keep food and drinks cold. And that DIY picnic blanket made out of bandanas? *Chef's kiss!* Read on, take notes, and then be sure to head on over to Upbeat Summer Songs To Add to Your Playlist so you can download your favorites and get the party started!
More Summer Fun:
DIY Bubbles Solution
Bubbles up the fun factor at any outdoor gathering, especially a pool party! And with this easy recipe, you can save loads of money making your own solution with basic ingredients you already have on hand. To make your guests feel extra welcome, give bottles away as favors with punny tags that read "thanks for popping by!"
Get the recipe for DIY Bubbles Solution.
Wildflower Sun Shade
No matter how cool your pool is, you're going to want to take a break from the sun at some point. If you don't have a covered deck or patio, you can create a shady spot with a canvas canopy. They come in a range of pretty designs and sizes, so you're sure to find one that suits your space.
Wildflower Sun Shade
amazon.com
$60.42
AmazonHoneyed Cherry Daiquiri
Slightly sweet and not too tart, this cherry-based rum concoction is the perfect poolside pick-me-up for the grown-ups in your gang.
Get the recipe for Honeyed Cherry Daiquiri.
Floating Cabana Bar
Floating bars are all the rage but none are better than this inflatable cabana that's a big 6 feet long and 3 feet high. It even comes with a removable awning to keep the sun from beating down on your refreshments. Brilliant!
Floating Cabana Bar
amazon.com
$79.00
AmazonBalloon Ice
As ingenious as it is cheery, this bit of party magic will keep your ice cream (or beverages) chilly while looking great doing it. Just fill colorful balloons with water and freeze. Put them in a tray or tub and nestle ice cream or drink cans among them. Cool idea, eh?
Cocktail Umbrella Wreath
Is there anything that screams "summer party" quite like paper drink umbrellas? We think not, and this super-cute, super-easy DIY wreath is a lighthearted way to greet your guests on the big day.
To make: Push open cocktail umbrellas into a Styrofoam wreath form. Note: You can use all the colors in the pack of umbrellas or limit the palette like we did.
DIY Paper Drink Umbrellas
Speaking of drink umbrellas, if you're feeling crafty you can whip up your own with our easy-peasy tutorial. It doesn't take much more than a bit of time, some paper, and a few wooden skewers.
Get the tutorial for DIY Paper Drink Umbrellas.
Cabana Beach Towels
Placing stacks of luxe beach towels with elegant, cabana-style stripes around your pool will ensure your guests feel plenty pampered. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference, after all.
Cabana Beach Towels
amazon.com
$39.99
AmazonPool & Spa Valet
When those cabana towels get soggy, a pool valet will give you a place to hang them neatly to dry. This one is not only heavy-duty, so it won't tip, but also features a convenient tray you can stock with sunscreen—a thoughtful touch everyone is sure to appreciate.
Pool & Spa Valet
amazon.com
$64.99
AmazonEmbellished Bucket
A vintage tub makes for an eye-catching cooler when you fill it with ice and beverages, but you can go this farmhouse look one better by decorating it with snazzy symbols like stars.
To make: Use a premade star stencil—or cut your own out of thick craft paper—white acrylic paint, and a paintbrush to add an arrangement of stars to the outside of your container.
Hammock with Stand
If your yard isn't set up with a hammock, you're missing out on a summer seating (or, er, reclining) staple. And with this study striped version, you don't even need two trees to tie it in between. Just be prepared—it's so dang comfy one of your guests is definitely gonna take a siesta in it. We're betting on Uncle Fred.
Hammock with Stand
amazon.com
$129.99
AmazonMason Jar Lemonade
With just two, count 'em TWO ingredients, making this homemade version of the warm-weather favorite only takes about as much time as slipping into your swimsuit does.
Get the recipe for Mason Jar Lemonade.
DIY Tennis Rackets and Ball
Whether the kiddos want to swing their "rackets" around in the water or out, it's all good with this homemade tennis set. It cleverly substitutes a balloon for the ball so you don't have to worry about your flowers getting smooshed while your littles are making like the Williams sisters.
Get the tutorial for DIY Tennis Rackets and Ball.
Inflatable Pool Slide
Fiberglass pool slides can run thousands of dollars, but this inflatable version only costs about as much as a night out at the movies with the fam! Durable enough that most adults as well as kids can use it, it also features a built-in sprayer system so you can hook it up to your hose and keep things slippery.
Inflatable Pool Slide
amazon.com
$102.49
Shrimp, Pepper, and Chorizo Kebabs
This summer, ditch the dogs and try grilling something delectably different for your pool party: spicy, flavorful kebabs made with shrimp and sausage. (The secret ingredient is a certain citrus fruit but you'll need to take a peek at our recipe to find out more...)
Get the recipe for Shrimp, Pepper and Chorizo Kebabs.
DIY Bandana String Lights
Any party planner will tell you that one of the keys to a successful soirée is great lighting. That's especially true of poolside festivities, which need to be well-lit but not so bright it feels like you're on display. These adorbs string lights with shades made from bandanas will glow without glaring.
Get the tutorial for DIY Bandana String Lights.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Just like proper lighting is crucial for any successful party, so are the tunes! This nifty little Bluetooth speaker from JBL is waterproof, with a battery that lasts a big 12 hours, so you can set it and forget it right by the pool. That jazzy color will even match the water!
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
amazon.com
$89.95
AmazonDIY Pool Noodle Ponies
Fretting about what to do if a summer thunderstorm takes everyone out of the water? No worries—just set the kids up with this nifty pool noodle craft that'll keep their hands happily occupied until the lightning passes.
Get the tutorial for DIY Pool Noodle Ponies.
Floating Ball Pool Light
After the sun sets, keep the good times glowing (sorry, we couldn't resist) with these inflatable globes. Solar-powered, they come on automatically and change colors, too. And unlike similar products, they're sold four to a pack and are big, at 14 inches each, so they're sure to make a statement.
Floating Ball Pool Light
amazon.com
$69.99
AmazonDIY Picnic Blanket
If you struggle with providing enough seating for your splash bashes, one (or more!) of these homemade picnic blankets could be the answer to your predicament. They're simple and cheap to make, but oh-so-smart-looking. Just toss a few comfy pillows on top of each and your backyard oasis is party-ready.
Get the tutorial for DIY Picnic Blankets.
Easy Bandana Blanket
Or, you can make this truly charming blanket from bandanas. It's easier than you think to create, even if you aren't a whiz with a needle and thread.
To make: Collect nine same-size bandanas (here, 22 by 22 inches), sew together in a square grid pattern (three rows of three). Then secure to a piece of waterproof canvas such as Ottertex. Add a quilting knot to bandana centers to hold the layers together.
Neon Color Sunglasses
Stash these brightly hued mirrored sunglasses in a basket poolside as a great gift for guests. If you don't mind paying a bit more, you can even get customized glasses with the date of the party, your name, or whatever you dream up! Available in a pack of 12 or 24.
Neon Color Sunglasses
amazon.com
$18.99
AmazonS'mores Swirl Cake
S'mores are a summertime tradition, but if you aren't up for building a bonfire at your pool party, you can always serve this scrumptious cake that includes all the classic ingredients. If you're feeling fiery, find ideas for Best-Ever S'mores here.
Get the recipe for S'mores Swirl Cake.
Shark Cornhole Set
Water sports don't have to begin and end at volleyball (or Marco Polo), thanks to this hilarious inflatable cornhole set that would make Jaws himself grin. Comes with 6 game balls.
Shark Cornhole Set
amazon.com
$17.99
AmazonDIY Snack Basket
Here's an idea that's not only handy but full of rustic appeal, too. Fill a few hand-painted fruit baskets with goodies like popcorn and place them around the pool. That way, your guests can grab a couple of handfuls if they want a quick nosh and get right back in the water!
To make: Paint the vertical slats of a small wooden basket, alternating colors. Paint the horizontal strapping a different color. When dry, line the basket with a cute cloth napkin or tea towel. Fill with snacks.
You Might Also Like
