How to Throw a Pool Party Picnic

So gather up the girlfriends. We’ve put together a pool party, inspired by the bright colors of artist David Hockney and sassy spirit of Desperate Housewives. With an incredibly beautiful (but seriously simple menu), wickedly adorable cocktails and effortless ideas for entertaining, this is one party that you don’t have to sweat over. Just call in the crew, grab some pineapples and follow our easy format for the coolest party on the cul de sac.

Dial in the Details

For a pool party, you’re going to have to find a pool. If you don’t have local access to a local, neighborhood or condo pool or lake, you can hack your backyard by buying a big blow-up pool online. Ship it in, inflate and line with lawn chairs for a DIY swimming spot.

Send out invites, remind guests to bring suits, sunscreen and towels. Decide how you’ll organize the food. If packing your picnic to a public location, stylish and functional totes like the PackIt Freezable Picnic Tote keep your food cool all day long. Added bonus: it’s one of the cutest coolers we’ve ever seen.

Fun & Sunny Flavors

Rather than buying decor for this party, offer pool-themed favors that add pops of color while dialing up the fun factor. Pool floats come in all sorts of shapes, and fruit-themed watermelon floats and pineapple rings are a perfect fit for this picnic. Tie them up with dollar store sunglasses and inexpensive chiffon sarong wraps and present to guests as they arrive.

Simple Summer Eats

For maximum fun, we’ve rounded up some no-fuss recipes. Deliciously simple, this pool party menu focuses on fresh flavors and quick prep. So your day can be as breezy as your pool picnic is.

Here's the lineup:

2-Ingredient Piña Coladas

Quick and simple, simply mix and serve over ice, or toss in the blender for a blended colada.

Watermelon Pops

No recipe needed for this simple idea! With a Good Cook Watermelon Knife, simply slice and wedge a watermelon. Then press popsicle sticks into the bottom rind. Serve and enjoy!

Easy Eton Mess

Prep whipped cream the night before, then assemble when it's time for dessert. You never even have to turn on the oven for this!

Strawberry, Avocado & Cashew Chicken Salad

Blend up the dressing the night before. Grill the chicken or purchase ready-to-go chicken breast strips. When it's party time, simply assemble, drizzle and enjoy the bright flavors of this delicious salad.

Don't Forget the Photo Ops

Every day in the sun is worth documenting. But this picnic is particularly fun to shoot. Before the day is over, gather your guests for a playful shoot by the pool. For added fun, keep an Instax camera by the pool, so they can capture their own polaroids of the event. 

So much fun, so easy to put together. Grab your favorite people and hit the pool! This picnic is one guaranteed to make for sweet summer memories.