This party was inspired by a recent trip to Las Vegas, where hours in a windowless conference room were rewarded with eventual release into 100+ degree heat just in time to don a bikini and imbibe poolside. I know after spending a couple of days cooped up in day long meetings, a little R&R and refreshments amongst friends is just the ticket to transition into weekend mode. Time to host an after work cocktail party to let off steam during the dog days of summer…
- Source: www.pooltown.net
The path to shedding the stress of the work week is baptism by pool; make sure you clearly outline on the pool party invitation that pool attire is mandatory. Hopefully this will insure that no one is left out because they forgot their suit. Put your (female) guests at ease by advising them that facilities and toiletries will be on hand for them to freshen up afterwards, and dedicate an area tricked out with body, hair products and the like. A virtual spa day!
- Source: www.hostessblog.com
Now, on to the festivities!!!! How to decorate that bad boy up. Surround the pool with adequate seating areas and side tables to set food and drinks for groups to congregate. Cover chaise lounges with colorful beach towels, and string lanterns across and around the pool for additional lighting and festive accents. Fill the pool with inflatable toys or beach balls inviting your guests to jump in for a dip.
Hello, pool party refreshments! Cocktails and light snacks should be set out for guests to serve themselves. Make sure any menu items that need to be left out for several hours will still look appetizing after an hour or two, preferably under cover of an umbrella or shaded area. If you want a more extensive offering of blended drinks, you may want to get a margarita machine and fill with frozen margarita’s or pina colada’s. Otherwise a few punchbowls of premade cocktails (ice on the side) will do nicely thank you.
A few tasty and refreshing suggestions, starting with a non-alcoholic Watermelon Lemonade. So seasonal and oh so tasty…
- Source: www.delish-blog.com
The irresistible mojito! Now I am a bit of a muddler myself, but I like this version as you can infuse the simple syrup beforehand with mint…
Source: poetinthepantry.com
This is another great make ahead item that is party perfect. Super size for efficiency and use a French Loaf and there you have it – the incomparable Antipasti sandwich…
Mmm, pressed sammies. Another variation for the non-meat eaters is the Pan Bagnat; which is a cheap and cheerful lunch option served at bakeries all over France. Doesn’t it look just fabulous???
Now that we have the carnivores satisfied, a simple veggie tray with ranch dip is a refreshing snack on a hot summers day. And a party wouldn’t be complete without a few bowls of tortilla chips and salsa strategically placed amongst the crowd (like say beside your lounge chair).
Or, if that seems like just too much work, then order in some pizza’s and call it a day.
Erroneously, I thought cocktail hour and dessert did not to go hand in hand. But the heat of summer, pool parties, and popsicles just work… and, I have been thinking about homemade popsicles a lot lately. I couldn’t help but include the gems below found on a search to satisfy my curiosity. Cucumber honeydew margarita? Mango Lassi and Strawberry Honey Yogurt? Changed my mind… what pool cocktail party would be complete without a gourmet frozen treat? (That rhymes BTW – lets set it to music…)
After I putting this puppy together, I can’t think of a better way to end the week. No pool? No problem. A paddle pool delivers the same message (kinda). The important thing here folks, is that you are amongst friends, making merriment, and the work week is ovah! TGIF and enjoy!