7 Tips for Throwing & Hosting a Pool Party

I can hardly believe that Labor Day weekend has come and gone! Where did the season go?! I was very mindful to savor every single second of summer, but it’s still so bittersweet to see it on it’s way out. (Actually, there’s really nothing sweet. Just bitter, tbh.) Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though… Fall doesn’t technically start until later this week, but seeing as this last weekend was GORGEOUS in Chicago and the forecast is looking pretty promising, maybe we’ll get lucky enough for another pool weekend or two? Here’s to wishful thinking! (And FYI: There’s a pretty epic discount code at the end of this post, so be sure to take advantage!)

I’ve mentioned summer entertaining a few times over the past few months, but I figured I’d put together my seven top tips for hosting a pool party with a warm weekend on the horizon!

1. Don’t bring glass!

I don’t know about you guys, but my pool is SO strict about their glass policy… No glass bottles or cups, even if they are in a cooler. Wine in a can is where it’s at! You can’t have a pool party without rosé so I stock my cooler bag with Seven Daughters Rosé and Moscato Cans before heading up to the deck.

Each can is actually two servings, which makes it perfect for the pool or packing up on a daytime adventure!

2. More floats, please!

Doin’ it for the ‘gram! Aside from being the most photogenic props, pool floats are actually quite practical, you know. On a hot day, everyone just wants to be in the water so having extra floats and noodles on hand will ensure you’re the hostest with the mostest. (But do yourself a favor and get an air pump, trust.)

3. Order in your food!

I’ve tried to go the cooking route and I’ve almost always gone the Whole Foods premade route. But delivery is where it’s at! I was at an epic post-wedding pool party in California a few weekends ago and we ordered upwards of 25 pizzas in the afternoon for everyone. It was obviously a hit and so easy for everyone involved. I decided right then and there that ordering in food for a pool party is the only way to go! Plus, pizza always pairs with wine.

4. Extra towels are a must!

Without fail, someone will always forget a towel. (I know because I am usually that person.) Or in windy Chicago, a few towels are bound to blow into the water. I always bring up more towels than I think I’ll need!

5. So much room for activities!

Not that snacking and wine sipping ever really gets old, but games are always a fun touch, too! I recently got this cactus ring toss game and it’s been a hit up at the pool. Create your own rules for what the numbers mean! 😉

6. Pump up the jams!

No party is complete without a killer playlist! The right music can the mood for just about anything. Find me on Spotify and hook your portable speaker up to my Summer Jams playlist if you need some good party music in a pinch.

7. Always wear sunscreen!

This one should go without saying! You know how the Kurt Vonnegurt speech goes… “Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”

Don’t let your guests leave with a burn! I always bring varying levels of sunscreen lotions and sprays up to the pool (for face, body, and lips) to ensure there’s no excuses for not wearing any protection on your skin.