As the weather starts warming up, pool parties can be found in almost any neighbourhood. The relaxed atmosphere pool parties create make them the perfect party to celebrate a birthday, moving house, end of school or just as a catch up.

One of the advantages of having a pool party is that the party is contained outdoors. Apart from a few trips to the bathroom, guests should remain outside at all times. Decorate the backyard with balloons of all shapes and sizes, tie them to the fence and string them above the pool. They can even be placed in the pool and half filled with water to create a bobbing effect.

Set up an outdoor CD player and include a playlist of modern top 40 tracks and some traditional beach tunes.

Clever Costuming
Dressing for a pool party requires a little bit of preparation. Make sure guests are instructed to bring or wear their swimming costumes, a towel, goggles if necessary, sunscreen and dry clothes to change into. Older children might like to have a Hawaiian themed pool party, if so, guests could wear Hawaiian or beach clothes and be welcomed with a Luau.

Menu Munchies! or Delectable Delights
A BBQ is a good way to keep your guests out of the house. Sausages, hamburgers and chicken drumsticks are easy to prepare and munch on. Try and provide guests with variety of nutritional snacks throughout the day, including a fruit platter. And what would a pool party be without an ice-cream cake to cool off? Ensure children rest for a period of time after eating lunch and make sure that you provide your guests with plenty of fluids. It's important to keep children hydrated so ensure there are adequate supplies of water and other drinks available throughout the day.

Gratifying Games
A water balloon fight can be a great way to start off the party and get everyone involved. Fill a laundry basket up with water balloons and place it in the backyard for guests to grab and throw at each other. Save a few water balloons for a game of hot potato. Sit the children in a circle and as they pass the balloon around, the music will stop. Whoever it stops on needs to burst the balloon by sitting on it. Water pistols could be used in water fights in the pool, but make sure you collect them throughout the day to give some relief from getting soaked. There are also a range of pool games such as flotation races and pool volleyball available to purchase at variety stalls.

Fancy a Favour?
A clever send-off gift could be lolly bags filled with lifesavers, water balloons and funny sunglasses.

Party Pointers
Make sure you're aware of the swimming ability of your guests. Inform all parents there will be adequate adult supervision at all times and encourage guests to bring any flotation devices they need. Make sure you have an alternative backup plan for bad weather and be prepared to hold the party inside.