Throw A Posh Pool Party

A posh pool party begins with the right invitations.

A pool party is the quintessential summer soiree. Go upscale and create a posh outdoor party that everyone will be talking about. But before you dive into planning, make sure you have the following essentials for the ultimate in style and fun in the sun.

Setting the Ambiance

First, decide on what type of scene you want to set: do you want to create a modern lounge-vibe in black and white colors? Or do you want to use Florida-brights to set a Miami feel? Choose music that compliments your theme, and create a playlist to set the party mood. Set the mood with this fun pool-themed invitation from Tiny Prints.

To get your pool area party-ready, you'll want to provide everything your guests need to feel comfortable. This means plenty of clean, fluffy towels that you can place in an oversized rattan basket as part of the décor.

If you need extra towels, stop by your local TJ Maxx or shop online at Overstock.com to stock up on the cheap. While you're there, grab spritzer bottles that you can fill up with ice water to keep your friends cool and two levels of sunscreen (SPF 15 and 45). Display the spritzers and suntan lotions prominently in an oversized ice bucket filled so your guests can cool off with ease.

Details, Details, Details

The success of any party is in the details. To make your event truly memorable you can take things one step further and go all out. Buy floating beds and chairs for your guests to languish in while sipping their piña coladas, and make sure there are enough umbrellas to provide shade for friends who've had enough sun.

Colorful flip flops make fab favors

Stop by the local newsstand and pick up an assortment of magazines that suit your guests' tastes, and display them in a magazine rack basket by the lounge chairs.

Finally, you can send your guests home with a small favor. A good summer- themed favor that doesn't cost much are Old Navy flip flops - tie each pair together with a color-coordinating ribbon and present them to your guests upon arrival for them to use and take home.

Food & Drink

A pool party without tasty bites and delicious drinks just isn't a party. One of the most important parts of throwing a fab fete is to make sure you have enough food and drink to satisfy your guests. When buying pool party food, make sure to consider the elements. Shrimp cocktail, for example, won't tolerate the heat very well, and neither will potato salad.

Choose easy-to-munch finger foods that won't spoil quickly in the heat, such as blue corn chips with Homemade Guacamole as well as fresh cut fruit and vegetables. For the main course, fire up the barbeque and grill some tasty chicken sausage hot dogs and Gourmet Mini Burgers that are bursting with flavor. Add home-baked Sweet Potato Fries and your friends won't stop raving.

Nothing beats homemade guacamole

For drinks, go with ice-cold light beer and a yummy frozen mixed drink like a Strawberry Daiquiri or a margarita. The light beer and frozen drink will refresh your guests on a hot day, but don't forget to put out plenty of water in a cooler as well.

Also, make sure to buy cans instead of bottles and use your plastic margarita glasses - nothing ruins a pool party faster than broken glass.

A great party requires planning, but the most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself. Whether you do a pool party on the cheap or go all out, the attitude of the host is the number one determinant of a successful party - so have fun!