BY: Stephanie Nass
This is the quintessential summer gathering, and July 4th is the perfect time to throw one. If you’re hosting guests for a fun escape from the heat, consider the following elements to ensure that everyone has a wet and wild time!
As the Fourth of July rolls around, why not throw a star-spangled bash poolside? No pool party is complete without delicious food and refreshing drinks. In addition to barbecue classics, offer a spread of vegetable and fruit platters; you can make the presentation special by carving the produce into floral shapes. Make sure you also have popsicles in your freezer.
Keep everyone hydrated with an assortment of beverages, including soft drinks and cocktails. Stephen Talkhouse just launched its own line of canned drinks, so you can enjoy your favorites in the comfort of your own backyard. Our fave is the Hampton Mule, a classic combination of vodka mixed with fresh ginger and lime. For extra fun, allow guests to sip from a floating pool tray.
Around your pool, you’ll need plenty of seating and lounging options for guests to relax and soak up the sun between dips. We’re living in the golden age of towels from brands including Missoni, Saatva, and Parachute, among others. You can opt for plushness or patterns, but make sure that there are at least two fresh towels for every anticipated guest.
Entertainment is key to keeping the party vibes going. Set up a playlist of upbeat music to create the perfect ambiance, whether it’s classic summer tunes, top hits, or your favorite party songs.
Sun protection is essential for a day spent outdoors. Open all possible umbrellas, so guests can seek refuge from the sun during the hottest parts of the day. Provide sunscreen for guests to use and encourage them to reapply, especially after swimming. Invisible sunscreen gel is all the rage, and I love Dune Suncare’s award-winning version.
Dress yourself with a cute bathing suit, coverup, sunglasses, and accessories. The more colorful, the better.
With thoughtful planning, you can create a pool party that everyone will remember fondly. So gather your people, heat the pool, and dive into a day of summer heaven.
The Essentials
- Jonathan Adler Ipanema Large Pool Tray, $263
- Talkhouse Hampton Mule (4 pack), $20
- Missoni Giacomo Fitness Towel, $75
- Follow Suit The Flora One-Piece Swimsuit in Kelly Green and Ivory, $235
- Chefanie Martini Swim Trunks, $88
- Dune Suncare “The Bod Guard” invisible gel sunscreen SPF 30, $25
