Summer Fun: A Posh Pool Party

July 19| posted in - cocktails, entertaining inspiration, food and drinks, Labor Day, outdoor entertaining, summer

Having a pool party is a quintessential part of summer and the perfect soiree to beat the summer heat. If you are ready to plan your next pool party and have no idea where to start, no worries we the ultimate guide with all the essentials you need to throw a fun and stylish party.

For starters, if you don’t have the perfect pool, secure one quick. You have to have a great pool in order to have a fab party. Once the pool is in place, up next are the invitations. You can send some pretty cool invites out by mail, like the one I found above over at Papertails or send one out via email from evite. Find some fun invitations that will let your guest know that they are in for lots of fun!

For more posh pool party ideas

Next - What’s on the menu? Create a menu that will tantalize your guest taste buds. It’s all about fresh flavorful foods and mouthwatering cocktails. Remember, your guest may want to take a dip in the pool, grab a bite to eat and jump back in the pool. For that reason keep your menu light. Also set up everything buffet style.

Appetizers

Lobster Avocado Boats – A special dish that is easy to make, your guest will love the Lobster Avocado Boats (pic 3), they are delish!

Cucumber Dip – The Cucumber Party Dip (pic 2) is a cool and refreshing dip that is perfect in the summer. This is also great way for you to use your fresh garden cucumbers.

Main Course

Chicken Mango Slaw – Can you say “Yum and perfect for your summer party”. David Lebovitz has created a tasty Chicken Mango Slaw (pic 5), that has the perfect crunch to it. It is of course open to many variations, such as roasted pork or sautéed tofu.

Barbecue Quesadillas – These zesty barbecue quesadillas (pic 6) are filled with chicken, spicy barbecue sauce and cheese. Serve them up with sour cream and salsa. They make a great poolside snack.

Grilled Pork Skewers with Chile Sauce – Bobby Flay’s Grilled Pork Skewers with Chile Sauce (pic 7) will definitely be a hit at your party. These skewers are very tender and full of flavor. Watch out though because the sauce is very hot and spicy.

Side Dishes

Creamy Coleslaw – Okay seriously, can you really have a summer party and not have a bowl of delicious creamy coleslaw (pic 1). The recipe is simple and easy to make, remember for a creamy slaw it’s all about the dressing.

Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini Pasta Salad – Here’s a great way to use summer’s abundant squashes. Toasted pine nuts and briny kalamata olives will make the pasta salad (pic4) a standout at the party.

Desserts

Warm Compote of Summer Fruits - Enjoy the fruits for summer by whipping up a Warm Compote of Summer Fruits (pic 12). These scrumptious fruits are only around for a few months so we need to enjoy them while we can.

Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles – Looking for style on stick? Well look in the direction of the mouth-watering flavors so Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles (pic 9). These popsicles are a coffee lovers delight. Add vanilla, mocha or chocolate for some variation. These iced treats are are cool, refreshing and packed with a caffeine punch!

Cocktails

Patio Daddy-O Planter’s Punch - Quench your thirst and turn up the heat at the party with this sweet and spicy island punch. To make this Patio Daddy-O Planter’s Punch (pic 8 ) be sure to garnish it with fresh pineapple wedges, citrus slices and a cherry.

Blackberry Limeade – This refreshing drink just screams summer, and should be sipped ice cold. The Blackberry Limeade (pic 10) is great for any summer outing and is kid friendly!

Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum – You won’t be able to make these fast enough. With Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum, (pic 11) you can’t go wrong.

Up Next – Setting the Scene: Decorate the pool area by surrounding it with some pretty floral arrangements and plants. Let your guest lounge around the pool in style by setting the deck chairs and chaise lounges around the pool. Place tables around the chairs for guest to place their drinks and food.

Pool Party Must – Haves:

Beach Balls

Pool Floats

Sun Screen

Pool Games

Waterproof Disposable Camera

Cabana Towels

So get out of the heat and enjoy the party!