27 Pool Party Ideas to Throw the Ultimate Summer Soirée
From floating bars to patio umbrellas, we got it all.
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Depending on your bliss of choice, summer's imminent arrival may mean getting a sun-kissed tan, noshing on ice cream, or kicking back at an epic pool party. If you are planning to play host, this list will come in handy for your al fresco fêtes. We're sharing both aspirational concepts that anyone with a pool can pull off and specific products to elevate your summer soirée even more. No matter what your style may be, we've got it here: Think colorful monochrome looks, rustic California vibes, and everything in between.
On the other hand, if you know you want to plan a pool party but don't know where to start, allow us to step in and offer some great ideas below. Consider this your cheat sheet and we are your event planners. With summer nearly here, it's time to start getting your party house in order!
So, gather your friends and family, open the patio umbrella, and start mixing your cocktails (or mocktails) because you and your crew are about to be in for a beautifully good time in the sun. Once you host a successful pool party, you'll want to do it every weekend—and why not? You already have all of the essentials on hand!
Peep more of our party-planning must-haves and ideas:
- Five Industry Tastemakers Dish on the Details that Make the Tablescape
- How to Create a Stunning Alfresco Party Space
- 40 Simple Summer Party Ideas
As much as we love a traditional bar cart, there's something a bit more convenient about a bar float. This one comes with specialized compartments for ice, food, bottles, and cups, so everyone in the pool can stay hydrated and fed without having to get back on dry land. Plus, just look how fun and adorable this thing is!
If you don't have a covered patio, opting for an adjustable patio umbrella is a must. As much as we love getting a sun-kissed glow, we'll take some protective shade any day. It's also weather-resistant, so if there's an unexpected drizzle, your guests can stay dry.
Keep the Party Going
For nights when you don't want the fun to end, set up an outdoor movie screen to keep everyone entertained after the sun goes down. Pool floats and string lights help create cozy ambiance.
No party is complete without a dance-worthy soundtrack. Just be sure that your speaker is waterproof because, as we've all learned the hard way, everything within splash-distance can and will get drenched. This Sonos find is totally waterproof, so even if it falls in the pool, it will still work just fine.
Make Grab-and-Go Snacks
When you're dripping wet, the last thing you want is to get chlorine water all over your plate. Instead, opt for easy-to-grab skewers and finger food for a mess-free meal.
Remember these instant-print cameras from the 1980s? Well, they're back. Buy one online, load it with film (don't expose it to the sun or all of your photos will come out white!), and pass it around the party. Trust us; you and your friends will cherish these photos forever.
Keep It Small
Anyone with a smaller pool doesn't need enormous pool floats. Stick with the small stuff so that your pool doesn't look dwarfed. Smaller floats are also much easier to inflate and kid-friendly, making them pool party must-haves.
Color Coordinate Everything
For a cohesive party from beginning to end, choose one color and run with it. This maximalist backyard from the 2022 Kips Bay Palm Beach showhouse is pink and white all over, from the striped canopy to the backgammon board. To give your Instagram photos extra magic, ask your guests to arrive in the same palette.
Martinis, anyone? These insulated glasses (which are made entirely of stainless steel) will keep your martinis ice-cold and in the cup, courtesy of the air-tight lid. After all, fans of the classic cocktail know that about half the beverage ends up on the floor, so why not save every last drop?
Create a Boho Tablescape
Set a long, low table, bring rugs outside, and top them with cushions for your guests to enjoy a post-dip meal. The best part about a casual and relaxed at-home meal is that everyone can take a seat in their bathing suits.
Nothing says classic pool party like a cooler. It may be a little pricey, but it's worth it. This thing will hold up against any weather and resist mold, mildew, and anything else trying to take it down. It also keeps your cans and bottle chilled all day long.
Set Up an Ice Cream Bar
Frozen desserts are a must. This DIY ice cream bar is the easy way to serve a crowd—plus, it's just fun. Just be sure to keep it out of the sun because direct heat will ruin the setup faster than you'll take your first lick.
Put Out Some Punch
Nothing says summer pool party like fruit punch. Serve it up in a bronze bowl with a ladle, and it'll look even more refreshing.
A little competition never hurt anyone, right? This game is kind of like ping-pong, but minus the table. The only goal is to keep the ball in the air, so the first person who lets it drop loses. We're in!
Float Pool Balloons
Need a cheap and easy pool party decor idea? These balloons might just be cuter than flamingo floats.
Most pool parties start during the hottest hour of the day, but why not delay it until after the sun sets? Pop these internally lit balls (which change color) on the surface and let them float around, guiding your guests' way.
Dress Up Your Bar Cart
Keep the drinks flowing by setting up your bar cart outdoors. To make it extra summery, top it with palm leaves and tropical flowers.
Get Your Pets Involved
These DIY pool-float dog costumes will get all the likes. And you can reuse them for Halloween!
Lay Out Some Games
Put out a deck of cards for any guests who'd rather stay on land to play. You could also try some less conventional card games. Why not try tarot cards and bring in a fortune teller to entertain guests?
"I bought this float the moment I discovered the brand three years ago. It is even bigger than it looks in the photo, so feel free to grab a friend and lounge together," admits Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner. "Be sure to buy an electric pump so you don't waste valuable pool time blowing this up."
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's Digital Editor, writing in-depth , design inspiration stories, and . With over five years of experience writing commerce and search-optimized content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor where she identified top products and brands in the industry and interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest . Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s Associate Shopping Editor, a role she’s honed since joining the editorial team in September 2022. Since then, she’s been testing and reviewing , carefully curating timely , and tapping her vast network of interior designers to weigh in on that often have the Internet divided. Though most of her day-to-day is product-focused, every now and then, she manages to publish a few , which are the types of features she has written over the course of her eight-year career and in previous roles at 1stDibs and Architectural Digest. In her current role as a shopping editor, Jess has mastered the art of swapping decor in and out of her own New York City apartment to fulfill her seemingly never-ending quest for the perfectly styled space.
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