How To Throw a Pool-Less Party
How to Throw a Pool Party When You Don't Have a Pool
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The pictures of bikini-clad partiers jumping into pools or leisurely floating atop the water make it seem like everyone has a private oasis in their backyard – but what if you don't have access to a pool and want to have some fun? Blogger Brittany from The House That Lars Built teamed up with furniture and decor retailer Joss & Main to create a retro Summer pool bash that doesn't require a pool. In fact, if we hadn't pointed out the lack of pool, you probably wouldn't even have noticed one wasn't there. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to set a retro pool party vibe, and then shop the look on Joss & Main.
Location
"When hosting a pool-less pool party, make sure you find a location that is begging for feet to walk on it. Grass is perfect!" says Brittany. She also suggests picking a location that has a hose and electrical outlets nearby.
Style
The party's charming, old-fashioned style was actually pretty simple to achieve. Brittany says, "It's all about how you style it!" She brought the retro vibes in with fun bathing suits, bright stripes, and by sticking to a limited color palette.
Food and Drink
As for what to nosh and sip on, Brittany suggests taking a hint from the theme. "Everyone loves to eat watermelon at a party. Everyone. It's perfect for a hot summer day, like the one we had. We also custom ordered some doughnuts from our local doughnut shop to resemble the stripes of the beach balls we had at our party. For drinks, we found some classic shaped soda bottles in the colors of our party."
Decor
Brittany kept her guests comfortable in style. She placed striped sun umbrellas to create much-needed shade, hung inviting hammocks, and scattered comfy yellow lounge chairs. Throw back accents, such as the Pesi-Cola rolling cooler ($128, originally $170), emphasized the retro theme.
Design
Brittany's design inspiration came from a mix of mid-century, retro style and the mandala pattern, which is a circular Indian geometric pattern. "I thought it would be superfun to have a secret that only the party goers and anyone from an airplane would know: that the party is actually in a rad pattern from the air! That, and I think that a circular pattern is conducive to mixing and mingling."
Pool Alternative
The lack of a pool did not inhibit the fun. Brittany had an affordable workaround for guests to splash in. She explains, "The kiddie pools we had set out were perfect for dipping your toes in without having to get your whole body wet . . . Hats and spritzers are always a must, as well!"
Activities
From playing rounds of quaint croquet and wading in the kiddie pools to making s'mores on a darling portable grill ($226), Brittany made sure there was plenty for guests to do.
Accessories
"Get a variety of pools, floaties, balls, and other fun pool accessories, as these will help bring in the pool spirit," says Brittany. "It's always helpful to blow up floaties with an electric pump for inflatables . . . You can also find one that can be blow up with a cigarette lighter from a car," says Brittany.
