In less than a month, school will be starting. Munchkin won’t start her new program of homeschooling until September 1st but a few of her friends will already be starting on Wednesday. Crazy, right?! As a last tribute to what’s left of summer, I decided to have an end-of-summer pool party for the kids.
3 Tips to Planning a Last-Minute Summer Pool Party
As a totally last-minute affair, I didn’t have much time to get everything together. Plus, I didn’t want to spend a fortune when the majority of the time everyone would just be in the pool. Here are a few factors that helped me pull off this event successfully.
- Save time by only shopping at one store.
Fortunately, I was able to get 100% of our supplies at Lucky supermarkets. Shopping took me about an hour and the whole shindig cost less than $100. The $20.31 I saved from weekly sales and digital coupons I loaded on my Lucky You account earlier was a welcome surprise. Not bad. Not bad at all.
- Keep it simple.
We didn’t bother too much with décor since the main attraction was playing in the pool with friends. But, it’s amazing what a brightly-colored paper tablecloth and decorative plates can do to jazz up an otherwise boring spot. Nice platters and serving bowls dress up the table nicely but even some sturdy plastic ones will work. One friend asked where I got my serving tray, not realizing it was made up of a rectangular plate and six disposable plastic containers. Such a great find!
Preparation of the snacks took about 2 hours. Most items were pre-made so it was super simple to just toss it in a bowl or arrange it on a plate. I did have some help from my daughter to make the sandwiches and cut the fruit though. It turned out to be a nice bonding experience 🙂
- Skip the feast.
The tweens / teens didn’t end up eating very much at all. They were content to nibble on the simple sandwiches, potato chips, and fruit throughout the afternoon. The cupcakes and cookies pretty much went untouched. Most of the junk food ended up uneaten and had to go home with us (like I need that in the house to tempt me).
Later, I surprised the kids with an ice cream station! We had mint chocolate chip and vanilla ice cream to choose from. Toppings included crushed Oreos, crushed Butterfingers, strawberry syrup, caramel, Nerds, rainbow sprinkles, sour gummy worms, and hard chocolate shell. Well, I ended up being more excited about this than the kids were. Each one only added 3-4 sprinkles to their minuscule scoop. What a letdown! Next time, I’m just doing the basics. After all, they only need to munch a little in order to recharge before getting in the pool again.
Sending Summer Off with a Smile
All in all, the kids all had a great time. As I was the sole person keeping watch over them (they’re all good swimmers and ages 9-14), I think their parents had a nice time sans children. Now they can all feel like they enjoyed their summer to the full with four hours of pool time, endless snacks, and a whole lot of fun with their friends.
I mentioned that the entire pool party cost less than $100. Thanks to Lucky Supermarkets, you can enter to win a $100 gift card to throw your own end of summer gathering. Enter below.
What tips do you have for throwing a last-minute gathering?
This post was made possible by Lucky Supermarkets. All opinions are my own.
39 comments
It’s really great that you were able to get everything in one place. The party looks fun. And I agree, finger foods go a lot further than junk with the teen crowd.
These days there are so many good things you can pick up ready made!
Ordering pizza is a quick and easy meal everybody loves.
With the kids just supplying some pizza, soda and leave them alone as my kids are teens and tweens and don’t want me hovering.
Have some cards handy
Order pizza and wings!
I just had a last minute gathering for my sons birthday. I picked up pizza, disposable dinnerware and individual ice cream. It was so easy to clean up after!
For a last-minute party stock up on quick frozen snacks.
The best thing to do is to make it a pot luck!
Dont panic…..LOL! I think takeout pizza is a great to have.
We make a quick punch mix and order a pizza.
I’m not sure if I have any tips for a quick party. I really plan everything out and obsess about it. I guess if you want to do an easy party than pizza, drinks and cupcakes are quick and easy to do. Thank you!
Pick up sandwiches, soda, and ice.
Start prepping for it as soon as soon you know! Prepare as many foods as early as you can and try to pick food items that aren’t time consuming!
If a friend offers to bring something….let them!
Buy in season foods/comfort food that are easy to prepare.
We like to have last minute pot-luck dinners with friends. Games are a must at these celebrations.
TO throw a last minute gathering, keep it simple. Ask everyone to bring something simple they can put together quickly or pick up at the store (think brownies, potato salad, etc). Cook something simple like burgers and hotdogs on the grill. Don’t stress!
I always have snacks on hand
I run to the dollar tore get some games and goodie bags for the kids.
Have lots of activities planned.
I always have snacks from Lucky on hand for instant partys.
Make sure to always have lots of juice–don’t want kids getting dehydrated!
Have lots of drink varieties available, some people may only drink certain things. I always head to the dollar stores for cheap party supplies.
Send the boyfriend to the story to pick up already made things.
My tip is to make it simple and have everyone bring some food or snacks.
Potluck is the way to go!
Have everyone bring a dish, order take out, or asks your guests to bring something like hot dogs for you to prepare on the grill.
Stay calm and always have staples on hand that you can make a go to quick meal
Keep it simple and make it pot luck.
I like to always keep cheese and crackers on hand as well as fresh fruit so I am ready to have a party at any time.
I think you need a list for everything that you do. Thank you
Go to the store and get premade salads and pick up hot dogs and hamburgers.
Finger foods such as sandwiches is great for last minute.
I try to keep things that are easy to thaw and bake in the freezer for those last minute parties!
Order pizza it always makes it easy and keep extra drinks around the house
just have everyone bring something !!!
Always have wine and frozen snacks in the house!
ask guests to bring a dish
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