Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean your pool has to.

Here in Athens, Georgia, some of the best backyard weather is still ahead of us. The
blazing-hot afternoons start to ease up, the evenings get more comfortable, and your
backyard becomes a pretty great place to spend a Saturday.

So before you trade the floats for fall decorations, give summer one last proper send-off.

Throw an End-of-Summer Pool Party

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, the best pool parties usually aren’t.

Invite a few friends, turn on some music, throw something easy on the grill, and let the
pool do most of the entertaining.

A few small things can make it feel like an actual event:

Bring out every single float you own.

This is their last big summer moment. Giant flamingo? Inflatable bull? Questionable
novelty float you bought three summers ago? This is its time SHINE.

Set up a “build-your-own” dinner bar.

Tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs or nacho bar all are great ideas because they are easy to
execute and nobody has to sit down for a formal meal.

Add a poolside drink station.

Fill a big tub with sodas, juice boxes, and bottled water so everyone can grab their own.
And maybe a dispenser of your favorite premixed cocktail for the adults (I’ve included
my favorite cocktail recipe).

Plan one ridiculous competition.

Best cannonball. Biggest splash. Float race. Underwater handstand contest. And its not
just for the the kids. Adults included.

So don’t pack everything away just because summer is ending.Throw one more party.
Then start planning the next one.