Eight Festive 4th of July Pool Party Ideas

The 4th of July is the perfect time to invite friends and family over for a backyard pool party. Whether you have a built-in pool or an inflatable blow up, it’s always better to splash around with people you enjoy being around.

Here are 8 Festive 4th of July Pool Party Ideas:

1. Give party favors out early. Fill a big basket with colorful beach towels, noodles, and various pool toys so your guests can grab and go as they walk outside. They now have a towel to take home as a gift, and a float to use in the pool. Have extra water rings and goggles for the kids, and make sure to recruit an adult volunteer to always have a watchful eye on the pool for the children’s safety.
   

   “Have extra towels outside in case someone misplaces theirs.”

2. Provide sunscreen and bug spray. Everyone forgets sunscreen, and you don’t want your guests looking like cherry tomatoes as they say goodbye for the night. Have a table set up with a variety of sunscreen, lip protection, and bug spray. Encourage your guests to reapply often with a cute sign that reads, “Please help yourself.”
   

   “Stock up the essentials for a fun 4th of July pool party!”

3. Take them back in time. Summer nights and s’mores go hand in hand, and it’s never too hot for the gooey goodness of s’mores. Have a station set up with marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and roasting sticks, either by a fire pit or tabletop fire bowl, for your guests to melt their ‘mallows and enjoy reminiscing.
4. Set a festive table. Pull out your mason jars, pick a few sunflowers and make pretty centerpieces for the tables, both inside and out. Buy some small American flags and stick them in with your flower arrangements to add a patriotic flare for the 4th of July. Combined with bright tablecloths, festive plates, and colorful napkins, you will have effortlessly created a lively feel to your 4th of July soiree.
   

   “Chalkboard mason jars can serve as place cards for your guests.”

5. Serve easy to eat foods. With temperatures rising, guests will want to get back into the pool as quickly as possible. Serve food they can easily handle while walking around and talking with other guests. Burgers, pizza, hot dogs, and shish kabobs are just a few finger food options. Don’t forget fresh fruit and flavored water.
6. Set up a bar. Have a bar outside so guests won’t have to leave their conversation or jump out of the pool for an extended period of time. Offer a variety of drink options, from melon mojitos to unsweetened iced tea. Stock up on plenty of bottled water to avoid dehydrated guests.
7. Make the most of lighting. String lights around the patio, put candles on the tables, and light decorative lanterns around the pool as the sun starts to set. Your guests will enjoy the ambience of the flickering lights whether seated inside, looking out, or relaxing on the back patio.
   

   “Keep a lighter nearby so you can easily light candles once the sun sets.”

8. Don’t forget the sparklers. Chances are you live in a location that prohibits fireworks and loud noise, but even the most cautious pyrotechnic revelers may enjoy the bright lights of a sparkler or two in celebration of the 4th. Some states ban sparklers while others do not, so check your local regulations before planning on including them in your evening celebration.