Summer Week! Elle Entertains: Kickoff to Summer Pool Party

My party for this month is a Kickoff to Summer party! Luckily, my apartment complex has a nice pool, so that served as the setting. A beach, le sigh, would’ve been even better! Here’s how I did it:

Décor--

• My colors were blue and white, but I didn’t want it to look too nautical. I used a blue tablecloth with white napkins and plates. 
• I used seashells, seashell candles (so easy to make! Should I do a DIY?), and a hurricane lamp filled with sand, shells, and a candle to decorate the table. See other uses for a tall vase in this post. 
• Dozens of blue & white balls (this is from the actual party!) would look cute even in a small pool and can serve as entertainment (volleyball, basketball, etc). Guests can carry them home—especially great if you have kids. I hung a few balls above the table in place of lanterns.
•  I also had candles around the pool, but seek permission first if it's not your pool!

Food--

I wanted things that were nice and cool and didn't require a lot of preparation.

• I made chicken & avocado wraps, 
• black bean and salsa dip (how cute is it served in margarita glasses?), and 
• fruit kebabs. Use a straw as your kebab and slide on fruit! 
• For dessert, I served Ice Cream on a Stick, via Martha Stewart, which is totally genius.

Drinks--

Ok, this is the section everyone asks about when I announce a party: What are we drinking? In addition to plenty of non-alc refreshments, I wanted to change things up in the cocktail department. 

• I served alcohol Snow Cones (or you could make Shaved Ice). Everyone went crazy over these, and they were easy to make! For the Snow Cones, I used my blender to crunch up some ice, placed the ice in Snow Cone cups (via Target), and poured a shot or two of Pina Colada or Blueberry Martini (blue & white theme!) over the ice.
• I also made Cosmo Pops--both were a big hit!

Are you having a summer pool party? Or any party this summer? Do tell in the comments. 
Have a great weekend! I'll be back Monday with even more summer goodies. Love, Elle