8 Creative and Cheap Pool Party Tips

1. Keep Food Fresh:

Since we want to be sure refrigerated food lasts, we take extra precautions when serving so as not to let anyone leave the party having eaten food that has gone bad.

The day before my party, I put water and fresh flower petals in a low serving dish. Then I set glass bowls or serving dishes in the water. I place the whole thing in the freezer.

Just before "party time" I take these creations out of the freezer and use them to serve dips and other foods that need to be chilled. The flower petals add a little color to the ice ring.

I sometimes add tiny pool or bath toys or "critters" from my daughter's toy stash. Everyone loves the look and it keeps the food fresh for hours!

2. Create a Serving Cart:

I also have a serving cart stocked with baskets full of sunscreen, handi-wipes, bandaids, tissues and other useful items that families may need throughout the day.

I set large white fluffy towels rolled up into large plastic round bins around the pool area, so that a fresh, clean towel is never out of reach for my guests.

3. Lighting Ideas:

Lighting is also key to a successful party. I have a permanent set of christmas lights hanging all around our screened in lanai.

I have also wrapped them up the umbrella stands and covered them with silk flower garlands. Since we often "party" with children, I have a large supply of assorted battery-operated candles that I use to create lighting vignettes around the pool.

4. Make a Beautiful Buffet Table:

I use long pieces of fabric purchased from super stores to cover the folding tables and tie them at the corners with tulle or grosgrain ribbon.

Under the fabric, I place assorted sized shoe boxes and baking dishes turned upside down so that the buffet table has many height variations. I sprinkle silk flowers around the dishes.

Everything served should be able to be eaten with your fingers. This way, the kids, or adults "grab and go" from the snack table.

I serve chips and pretzels in funky plastic flower pots I bought at a super store a few years ago. They are bright colored and make for unique serving vessels.

5. Portable Outdoor Showers:

We have a portable outdoor shower that attaches to a hose (bought from Home Depot).

We hang sail cloth with clothes pins on tall iron plant stands (the kind you stick in the ground, sometimes used to hang lanterns - Home Depot again) to make a square around the "shower" so people can wash off in privacy.

I have a plastic stool and shelving for soaps, etc. and keep a stash of plastic bags for guests to put their wet bathing suits in.

It's great not having so many people showering in the house! Plus, the kids love it in there. They have as much fun in the "outdoor shower" as they do in the pool.

6. Enhance Your Pool:

Another fun thing is to buy blue pool dye at your local pool supply store. Add it to the pool just before the party and your water will be so beautifully blue!

Floating candles are a must and many stores now sell battery-operated ones if you want to forgo the tradition type.

I also make sure I have a basket full of goggles and pool toys so all the kids have something to play with.

7. Create an Inviting Atmosphere:

I always make sure there is nothing breakable in the pool area so the kids are free to "have safe fun" and I always put lots of cushions about for sitting.

To protect them from water damage, I cover them in waterproof pillow covers then wrap beach towels or bath towels around them and tie the ends with ribbon.

Or sometimes I simply safety-pin them. The kids love piling up all the pillows and hanging out on them.

I have dozens of pillows from Wal-mart, the cheapest ones are about $3. When I'm not using them, I store them in vacuum-seal bags so they don't take up much room.

At the end of every summer I stock up on pool toys and beach towels so I'll always have more than enough for a day of fun.

8. Serve Fun Beverages:

We always serve sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses. I keep at least a dozen bottles on ice.

Everyone loves drinking it and they get to decorate their glasses with permanent marker when they arrive at our house.

The kids love "popping" the corks, so keep an eye on that!