Tips for hosting a pool party all spring and summer. This guide to the best pool party covers planning, decor, and pool party recipes. and lots of dachshunds...
recipe originally published June 19, 2012
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Throw the best pool party
Spring and summer means pool parties.
When we had a pool, we basically lived in our back yard for several months. Jason loved the science of achieving perfect pH levels, a sparkly clean pool, and grilling. I loved blending margaritas, inviting people over, and keeping air in our dachshund's floaty cactus.
People love the house with a pool. Especially on really hot days... it's surprising how fast they are able to show up to an impromptu invite, almost as if they were already on their way to your house
From years of my pool party past, I bring you the guide to the ultimate pool party, sometimes from a dachshund perspective.
Pool party prep: do things ahead of time
My advice for hosting any party always has the same core items. I have added pool party specific items to the planning tips.
- Create a timeline - stress free planning begins with an outline of when to do what in the days ahead.
- Prepare ahead - do as much as you can ahead of time, from food and drinks to towels and decor. Our recipe list includes easy recipes and foods that can be made ahead of time.
- Keep glass away from pool - melamine dishes and unbreakable glasses are a great investment if you plan to have pool parties all summer long.
Decorations that are useful and fun
The best party props double as fun and useful, like tropical piñatas, beach balls, pool toys, and a palm tree cooler!
Have extra large beach towels ready for your guests. Stack them near doors, so people can dry off before entering the house. Have more towels near the pool to grab while leaving the pool.
Floaties are a must for pool parties. Fun pool floats come in all shapes, like avocados, unicorns and flamingoes, and even dachshunds! Basil had a cactus that he loved to float on...
Activity areas
Your guests will want a place to sit or lay in the sun once they get out of the pool. Arrange chairs and lounges near the pool.
Food and drinks can be placed in the shade or even indoors if that is workable. If you are also grilling, have the BBQ near the food area. Use containers for ice and beverages. These acrylic beverage tubs work best and do not leak.
Plan games and have pool accessories / toys available.
Basil was surprisingly good at the ring toss portion of the basketball hoop:
The ultimate in pool party food and drink
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Pool Party Recipes
These pool party recipes are make ahead or quick to make, so you can enjoy the party, relax, and have fun in the sun!
This quick recipe brings you summer in a bowl - perfect for a side dish or light dinner, just add crusty bread.
A pineapple spiked version of my family's traditional potluck recipe. This gluten free pasta salad is a hit at the pool party.
Brimming with freshness and bright, herby flavors, this is a great salad for any event.
These peanut butter jelly bars are a tasty breakfast, snack or dessert.
This potluck dish is a fresh, flavorful mix of veggies and curly pasta in a bright avocado dressing.
A veggie forward version of everyone's favorite Asian cucumber salad. Edamame makes this a protein rich salad.
This salad brings bold flavors from bright and briny ingredients. Make this dish in literally minutes!
A unique flavor twist on everyone's favorite party popper, these include sweet pineapple and buttery cracker crumb in every spicy bite!
Naturally sweet with a spicy heat, this spicy guacamole is your new summertime staple! A quick and easy crowd pleaser!
This peach crostini, with a flavorful balsamic drizzle or fresh basil, is a brightly colored and vibrantly flavored summer treat.
The classic cheese spread goes dairy free and gets a spicy update!
Golden crispy tofu is a party ready appetizer or snack, and is also a tasty salad topper or wrap filling.
This deliciously rich, smooth dip is so versatile - enjoy as a tasty snack, party appetizer, sandwich spread or salad dressing!
This fresh, colorful appetizer has the bright flavors of summer in one bite. The party favorite all year long.
Roasted artichoke lemon hummus brings rich flavors to a classic hummus recipe. This easy recipe is a great snack or dressed up appetizer and has a simple whole food ingredient list.
A quick and easy appetizer with bold, briny flavor. Tapenade is perfect for that last minute snack.
Everyone’s favorite summer cocktail brings a spicy kick! This naturally sweetened, fresh juice margarita will be your summertime staple.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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Marya says
Ha! Love the Basil pics! We have a Jack Russell Terrier named Hazel that loves to windsurf with Baron, my husband. She has a little life vest and goes nuts if she's not allowed to climb on the board and ride along. He put a non-skid surface down there so she doesn't slip off. Gotta love dogs!
spabettie says
aaw, Hazel sounds like an adventurer for sure - I love that! don't know if Basil would surf, but we haven't tried, so... 😉
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
Remembering to relax and have fun sounds like it's the most important! 🙂 Now I really want to go to a pool party... can I come out to Oregon? 😉
janetha [meals & moves] says
ohmygoodness
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
Oh my gosh... basil on the dingy? Just made my day. Seriously.
Wendy says
I cannot tell you how much these pictures of Basil made me smile! When I was growing up we had a red miniature dachshund that looked exactly like Basil. (Her name was Cinnamon) She LOVED to sit at the end of my floaty chair. We spent many a summer day floating in our pool. I hadn't thought about that in years. Thanks for bringing back such happy memories. 🙂 And I must try your Reuben rolls!
Nancy Rose Eisman says
Best Spabettie blogpost ever!
spabettie says
hee! thank you Nancy Rose! 🙂
Tommy says
that doggie of yours is so stinkin cute.
spabettie says
he knows.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
that's it. i'm comin' over!
spabettie says
yay - come on over!
Allie says
So much Basil! HOW is he so adorable? And if I had a pool...well, I'd like to say I'd throw a good pool party, but I'd probably be a lazy pool owner and be too embarrassed to invite people over to my green-ish leaf-filled pool ;D
spabettie says
haa! even the green is easy to get rid of... I know this first hand 😉 and Basil says THANK YOU ALLIE. isn't he just SO dang cute?!?
Christina says
OMG I saw Basil on a floaty and had to immediately skip down to comment! How incredibly adorable!! My dog Sushi won't go near a floaty, she's scared of everything lol.
Ok I'll go read the rest of your post now lol
Christina says
I still have yet to make those Rueben rolls, I need to get on that!
spabettie says
you do! they are so SO good... I'm making them again Friday! 🙂
spabettie says
hee, that is too funny. isn't he SWEET? he likes the pool as long as we are in it with him.