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How to Host a Summer Pool Party
Summer is such a lovely time for entertaining. There are endless options of parties to host and all can be outdoors. One of my favorite ways to entertain is gather friends and family for a summer pool party. Stock up on La Crema’s Monterey Rosé, Monterey Pinot Gris and delicious snacks, and this party will come together in no time. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a relaxed, festive atmosphere that makes everyone want to stay and splash a little longer, let’s dive in!
Pool Party Essentials Checklist
For a simple poolside set up, don’t forget to put out all the necessities:
- Have sunscreen out on a tray so your guests know it is always available.
- Roll up towels and set them near the pool (even in a basket) for easy access when guests are hopping in and out of the water.
- Music! Make sure you have playlists set up and ready to go.
- These GoVino wine glasses are the best poolside accessory. They’re plastic so you don’t need to worry about glass breaking.
- Make sure you have a water dispenser or several water bottles available so guests stay hydrated. Tip: Flavor your water with citrus or mint to make it extra refreshing.
- Don’t forget the wine! Having an assortment of Summer wine favorites like Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Chardonnay will really set the mood. Place the wine in a cooler or wine bucket so it’s always cold.
- Lastly, a simple arrangement of bright pink peonies will wow your guests and brighten up the atmosphere.
Fun Pool Party Activities to Keep Guests Entertained
A summer pool party isn’t just about the wine and snacks—keeping your guests entertained is key to a memorable day. Here are some light and casual activities that keep the fun flowing without stealing the spotlight from relaxing poolside:
- Pool Volleyball or Water Basketball: Set up a net or hoop for a low-key game that gets everyone moving and laughing.
- DIY Photo Booth: Create a simple backdrop with summery props—think sunglasses, wide-brim hats, and inflatable flamingos—for fun photo ops.
- Water Balloon Toss: Keep it cool and playful with a friendly water balloon challenge. It’s perfect for all ages and keeps the vibe light.
- Chill Out Zone: Set up a shaded lounge area with comfy pillows and music where guests can relax and chat between dips.
Pool Party Theme Ideas to Make Your Summer Soirée Shine
If you’re looking to make your pool party truly unforgettable, a fun theme can make the whole event feel extra special—without requiring a ton of effort.
Here are a few easy, crowd-pleasing pool party themes:
- Rosé All Day – Pink everything: wine, flowers, napkins, even the dress code. Serve La Crema Monterey Rosé and rosé popsicles for a refreshing twist.
- Tropical Escape – Think palm leaves, pineapple skewers, and steel drum playlists. Bonus points for leis and flamingo floats.
- Vintage Swim Club – Retro vibes, bold stripes, and a cooler full of chilled whites and sparkling wine. Add some classic tunes and floaties for a nostalgic touch.
- Golden Hour Gathering – Host your party in the late afternoon and let it stretch into sunset. Think candles, string lights, and relaxed acoustic music.
- All-American BBQ & Pool Bash – Keep it classic with watermelon slices, chips and dip, a grill going, and chilled beverages. Simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.
- Citrus Splash – Base everything around vibrant citrus colors—lemon, lime, orange. Set out citrus-infused water, orange slices, and playful décor.
- Palm Springs Pop – Go mid-century chic with bright pinks, bold prints, and oversized sunnies. Think poolside glam meets playful cocktail hour.
- Boho Backyard Oasis – Layer in textured rugs, low lounge seating, earthy tones, and fresh greenery. It’s casual and curated at the same time.
- Fruit & Floral Fête – Decorate with edible arrangements, fruit skewers, and garden blooms. Light, fragrant, and fresh from start to finish.
Our Favorite Summer Time Recipes
Pool snacks are very important, because your guests should stay satiated while having fun in the sun. Though choose something light and easy to munch on that doesn’t require a plate or utensil. I like to make this greek yogurt garlic dip–it’s so easy to make and is oh so delicious! Simply cut up vegetables and put them into a little basket to serve by the pool. Another delicious pool snack to serve is sliced watermelon–the perfect summer staple.
Greek Yogurt Garlic Dip Recipe
Recipe type: Snack
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Makes 1 cup of dip.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably whole-milk)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Mash garlic to a paste with salt using a mortar and pestle (or mince and mash with a heavy knife). Stir together garlic paste, yogurt, and lemon juice.
Rosé Popsicles Recipe
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 15 mins
- Total time: 25 mins
- Serves: 6
Ingredients
- La Crema Monterey Rosé
- 2 tbs sugar
- optional: fruit
- 10 (2.5-ounce) freezer ice-pop molds and sticks
Instructions
- If adding fruit, blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender until pureed.
- Divide the mixture among ice-pop molds, leaving about 1″ space at the top. Freeze until slushy, about 1 hour.
- Cover molds, insert sticks, and freeze until ice pops are solid, at least 4 hours.
- Enjoy!
10 Pool Party Ideas for an Unforgettable Summer Event
Planning a pool party that feels effortless and memorable? These simple, creative ideas will take your gathering to the next level—no overthinking required.
- Floating Drink Tray – Keep the refreshments coming with a tray that floats on the water stocked with canned spritzers or mini wine bottles.
- Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker – Create a summery mix of upbeat tunes and chill tracks to set the vibe—think feel-good, not festival loud.
- Frozen Fruit Garnishes – Add frozen grapes or watermelon cubes to guests’ glasses to keep wine cool without watering it down.
- La Crema Wine Tasting Flight – Offer small pours of Rosé, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay so guests can sample and sip.
- Themed Decor: Pick a color palette or theme—like tropical paradise or nautical navy—and coordinate balloons, tableware, and floral arrangements.
- Mini Fan Favors – Hand out handheld fans (battery or paper) as party favors—they’re cute, practical, and super appreciated on hot days.
- Polaroid Photo Corner – Set up a small area with fun summer props and an instant camera for guests to capture poolside memories.
- Frozen Towel Rolls – Chill rolled washcloths with cucumber water for an ultra-refreshing cooldown moment.
- Wine-Themed Trivia Game – Throw in a few rounds of casual wine trivia to get guests talking and laughing between dips.
- Evening Fire Pit: Extend the party after sunset with a fire pit, cozy blankets, and s’mores.
Why We’re Pouring La Crema All Summer Long
When it comes to poolside sipping, La Crema wines really are the ultimate sidekick. They’re crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly elevate even the most laid-back afternoon in the sun. Floating on a giant flamingo or catching up in a shady lounge chair? A chilled glass of something delicious makes the moment even better.
My personal favorite? The Monterey Rosé—it’s dry, fruit-forward, and just plain fun. I always keep a few bottles on ice because it pairs with everything from juicy watermelon to those rosé popsicles we talked about earlier. If you're more into whites, the Monterey Pinot Gris is light and zippy with a citrusy finish that tastes like summer. And if the party lingers into the evening, a chilled glass of Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is pure perfection—smooth, elegant, and totally sippable as the sun starts to set.
Basically, if you’re hosting a summer get-together, La Crema’s got your wine needs covered. Stock up, chill it down, and pour generously. Summer never tasted so good.
