Published On: 5 August 2022Categories: Blog7.7 min read

Hosting an Oxshott pool party is always a blast, but it can be tricky to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.

The weather can always be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for any eventuality. And it should be as stress-free as possible to ensure you enjoy it too!

We’re going to give you some tips on managing everything from food and drink options to theme ideas and ways to keep everyone entertained. So whether you’re getting the last bits together for next weekend or you’re still in the early stages of planning, read on for some helpful tips!

Catering in Oxshott

One of the first things you need to think about is what kind of food and drink you’ll have available. If you are planning to invite a larger crowd, you’ll want to make sure there’s something for everyone, so it might be worth putting together a buffet with a few different options. (Don’t forget to take dietary requirements into consideration.)

Food

Finger foods are always a good shout, as they’re easy to eat without getting too messy. Think about things like mini pizzas, chicken skewers, and vegetable sticks. And of course, no pool party is complete without a selection of snacks! Crisps, biscuits, and fruit are all good options and lend a great variety of seasonal produce in the summer months!

Alternatively, a slow cooker is your best friend. To avoid spending a lot of time preparing in a hot kitchen while you could be enjoying the sun and the water – chucking a few ingredients into a slow cooker and leaving it be is a great way of feeding large crowds with minimal effort.

If you’re more of a ‘come prepared’ kind of host – there is no harm in dishing out a list for people to bring their own contributions. Some people could be in charge of snacks, other desserts and mains for the rest. This will ensure there is something everyone likes (it’s their own cooking!) as well as the crucial factor of dietary requirements being covered without much thought.

Of course, if you want to remove the stress of cooking and prepping altogether, you could outsource the catering for your Oxshott pool party! Our team at Vanilla Bean catering are not just available for corporate events. We also attend parties and events at your own home.  We will take care of everything food and drink related and can even help you plan the whole day from theming to music. So all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your party!

Drinks

Now that we’ve covered food, it’s time to think about drinks! If you’re having a pool party in Oxshott during the summer months, chances are that most of your guests will want something refreshing and cool.

There are a few different ways you can go about this – one option is to set up a drinks station where people can help themselves. This could be anything from a selection of fruits and juices for making smoothies, to an array of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages in an outdoor cooler. (Just make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available too.)

Another option is to make a big batch of Pimms or iced tea – this can be done in advance and will save you having to make individual drinks for everyone.

And if you’re feeling really ambitious, why not try your hand at making some frozen cocktails? They’re always a hit! Simply blend up your choice of tipple with plenty of ice and the all-important cocktail umbrella for the perfect drink by the pool.

In terms of alcohol, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. You don’t want anyone overdoing it if the sun is blaring and everyone is in and out of the water, so make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options and cold water available as well.

If you are serving alcohol, remember to also provide some tasty mocktails for those who are driving or just don’t fancy drinking. This way, everyone can enjoy a refreshing drink without missing out.

Our team is famous for their funky mixed drinks too. So if you are looking for something a little more unique with the added fun of a talented bartender at your service – get in touch today!

Keep Them Busy

Now that you’ve got the food and drink sorted, it’s time to start thinking about entertainment! If you’re hosting at home, there are still plenty of ways to keep your guests entertained without breaking the bank.

One option is to set up some water games – this could be anything from an impromptu water fight with any attending little ones to a more organised team game of water polo.

If you want to get really creative, try setting up an obstacle course using inflatables and pool noodles – this is sure to get everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, even if they aren’t keen swimmers.

There are even some fun things you could pick up at the local supermarket. This might include ball games, floating basketball hoops or sinkers for the people that don’t mind getting their hair wet…

But don’t forget those who might want to keep themselves dry. As funny as it sounds, not everyone comes to a pool party for the pool! So think giant Jenga or even video games on the TV inside for anyone that needs a moment out of the sun.

Music

If you have a music subscription, there are often some great pool party playlists available to stream. Or you could create your own.

Think about getting some song or band requests from guests ahead of time and compiling them all into a brilliant Oxshott pool party playlist that everyone will enjoy. Keep it lighthearted though – while we all enjoy a ballad from time to time, this event should be all about the fun.

Another option is to hire a DJ or band to provide some music by the pool. This will create a great party atmosphere and will ensure that everyone is up and dancing – even if they’re not the best swimmers! We have some great contacts that we could help with, ensuring you are set up and ready well ahead of time.

Even if you’re on a budget, don’t worry. As we said, you can still create a great atmosphere with some well-chosen tunes. Simply hook your phone up to a speaker and let everyone take turns picking songs throughout the day or evening.

Lounging Around

Depending on who you’ve invited and how many people you are expecting, it might be best to ask friends and family to bring some sun loungers or deck chairs to ensure everyone has a chance to relax after a swim.

If you want to add a little luxury, why not hire some daybeds for the ultimate in poolside relaxation? These are great for those that want to take a break from the sun or just have a little snooze.

If you haven’t quite got the space or budget to do so you could instead invest in some picnic blankets for the day. Then your visitors won’t have to lay on the grass, but there are still areas for topping up that tan.

Be Prepared For All Weathers

Finally, no matter how well you plan, the British weather can still be unpredictable. So it’s always best to be prepared for all eventualities!

Oxshott has seen its fair share of beautiful sunny days recently, but if we do get an unexpected downpour, don’t worry – we have plenty of experience in setting up gazebos and marquees to keep everyone dry. We can work with you ahead of time to make sure your party goes off without a hitch, no matter what the weather throws at us.

Even having one set up on the hottest day of the year will provide some much-appreciated shade. In gardens that are blessed with all-day sunshine or lack the coverage from trees and greenery, umbrellas and gazebos are definitely something to consider so you aren’t left with bright red guests.

Even having some extra sun cream on offer won’t go amiss and your guests will remember that you looked after them well!

Planning An Oxshott Pool Party?

So there you have it – everything you need to know about hosting the perfect event. All that’s left to do is send out those invitations and get ready to have a great time!

If you have any questions or would like some more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help where we can. In the meantime, if you need a little inspiration, why not check out our social media? We’ve got plenty of great ideas for food, drink and entertainment – not to mention some stunning Oxshott locations that will wow your guests.

If you have any questions or need help getting started, our team is always happy to assist. Contact us today to find out more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you soon!