16 Ways to Make a Splash at Your Memorial Day Pool Party
With spring days reaching all-time highs, there’s nothing like an epic pool party to cool things down. But before you break out the floats and sunblock, you’ll want to whip up these DIYs that are sure to get the festivities started. Drop-cloth picnic blankets, painted bocce balls, whatever you can think of — we’ve got it all. Scroll on to find out which of these pool party essentials you’ll want to make in time for that Memorial Day pool party.
1. DIY Graphic Beach Towels: Find the most vibrantly colored beach towels for the best result, then decide what kind of sassy or funny phrase you want your towel to say. Using bleach and cardstock stencils, spell it out onto your towels. Beach, please — it’s really that simple! (via Studio DIY)
2. DIY Beach Ball Basket: These beach ball baskets made from hollow styrofoam half balls and assorted bright acrylic craft paints are the ultimate package. They double as party decor and storage for your guests to keep their things pool water-free. (via Damask Love)
3. DIY Floating Glitter Tumbler: Everybody needs a little glitter in their lives. Satisfy your need by DIYing this floating glitter tumbler with a blend of sparkly sequins and metallic confetti. If you can’t get enough of the confetti fix, try it next on your phone case. (via Studio DIY)
4. DIY Beach Ball Drink Stirrers: Don’t let the pool have all the fun when it comes to creative decorations. Dress up your poolside drinks with these cheeky mini beach ball drink stirrers. (via Studio DIY)
5. DIY Painted Pattern Patio Umbrella: You can’t forget about providing a nice shady area for your guests. Upgrade a plain patio umbrella with latex paint with a fun pattern of your choice to create this cute summer staple for your patio. (via Lovely Indeed)
6. DIY Retro Beach Umbrella: There’s nothing a little fringe can’t fix when it comes to spicing up a plain ol’ umbrella. Leave the fringe-y details to these guys or turn it into a motif for all your other pool accessories, like fringed beach towels, fringed chair throws, fringe pillows… So much potential. (via Sugar & Cloth)
7. DIY Tassel Tote: This revamped straw tote can be color coordinated to fit your favorite suit and sundress. DIY your own tassels for extra customization, then grab a needle and thread. Opt for multicolored tassels for a bohemian vibe or get picky with your colors and where you place them for a more unique pattern. (via Boxwood Avenue)
8. DIY Floating Pool Tray: DIY easy access to your snacks, drinks and magazine while lounging in the pool. Soon, you might not actually need to leave the pool when everything you could want is only a floating tray away. Leave the tray natural like this one or slap on a coat of paint in your favorite summer-y shade for the finishing touch. (via The Merrythought)
9. DIY Drink Umbrella: Once you print out your free pattern, cut out the printed shapes and glue them onto bamboo skewers for teeny umbrellas to garnish your drinks. For an even more whimsical look, slightly angle the umbrella on the skewer when attaching it. (via The Flair Exchange)
10. DIY Picnic Blankets: If you’re on the hunt for super affordable DIYs, you’ll like these hand-painted picnic blankets made of canvas drop cloths and fabric paint. We chose to go with fruits, but you can choose any other quintessentially “summer” print or pattern. In addition to picnic blankets, they make excellent tablecloths and decorative tapestries. (via Brit + Co)
11. Free Printable Memory Card Game: Heavier matte photo paper is the way to go with these printables. Simply download, print and cut out for an easy active memory game to play on the pool deck. To make your cards safe to bring into the pool, laminate them. (via Andimaginary)
12. DIY No-Sew Poncho: Turn any blanket into a comfy poncho to slip on when it gets a little cooler by the pool. Though it’s no-sew, it might be best to set aside a weekend for this craft, as it has quite a few steps and measurements. (via Brit + Co)
13. DIY Abstract Pattern Beach Balls: Don’t settle for ordinary — go the extra mile and decorate your own set of beach balls using craft paint. Paint them solid in any color, then add some quirky prints and patterns and you’re good to go! Pro tip: For finer details, you’ll want to use a thin-tip brush. (via Aww Sam)
14. DIY Tropical Drink Markers: These palm tree cutouts are all that’s needed to whisk you away to daydreaming about your next island getaway. Pair them with frozen watermelon mint margaritas for the best summer drink ever. (via Brit + Co)
15. DIY Popsicle Piñata: As disappointing as it is to know you can’t actually fill it with popsicles, this DIY is cute enough to make you forget. Get creative with your popsicle patterns using colored crepe paper and cardboard, and why not throw in a classic “popsicle drip” detail. (via Oh Happy Day)
16. DIY Bocce Balls: If you’ve got a grassy area nearby, then this DIY lawn game will do just nicely. Pick up a set of bocce balls, add a coat of spray paint and perhaps a sticker for each, then seal it off with protective finish spray. (via Brit + Co)
Are you throwing a pool party? Check us out on Pinterest for more sweet summer party ideas!
