Hawaiian Luau

Even though we live in the desert why not take your guests on a fun filled evening getaway to the Aloha State! Guests should don their most colorful Hawaiian print shirts. Make leis at the party or buy ready-made ones to welcome your guests. Decorate with bright, tropical colors, bamboo accents and Hawaiian-themed accessories from your local pool retailer, party supply or craft store. Tiki torches and tropical flowers scattered across tables and the surface of the pool provide the finishing touches for a magical evening. Pineapple chicken or ham would be delicious main dishes, or treat your friends and family to an authentic pig roast. Complement the feast with rice and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables reminiscent of a garden paradise.

Beach Party

Who needs the ocean? You can create a beach barbeque party around your backyard pool. Kick back in flip-flops and swimsuits. Use the children’s sandbox and build a sand castle. Decorate tables with seashells and fish nets. Cover chairs with beach towels. Use plastic pails and shovels, and even Frisbees, to serve hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Float toy sailboats in the pool. Grill hot dogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob and serve classic boardwalk food, like popcorn, snow cones and French fries for your family and friends. Or go all out with a clam bake, oyster roast or lobster feast!

Movie Night

Miss the days of drive-in movies? Have a “float-in”! Purchase some inflatable lounge chairs at your local pool retailer. Move your big-screen television outside, or rent one for the evening. Pick a favorite classic, or give your guests a thrill and screen “Jaws.” “The Little Mermaid” and “Finding Nemo” are great choices for a kids’ party. Set up your own movie theater concession stand and serve popcorn, candy and sodas.

Birthday Party

A swimming pool or hot tub party is a special way to celebrate any child’s birthday. Create whimsical invitations using flip-flop or fish shaped cutouts, or write the party information on beach balls and mail them to guests in oversize envelopes. Activities can be tailored to the interests of the age group. Younger children will enjoy classic pool games like Sharks and Minnows, Marco Polo and cannonball contests. Organize a water-gun battle or provide amenities for a girls’ spa-themed party. As partygoers will surely be active, plan a light menu. Sliced fruit, half-sandwiches, goldfish crackers and boxed juice drinks will allow the kids to play all day.

While these are just a few ideas, with a little bit of imagination and creativity you can transform your pool party into just about any sort of themed party. Please visit http://www.chiff.com/entertain/pool.htm for many more fun ideas.