How To Throw a Pool Party

Plan the menu. Focus on finger food that can be served straight from the fridge or at room temperature. Avoid anything that could go bad in the sun. Use unbreakable plates and cups so you don’t have to worry about bare feet on broken glass.

Clean the pool, check its chemical composition, and place a few life preserver rings nearby. If it’s an evening party, set out floating candles at dusk, and arrange tiki torches near the pool.

Set up the bar away from the buffet to prevent bottlenecks. Space permitting, have more than one food station and a few tables where guests can sit to eat.

Designate one room for changing, and stock it with clean plastic bags for wet swimsuits. Put a bottle of hair conditioner on the bathroom sink for guests whose wet hair needs a little help getting untangled.

Have on hand extra sunscreen, bug spray, and several pairs of inexpensive new flip-flops so guests don’t traipse wet feet into the house. And plenty of clean towels for swimmers —in case someone lands in the pool unexpectedly!