Party Theme

Themes add an extra layer of fun to any party.

Use bright summer colors as a secondary theme to help tie your pool party ideas together.

Backyard Picnic

Take your picnic from the basket to the poolside.

two women near pool with mixed drinks

Credit: Rebekah Photography

Lay down a cute rug or outdoor blanket for guests to sit on.

Add throw pillows,candles, and other decorations to establish the atmosphere for this relaxed pool party idea.

Drink Cart

Looking for pool party ideas that ensure everyone’s thirst stays quenched?

food table with grass skirt white cart

Credit: Adam Albright

Put togethera drink cartusing a simple utility cart decorated with a banner and fresh flowers.

Keep utensils, cups, and ice on the bottom level for easy access.

Inner Tube Cooler

Waterproof your drinks by turning an inner tube into a cooler.

summerdinnerparty.jpg

Yard Games

Need a break from the water or sunning in a lounge chair?

Give your guests another activity option by setting up some yard games.

Custom Sunglasses

Surprise your guests with sunglasses!

mimosas banner on serving cart at poolside

Credit: Adam Albright

Get crafty and use a marker or paint pen to personalize the glasses, commemorating your event.

In addition to beingfun party favors, the glasses will help protect eyes from too much exposure to sunlight.

In addition to regular sized sunglasses, get some smaller frames for any kiddos in attendance.

watermelon inner tube with fruit-infused bottles

Credit: Rebekah Photography

Serve the refreshing summertime snack on a party platter so guests can nibble easily.

If your party has a theme, pick rafts and floaties to match.

Choose swans, flamingoes, unicorns, or even inflatables shaped like the food you’re serving.

kids playing disc tic-tac-toe outdoors

Credit: Kinzie Riehm

Water Balloons

Break out the water balloons!

For a unqiue twist, tie them to a clothesline and whack them like mini pinatas.

Honey, cucumber, and limemixed in watercreate a rejuvenating andrefreshing summer drinkthat’s easy to make.

pink sunglasses with script on rattan table

Credit: Rebekah Photography

Whip up enough to fill a pitcher so your guests can each enjoy a glass or two.

Grill Out

Avoid making a mess in the kitchen by grilling something tasty on the patio.

Prepare some hot dogs,hamburgers, and kabobs for an easy-to-make variety with something for everyone.

various vegetable kabob skewers

Credit: Rebekah Photography

Colorful Decor

Add bright summer accent colors and decorations for the ultimate pool party atmosphere.

From outdoor pillows to balloons, make your space pop with colorful hues.

Incorporatefresh-cut flower arrangementsas well, playing off the surrounding nature.

pool with bright inner tubes and balloons

Credit: Rebekah Photography

Bring them inside to continue enjoying their beauty after the celebration.

Stock up on your favorite toppings and flavors for tons ofyummy combinationsthat allow guests to customize to their liking.

Get creative and think up your own cupcake designs that reflect the season, or try these beach-inspired cupcakes.

blindfolded girl swinging bat at hung water balloons

Credit: Gretchen Easton

Add the charming outdoor lights around your house or backyard for a sweet glow.

S’more Cups

A staple of summertime,s’mores are a mustat any seasonal gathering.

Skip the mess by creating little s’more cups from recycled berry containers.

Cucumber Limeade

Credit: REBEKAH PHOTOGRAPHY

Place a napkin at the bottom of each to help with sticky fingers and melted chocolate.

Thank You Tags

Gratitude is priceless.

Thank your guests with adorable DIY tags you could attach to goggles, pool toys, or snack baggies.

grilling veggies on a gas grill

Credit: Kalim / Adobe Stock

white poolside table with snacks hat sunglasses

Credit: Adam Albright

outdoor ice cream bar

Credit: Buff Strickland

Beach Party Cupcakes

string lights hanging on patio at dusk

Credit: Cavan Images/Getty Images

smores treat boxes

Credit: David Tsay

pool party favors

Credit: Carson Downing