How to Throw a Pool Party… WITHOUT a Pool
It can be done. (And it’s easy, too.)
One look at her blog, The House that Lars Built, will tell you that Brittany Watson Jepsen knows how to throw a party. Always inspired, her ideas have amassed a huge following—posts are pinned and recreated in homes all over. Knowing such, we decided to put her party prowess to the test. The challenge? Throw a pool party… without a pool. Here, she shares the splashy results along with four tips for making it work in your backyard.
1. Embrace Your Location
Whether it’s a grassy backyard or small stone patio, Jepsen recommends
bringing in lounge chairs, beach towels, and pool floats to make guests feel like they’re relaxing poolside—just make sure an outlet and hose are nearby. “We used an electric pump to blow up our floats, so having an outlet was crucial,” says Jepsen.
2. Create a Lively Atmosphere
“Beach balls and classic lawn games will help to get guests in the pool spirit,” says Jepsen. Another no-pool party must-have? A summer playlist. Simply scatter wireless speakers evenly throughout your space so the music is never too loud or too soft in one place.
3. Set Out a Refreshing Spread
“Everyone loves to eat watermelon at a party—it’s perfect for a hot summer day,” says Jepson, who also recommends swapping out your standard serveware for colorful melamine pieces. As for drinks, try big-batch cocktails that won’t break the bank.
4. Keep Things Cool
To avoid heat exhaustion, or worse, early party burn out, Jepsen suggests setting out kiddie pools guests can dip their toes in. “We also used a number of large umbrellas for shade,” says Jepson, who advises having hats, spritzers, and plenty of SPF on hand, which you can showcase on a decorative tray or bar cart.
