<\/span><\/h2>\nPool party food should be easy to eat and without the hassle of packaging. Think BBQ style food and snacks that can be eaten on the go. If the party is for children, make fun themed treats like cupcakes skewered with cocktail umbrellas and graham cracker crumbled on top to look like sand, or blue Jello with candy fish \u2018swimming\u2019 around inside. For your main meal, finger sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and other finger foods are easy and enjoyable. Remember to consider those who don\u2019t eat meat as well! Get some veggie burgers and serve fruit and veggies with dip.<\/p>\n
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Once you\u2019ve decided what kind of food you want, choose whether you\u2019ll provide snacks and a meal yourself or whether it should be a potluck style. Potlucks let everyone share things like their favorite summer salad. Consider whether each person should suggest their own dish, or whether you should make a list and have people sign up for dishes. This way, you don\u2019t end up with five bags of burger buns but no patties!<\/p>\n
<\/span>Drinks<\/span><\/h2>\nThe kind of drinks you serve is influenced by your guests. If the party is for kids, provide different kinds of summer juice or fruit punch for them to choose from. Adults might like fruit cocktails or a cold beer. People are also always happy with their favorite kind of soda. Put some cans in a cooler of ice so the drunks stay cold. If you choose to serve alcohol for adults, ensure that it is consumed in smart quantities. Alcohol and swimming pools can be extremely dangerous and, as the host, you should be on the lookout for everyone\u2019s safety. Remember that cocktails can also be made \u2018virgin\u2019 as well.<\/p>\n
<\/span>House access<\/span><\/h2>\nGood bathroom access is essential at a pool party, especially for kids. Even if wet people have to walk through your entry way, you\u2019ll prefer that to them using the swimming pool! Designate one door of the house as the entry and exit for the bathroom and put a towel by the door so people can wipe their feet before they run across the carpet.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Keeping it clean<\/span><\/h2>\nAny time food and drinks are involved, trash cans are important. Having a big trash can where people can reach it reduces the amount of clean up you have to do later. You\u2019ll find less garbage in the water and around the patio if people know where to put it. You can also reduce mess by using recyclable paper plates and biodegradable cutlery and napkins. You\u2019ll have fewer dishes to do later, your paper dishes will be environmentally friendly and, if you provide a large trash can, people will know where to put their garbage when they\u2019re done eating.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Comfort and Safety<\/span><\/h2>\nMaking sure that your guests are safe and comfortable is one of the host\u2019s biggest responsibilities. Keep life jackets, water wings, and floaties on hand for children or suggest that parents bring those along. Make sure you have a life ring for your pool in case someone falls in or needs to be pulled out in an emergency. Provide seating for tired swimmers, a shady area for people who become too hot in the sun, and suggest that guests reapply sunscreen to avoid burning. Keep water available and encourage people to stay hydrated. If your party is very large, consider hiring a life guard. You can likely do this through your local community center. Remember that swimming pools and alcohol can be a dangerous combination.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Have fun!<\/span><\/h2>\nEven if you\u2019re planning or hosting, you\u2019re there to have fun in the sun too! Make sure to enjoy your own hard work and the company of your guests. If you\u2019d like to learn more about organizing summer parties, check out the courses at QC Event School!<\/p>\n
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