College Pool Party

Planning a College Pool Party

College students are notorious for throwing a gathering together at the last minute. Sure you can gather some friends together at a pool at the last minute and call it a party, but if you really want to plan a celebration that rocks, you'll need to pay attention to a few details. The best thing about a college pool party is that it doesn't have to be expensive, another must for students who are often cash-strapped.

Create a Guest List

You'll want to create a guest list so you can at least have a headcount of how many people may attend. Keep in mind, however, that once the word gets out about the party, your guest list will grow by leaps and bounds. If you really want to limit attendance, either because of the location's restrictions or because you just don't want to be responsible for a large crowd, you'll need to station one or two people at the door, and nobody should be allowed entry into the pool area without an invitation in hand.

Invitations

If you really are trying to keep the number of guests to a minimum, then you should issue invitations. You can create invitations using a word processing program on your computer and adding some colorful clip art, or you could purchase packaged invitations instead. Be sure you include all the relevant information, such as when and where the party will be held. If the pool is difficult to find, include directions. If you want guests to bring their drink of choice, include those instructions as well. If the party will have a theme, such as a luau, include clothing preferences.

Crowd Control

Because your guests may want to wander in and out of the gated area, you'll need to have some type of armband or stamp system if you want to maintain crowd control. You can purchase an inexpensive stamp or buy armbands like those used at nightclubs. Again, you'll need to have one or two people who will remain at the entrance the whole night if you want to enforce this. If the pool is in a residential area, crowd control is a must if you don't want to receive a noise ordinance from the local police department!

Safety First

Sure, college students are considered adults, but for many, the freedom of college sends common sense right out the window. Because of this, you'll need to focus on safety. In today's world of lawsuits, an accident could later involve litigation and lots of expense. Be sure that all safety rules are posted clearly in the pool area. Don't bring glass beverages into the pool area and instruct your guests that they shouldn't do so either. Consider hiring a lifeguard or two. If alcohol is involved, even an accomplished swimmer could drown if he or she has had too much to drink.

Bug Control

Summertime often brings bugs, and mosquitoes and stinging gnats can be annoying at any outdoor party. Make bug spray available to party guests, and consider burning citronella candles and/or tiki torches with citronella liquid to cut down on unwanted critters.

Decorations

Decorations can be as simple as draping a few strands of lights around the patio tables, arranging a centerpiece of fruit and flowers, adding bright tablecloths, and scattering some sea shells across table tops. Of course, if you want a more elaborately decorated area, consider visiting a rental store in your area that stocks party supplies, or you could always find lots of cute beach themed items online at Oriental Trading Company.

Fun and Games

Where there is water, there is fun, and tossing a few beach balls into the water or stringing a volley ball net across the shallow end of the pool will give your guests some more options as well. Be sure you bring a CD player and ask guests to bring their favorite tunes to play. Consider having a karaoke contest, or move tables away from one corner and let guests dance when they aren't eating or swimming.

Food

Finally, your menu can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.

• Offer finger foods, like a fruit and vegetable or meat and cheese tray.
• Crank up the grill for hamburgers and hotdogs.
• Make small sandwiches, like cucumber and cream cheese, tuna or chicken salad, or ham and cheese.
• Fruit and chicken kabobs are delicious on the grill as well. Skewer pineapple chunks and chicken pieces for a delicious treat.
• Don't forget dessert. Cookies, brownies, cakes, and homemade ice cream are great choices.

Now, you are ready to relax and enjoy the party!