Once you've started thinking of pool party ideas and themes, pool side food quickly moves to the top of the list. What pool party is complete without the appropriate party snacks? From simple to elegant, the refreshments at your pool party will set the tone. Before party planning, check out these suggestions for pool party treats your guests will enjoy.
Consider the Guests First: Tailor the treats to their tastes. Will your party include children? Is your pool party going to be for teens or adults? What time do you plan on having your pool party? Making these decisions will help give you a better idea for the supplies and food to have on hand.
Casual Cuisine: If you don't want to have someone on duty at the grill the whole time, or if you just don't want to deal with the heat of grilling, try a picnic theme. Lay blankets on the ground. Set out cold sandwiches, chips, lemonade and cupcakes on your serving table, and place pre-wrapped utensils and napkins in a picnic basket.
For a late afternoon or early evening pool party with kids, plan a standard cookout of hotdogs, burgers, ribs and corn on the cob. This menu will usually please adults and children alike. Along with the grilled items, serve a garden salad with raspberry vinaigrette, vegetable and fruit trays, and macaroni or potato salads. Italian ices or ice cream is the perfect dessert for a cookout.
Poolside Appetizers: If your guests are more interested in mingling around the pool than splashing around in it, offer more complicated, bite-size dishes. Thai summer rolls served with peanut sauce and mango and shrimp wraps are wonderful cool appetizer selections.
For the main courses, chicken satay served with peanut sauce and shish-kebobs give you the opportunity to incorporate grilled meats, fruit (pineapples for the satay) and vegetables to your pool party menu. Serve a chilled tabouli instead of a salad as a nice side dish that can be made the day before and chilled in the refrigerator. Top off the meal with miniature key lime, apple and berry tarts. You can offer a variety of choices to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.
Regardless of what you decide to serve, menu items that can be made ahead and chilled will help you relax and enjoy your party while offering a cooling counterpoint to the summer heat.
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