The Sunday Mail
FOR many, the pool is the centre of attention of the backyard, and, therefore, needs seating, lighting and amenities around it.
While for others the pool is only one aspect of their entertaining lifestyle, cooking, gardening and children’s play areas may be factors to consider as well.
Here are tips to help you prepare your pool area for entertaining.
Assess your pool entertaining lifestyle
Is your house the one on the block that all of the neighbourhood children and teenagers flock to for your pool? If so, consider investing in pool sports activity recreation gear like beach balls, flotation devices and fun games to do around and inside the pool to keep kids busy. While if your pool area is geared more towards evening adult entertaining, lounge chairs and night-time lighting around the pool area may be important. Assess your lifestyle to ensure you are using your pool to its best capacity.
Deck out your pool with fun colour inspiration
Making your guests feel comfortable and relaxed is your sole purpose when you entertain around your pool. Bringing fun and inspiring colours to your textiles, seating and garden furniture cushions can instantly add pizzazz!
Opt for colourful oversized pillows for lounging, bright beach towels displayed in outdoor credenzas and outfit your pool deck area with easily movable ottomans and seating options. For versatility, consider having varieties of mix and match patterned and coloured cushions for outdoor furniture.
Plan your activities beforehand
Ask any event planner the secret to entertaining without stress and they will say, ‘plan out your activities in advance.’
While this does not mean you have to have a strict itinerary of the day, it does mean that an idea of what your guests will eat, where they will dine, lounge, play and interact will help you and your guests enjoy around the pool.
Night-time pool entertaining
While daytime pool entertaining is a must, so are evening parties and fun around the pool.
Regardless of your budget, or the size of your pool area, entertaining is about the people you share it with and the great time had by all. — freshome.com.
