How to Have a Pool Party

Sometimes it's easy to assume hosting a pool party is only about having a pool and offering appetizers and drinks. But with a few fresh ideas, it's easy to put some waves in an old idea. Whether it's a kids' party, for teenagers or adults these variations ensure your next pool party is a splashing success.

Instructions

1. Set the tone with creative invitations. Blow up beach balls and write the party information on each one with a permanent marker.

2. Look into renting a cotton candy machine, a rolling popcorn cart or a hot dog stand. Even kids who are too busy playing will stop to grab a treat from these unique stands. Teens and adults find the idea of having these carts available for them personally fun too.

3. Plan games for the swimmers, leaving some time for unstructured swimming. Games allow everyone to mingle and even the non-swimming guests enjoy watching games. Put adults on teams for water volleyball, while younger kids enjoy games like Marco Polo, or Sharks and Minnows. End the party with a piñata and each person who takes a turn but doesn't break the piñata must jump in the water then get back in line.

4. Mix it up by hosting a mid-morning pool party rather than the traditional afternoon or evening parties. Refresh guests with the a swim before the heat of the day starts, and offer them a menu of bagels, pastries, muffins and mimosas, coffee and juice to drink.

5. Enhance evening parties with an underwater multi-colored disco ball and lights strung around the poolside. The combination of lights reflecting off the water in the cool night air provides a wonderful atmosphere to have swimming and even non-swimming pool parties.

6. Give out party favors that compliment the party. Let squirt guns float in the pool before guests arrive and tell them to take one home when they leave. Get canvas tote bags, put iron-on beach themed decals on one side, and allow guests to decorate and personalize the other side with fabric pens. Fill each bag with a new pair of sunglasses, small pool toys and shell necklaces before they leave.