To most, the warm weather means shedding some layers and catching some sun, but with the summer heat fast approaching, pool owners should be preparing their patios for optimal entertaining season. Here at Aquaman, we’ve assembled some of our favourite party tips, recipes and other finds to keep your pool parties cool this season.
We love the idea of taking a signature cocktail and turning it into both a unique treat and another way to keep your cool. These easy to make margarita popsicles with the aid of a nearby freezer or cooler put a fun twist on a childhood favourite.
Makes: 8 (6-inch) popsicles
Prep Time: 10 min
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix the lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar and tequila.
Pour the liquid into the popsicle molds. Freeze the molds for approximately two hours until the liquid begins to firm then insert the popsicle sticks. Continue freezing until the popsicles are solid – this should take about ten hours. When ready to serve, run the molds under warm water to release the popsicles.
Nothing says pool party like finger food; easy to make recipes that wont spoil in the sun and don’t require any plates or silverware so you can grab a bite between dives. If you’re growing tired of store bought spinach dips, try putting a spin on a classic with this Bacon filled guacamole.
Makes: 2 cups
Prep Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl mash two avocados. Slice the remaining two and add to the bowl. Squeeze with half a lime and a pinch of kosher salt. Add in diced tomatoes, garlic, onion, jalapeno, hot sauce, Gorgonzola, bacon and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle with chipotle chile powder and cayenne to taste. Gently toss and serve with corn tortilla chips.
One of the most common causes of poolside injury is a household staple that should be forbidden in an outdoor entertaining environment. Avoid injury by replacing your glass tableware with stylish replacements crafted from materials like melamine; in turn reducing the risk of broken glass near bare feet. Check out options that mimic the style of everyday dinnerware for a more elegant alternative to paper plates at stores like Crate and Barrel, Ikea, and Pottery Barn (who offer one of our favourite sets pictured above).
Small touches to ensure an enticing environment go a long way to “wow” guests and create a lasting impression. Installing small string lights above the party area add more light to dim evenings, make photography significantly easier, and set a calming tone for the final moments of your night. This final touch along with a few votives along your patio or a few floating candles in the pool makes for a stunning, cohesive, and seemingly well thought out decor.
With these few tips and ideas we hope to make your planning run as smoothly as your pool. Make sure to include Aquaman for your before and after maintenance so that your summer focal piece stays in its prime partying condition!
