Pools are a part of Ohio’s summer landscape. They vary in shapes and sizes, ranging from cheap kiddie pools to expensive in-ground whoppers.
And where there’s a pool, a party never seems far off.
The reason is simple. A pool side bash is sure to put a smile on faces of kids of all ages and planning one can be as relaxed and laid back as the event.
We asked local event planners and party rental businesses for some ideas on themes, decoration and food and here’s what they had to say:
Don’t forget the theme
A theme can add an additional sense of fun and adventure to any party, and if any event demands it, it’s a pool party.
Scott Levine, owner of Entertainment Unlimited Events in Centerville, suggests tropical, luau or nautical themes as mainstays. For those looking to go beyond the basics, Levine says an Arabian Nights theme can add intriguing with draped fabric and pillows scattered about and short tables to eat at.
There’s a wealth of themes out there to choose from. A quick search online found HGTV suggesting a tastes of the world theme featuring multiple countries and types of food with decorations specific to each country chosen.
Whatever theme you choose, a relaxed event like a pool party is an opportunity to get creative and get the entire family involved.
Dress it up
Adding theme appropriate decorations can transform an ordinary backyard get-together into a pool side soiree.
Tropical or luau themes can be dressed up with palm tress, tiki torches and tiki huts. For a nautical theme, Levine’s company creates sails to suspend around the party area.
Fun Services rents out attractions for party planners looking to go above and beyond.
Water activities such as dunk tanks, water slides and non-pool events like gladiator jousting are all activities that guests of any age can enjoy.
Good eats
Food is one of the most important aspects of any party no matter how relaxed it is.
Choosing foods and recipes that go with a chosen theme can continue the adventure.
Planning an ice cream soda bar or a progressive picnic party can offer a new twist on old favorite summer stand-bys.
Lynn Hill, Operations and Events Coordinator for the Little Miami River Catering Company in Dayton says simple foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and coleslaw are all popular summertime party dishes for the company. For children, she suggests hot dogs, mac and cheese, cookies and brownies.
“An All-American menu — when you think of a pool party, that’s what you think of,” said Hill.
Levine says his company often brings in the customer’s favorite restaurant to cater the event. Most restaurants offer a catering service that can simplify preparations for parties of any season.
Location, location, location
If you don’t have the luxury of a backyard pool, fear not, you can still throw a great pool party.
Many local public pools allow their spaces to be rented after operational hours.
The Troy Aquatic Park rents out Saturday and Sunday evenings for $250-425 depending on the number of people attending.
The Gaunt Park Swimming Pool in Yellow Springs rents out after closing for $160-320 depending on the number of hours reserved.
And if that doesn’t work, several inexpensive kiddie pools and a little imagination could be the Treasure Island adventure you’ve been craving.
Pina Colada Pie
This fairly simple recipe for a Pina Colada Pie that caught our eye from Sandra Lee that seems to bring the flavors of summer together.
Ingredients
3/4 cup pineapple-coconut nectar
1 cup light coconut milk
1 1/2 teaspoons rum extract, divided
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding and pie filling
1 cup shredded coconut meat
8 ounces whipped topping, divided
1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked
1/4 cup shredded coconut meat, toasted, for garnish
Directions
In a large bowl, combine nectar, coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon rum extract. Sprinkle pudding mix over liquid and whisk for 2 minutes. Fold in coconut and 1/2 of the whipped topping.
Pour into pre-baked pie crust and chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
Combine remaining whipped topping with 1/2 teaspoon rum extract. Top chilled pie with whipped topping and toasted coconut.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2201 or kcundiff@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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