Poolside Entertaining Tips
The most important thing about having a day around your pool with family or friends to keep things simple so you can actually enjoy time with them. The best thing about having a pool is relaxing and visiting with those you love. Having great conversations, engaging in fun water activities, listening to favourite music and enjoying good food are what makes people feel they’ve had a happy time. Here are a few of our poolside entertaining tips for making the overall day a fun experience:
Plan for simple snacks that hydrate and satisfy both sweet and salty cravings (watermelon, nachos, freezies)
Keep barbecues or meals simple. One or two proteins (burgers & dogs), one carb (potatoes, rice or pasta salad), one veggie (veggie tray or corn on the cob) one fruit (watermelon or grapes) can make a statement! Keep it simple Make it taste delicious. IF you want a dessert choose chocolate chip cookies.
If it’s a potluck, create a group chat and post your wish-list menu to give people an idea of what they could choose to bring
Use a folding table on the patio to hold plastic cutlery and dishes and a jug of cold water with ice and cups for refilling. Also add a basket of sunscreen for those who forgot theirs. Under the table store some extra towels and hats.
Keep a cooler with ice out on the patio or deck, or place large bins with ice on the top of the table
Invite guests inside your kitchen to fill their plates but eat out on the patio or deck. This avoides attracting bees and wasps
Have a few extra fold-up chairs handy to pull out if needed
Decide ahead of time what playlists you want to use
Have your phones and portable speakers charged the night before
Decide which games you want to play ahead of time and only offer those. Too much choice leads to extra clutter and trip hazards around the pool deck. Water squirters, soft balls, paddle boards and pool noodles are always a good choice. For little one a few pouring cups and toys are always a hit
have string lights, patio lanterns and solar lights in the yard and around the pool for after the sun goes down
Make sure you call cabs or ‘Keys Please’ to ensure safe rides home for guests who have over-indulged in adult beverages