(BPT) - Summer has arrived! If you're lucky enough to find a pool to spend the summer by, a pool party is a must. Whether you're taking advantage of the sunshine and hot weather during the day or enjoying a warm evening, all it takes is a little bit of planning to upgrade your poolside bash.
Set the mood
Nothing makes a party more fun than the right playlist. Whether you're going for a retro beach vibe, throwback party tunes, or current hits to get everyone up and dancing, taking time to create the mood you want will level up the energy and fun factor.
Something to sip on
Hot summer days mean you'll need to provide plenty of refreshing beverage options. Live like the sun's always out by filling up your cooler with 8-packs of High Noon Hard Seltzer, made with real spirits, real juice and no added sugar. The Limited Edition High Noon Pool Pack, made with real vodka, includes fan-favorite flavors Lime and Peach, as well as limited-time flavors Kiwi and Guava, so everyone at the party can find a summery flavor they'll love.
One fun alternative to coolers? Get a small inflatable pool, fill it with ice and beverages, then set it out for guests to enjoy. Be sure to include some water and non-alcoholic options as well to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Visit HighNoonSpirits.com and find High Noon Pool Pack near you here.
Let the games begin
Make your party even more fun with games - in and out of the pool - everyone will love. Yard games like corn hole, badminton, bocce ball and ladder toss are favorites, as is yard (or pool) pong. In the water, you can set up a game of pool volleyball or start a cannonball contest. Be sure to provide lounge chairs, extra towels and pool floats for guests to rest up on and catch some rays between games. Make sure to provide extra sunscreen!
Pick a theme
Everyone loves a theme! Parties can be even more fun if you center the festivities around a theme such as a favorite decade, popular movie/TV show, or go with a particular sport. Your theme will help inspire your music and food choices - and you could even set up an outdoor projector to watch a game or movie during the party once the sun goes down.
Above all, relax and let yourself enjoy a day under the sun. Summer always goes by too fast!
Grill it up
If you can eat it, you can probably grill it. Use your grill to cook up a variety of tasty items for your friends to enjoy. You can't go wrong with old-school burgers and brats, but you can also use foil packets and skewers to grill up fish, veggies and fruits of all kinds.
Corn on the cob is easy (and popular, for good reason), but you can also try grilling items like pineapple or Portobello mushroom steaks to provide your guests with some unexpected and elevated options as well. Guests with specific dietary preferences and needs will especially love making build-your-own kebabs.
Have a fire pit? Offer all the fixings for making s'mores which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to wind down the festivities.
For more summer sips inspiration, visit HighNoonSpirits.com and check out @HighNoonSunSips on Instagram.
Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.