Fire up the barbie – it’s time to celebrate the summer holidays. Add some water, some simple entertaining ideas, and you have a chic Summer Pool Party.

Splish Splash

If you have a pool, then you are set. If you don’t, the kids will love to splash around in an inflatable paddle pool or run under a sprinkler (if your water restrictions allow). Remember endless summers on the Slip and Slide? Inflatable pool toys are also fun – we used to ride our pool ponies for hours.

Keep a stash of stylish Canningvale or Country Road beach towels for guests. And keep a huge pump pack of SPF 30+ sunscreen available (and encourage frequent use).

Resort Wear

Think fabulous resort holiday, and saunter around in a billowy Camilla Franks or Seafolly kaftan, wide-brimmed hat, and flat jewelled sandals. Full coverage is the stylish choice for swimwear with styles from the 50′s and 60′s making a huge comeback. Add a big pair of sunnies and you are good to go.

Refreshing Drinks

Drinks are essential, of course. For the kids, mini bottles always look great, especially teamed with a retro stripey paper straw. You can buy mini Italian juice bottles and wash off the labels, or you can purchase empty bottles directly from stores such as motherducksaidletsparty, oweneatscake and voiletcaviar. Fill with sparkling mineral water and a splash or juice.  If you’re feeling energetic, you could fix a piece of Japanese washi tape to the side and write on each child’s name.

For the adults, think fruity, sparkly and cold. Fill a water jug with sparkling water and slices of lime, sprigs of mint and plenty of ice. A metal bucket looks chic filled with ice and boutique soft drinks and beer. For the imbibers, you could make up a jug of Caipiriniha, with Brazillian cachaça, sugar and lime – super-refreshing and very hot right now.

Fun Food

Skip the heavy food and go for light, refreshing nibbles. You can make truly impressive jellies easily with a bit of forward planning. For adults, prepare the jelly in a martini glass.

For the kids, shot glasses are a great size. When set, top each with whipped cream and a raspberries, strawberries or blueberries.

Fruit skewers are an easy entertaining idea that kids and adults love, and keeps everyone hydrated. Simply thread fresh fruit cubes onto skewers; snip off the sharp ends if you are worried about the little ones stabbing themselves.

A big bowl of buttered and salted popcorn is an inexpensive and moreish treat. If your party goers need something more substantial, throw something a little special on the BBQ. A butterflied chicken marinated in Portuguese spices will cook fairly quickly and smell fantastic. Marinated and butterflied lamb is also a great option, and works well with make-your-own wraps, tabouli, cucumber and yoghurt. You can also serve up prawns, and BBQ the shells too which make interesting “chips”. Dip into aioli and serve with a mango and coriander salsa. (Go on, skip the sausages and chops).

Simple Décor

Casually arranged flowers from the garden are the simplest and easiest décor for an outdoor party. Hydrangeas and Agapanthus are particularly impressive and flower throughout the summer. Keep vases simple (white or clear glass) and trim most of the lower leaves.

If your outdoors area is in need of a little pizazz, paper lanterns or tissue paper poms are a festive and fun decorating option. Hang from trees, balcony, porch or pergola at varying heights.

Music

Music can make a memory, and there are a slew of great chilled-vibe artists for a pool party. Try the John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Buena Vista Social Club, and Astrud Gilberto, to name a few.

And there you have some simple ideas for a chic soiree. Keep a close eye on the kids, use lots of sunscreen, and you’ll be hosting stylish Summer Pool Parties all summer long.