Make the outdoor area surrounding your pool as lush, clean, and comfortable as possible for the pool party. Set up a picnic table and plenty of lounge chairs. Stack folded beach towels on the chairs and let guests use them at their leisure. Stick tiki torches in the ground along walkways. Serve the drinks in plastic cups (with palm tree swizzle sticks) and the food on plastic plates. Place a rock Read more

When hosting a pool party, stock up on plenty of ice and water to ensure that guests stay hydrated. For easy access, place coolers around your backyard and fill with refreshments. Since beer bottles inevitably get broken at any party, purchase beer cans and plastic bottles. Barefoot guests won't have to worry about stepping on glass shards. Offer one fresh-fruit cocktail. This recipe for Read more

Although I love a decadent chocolate cake, there is no place for rich desserts at a pool party. Guests will be in swimsuits, so serve something that's refreshing, cold, and not too sweet. These sangria popsicles are a delicious grownup treat. Made with white wine, rum, pineapple chunks, and fresh orange juice, they're the perfect pool party crowd pleaser. For the recipe, read more Read more

When planning a menu for a pool party, select a variety of cold and hot (preferably grilled) dishes. Serve small, light bites buffet-style all day, replenishing plates as they go empty. Offer guests a cool treat the moment they arrive in the form of watermelon wedges with lime ice. Served with tortilla chips, shrimp and avocado ceviche make a nice alternative to classic guacamole. Skewered hot Read more

Two of my girlfriends are celebrating their half birthdays this month, so I'm planning a pool party to honor the occasion. It's going to be a fabulous fiesta filled with sun, swimming, and serious eats. All this week I'll feature my best pool-party ideas so feel free to use them to host your own perfect pool party. When hosting a party in the Summer, it's best to give your guests an advance Read more

Dear Sugar-- My husband and I are hosting our first pool party/BBQ and I don't know what to wear. I want to be comfortable, glamorous, and classy. Any suggestions? To see my advice in this special edition of The How-to Lounge, click here to read more Read more

Create a glamorous outdoor look for your pool party by incorporating organic, earthy blues and greens jazzed up with splashes of bright summer colors. Arrange patio furniture so that one area is about tanning/reading and another about lounging/chatting. Cover the chaises with striped beach towels and place brightly colored green cushions on top. Use large umbrellas to add shade for those who wish Read more

At an outdoor party during the day, it's important to supply guests with lots of water to stay hydrated. Of course as this is a party, so beer, wine, and a special summer punch will also be on the menu. Steer clear from serving bottled beer to ensure that no bottles get broken and no bare feet get cut. Set up the bar as far away from the pool/lounging area as possible - preferably in a shady spot Read more