Top 3 Creative Themes for Your Pool Party [Next Level]

Picture this: your house, your pool, your friends, your rules! Pool parties are the best part of summer, and it doesn’t take much to come up with a creative, memorable event. When you pick a pool party theme, consider how you can reference this in the food, drinks, decor, and entertainment. So, first things first. 

Here’s How To Plan a Pool Party at Your House

Pick a theme and the rest will follow. Are folks coming over to celebrate a special occasion like someone’s promotion, a birthday, or a holiday? If so, there may be traditional guidelines involving balloons and cards and cake. But you’re here because you want something more creative for your pool party for adults, right? Here are some ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Food Theme Ideas: Throw a pizza party! 😉 This cheesy crowd pleaser makes mealtime easy, but you could take this pool party theme and really run with it (be careful, this area is slippery when wet).

There are plenty of pizza-shaped pool toys out there, but you could take this theme up a notch by inviting friends to come dressed as their favorite topping. Just an idea, why not make your pizza party a costume party as well? It’s easy to carry out this theme in activities too. While some folks splash around, you could set up a dry area on the side for others to play “pin the pepperoni on the pizza.” Also, instead of cards, they could build a “leaning tower of pizza” with the boxes (just don’t let the structure get soggy). When they are ready for drinks, bring out the inflatable beer pong table. 

If you are more interested in the other kind of pie, this is your chance to plan a dessert-based pool party! You know floaties and tubes come shaped like donuts, cupcakes, cookies and popsicles, right? Trust your taste buds to make the right choice. 

Color Theme Ideas

Sports fans do this all the time, but you can pick a color or combination just because you like how it looks. Maybe you could throw a “birthstone party” and work the hue into the snacks and decorations. Did you know each month has its own gemstone? August has two, a light green stone called peridot and a pink-red stone called spinel. Mysteriously, November is the sunniest month for gemstones, with the happy yellow tones of citrine and topaz.

You could also throw a rainbow party and ask people to wear their favorite color, head to toe! Depending on the event, colors could signify relationship status, mood, or something else. 

Instagram Theme Ideas

These themes are inspired by the cool kids on social media, so you know they’ll make a pretty picture! According to the internet, no pool party is complete without a giant flamingo pool float. If you are more of a showoff, find yourself a jumbo peacock float. As a backup, you will definitely want shark-shaped pool toys. Think party animals, but more photogenic. Really, the most important thing to remember for your VIP (very influential pool party) is to keep the rosé flowing and the inflatable drink holders filled. 

Moving On to Must-Have Party Supplies

Once you’ve picked a theme, there are a few supplies you’ll need to stock for your pool party with friends. This one is a no-brainer, but in the heat of summer, you’ll need a reliable cooler to keep your drink selection icy. This essential item has evolved from the hard, red-and-white ice boxes of your youth. They come in infinite varieties now including the inflatable, floating kind where drinks come to you in the pool. The future is here! You can definitely find one to match your theme. Don’t forget, all these floats (the modern coolers and your zoo of pool toys) will require an air pump, unless you plan to puff yourself silly. Other key supplies include cups, plates, utensils and any big trays and serving materials for feeding your hungry friends. Which brings us to… 

Make Some Sweet Plans for Pool Party Food

What belongs on the table really depends on how consistent you want the theme to be. Assuming you want to spend time with your friends, you might keep this part low-maintenance so you can set up the tableware and just walk away. Have you considered a potluck? It would be easy to carry out a color theme in this arena, or just lace the place with strategic props that photograph well (do it for the ‘gram).

Savory summer favorites include Italy’s aforementioned gift to the world, barbeque, baked potatoes, yummy roasted corn and more. A grill is an asset to your pool party, AND, did you know you can grill almost any fruit? The sugars caramelize and intensify the flavor. Try a fruit kabob! Try it! To stay on the healthy kick, keep your guests hydrated with watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes and other juicy fruits. When you set up the drink station, don’t forget a huge tub of water, and encourage your friends to drink responsibly. Enjoy!

Pool parties are fun, but themed pool parties really take things to the next level. With a little planning, you can throw a unique event folks will talk about for years. Do some brainstorming and pick a theme you can work into the food you eat, the games you play, and the decorations.

So, what kind of party will you throw this summer? Let us know in the comments!