How to Organize a Pool Party

How to Organize a Pool Party

Summer parties are a great way to enjoy time with friends and family. If you want to organize a party this summer, then opt for a pool party, as they are easy to organize and loads of fun. However, as with every party, you need to consider a number of things before being ready for the party. Below is a list of things you need to do to organize your very own pool party for the summer:

1.     Find a Pool

If you have a private pool, there can be nothing better. However, if not, then you will need to rent a pool at the local community club or a hotel.

2.     Decide the Date for the Event

When will you host your event? Is your birthday coming in the summer? Do you want to meet up with your friends during your summer holidays? Pick a date for the event as soon as possible, as your invitations and other preparations will be made accordingly.

3.     Make a Guest List

Are you only hosting a party for a few selected friends or a large bash? Create your guest list so that you will have an estimate on the number of people coming to the event.

4.     Create the Invites

You can either print your invites on your own or make your invites by hands. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to print your invitations as well. You can be impersonal and call or text a few selected friends or make it a big event by using proper invitations, the choice is yours.

5.     Finalize Your Menu

As it is a pool party, keep light refreshments and snacks for earlier hours while your guests are in the pool. You can then serve a good meal at lunchtime. The menu depends upon your personal tastes and the preferences of your guests.

6.     Plan for Music and Other Entertainment

Do you solely want to keep the pool as a source of entertainment or are you planning to spice things up with some music in the background? Hire a DJ or assign one person the task on setting up music during the event. If you want to entertain your guests with games and contests, brainstorm on theses ideas and finalize a few good ones. You will need to prepare for these activities in advance to have them ready for the party.

7.     Decorate the Pool Area according to the Theme of Your Party

Use yellow and blue colors to decorate the venue. You can use flowers as well to give it a bright and fresh appearance. Add tables and chairs for your guests near the poolside to provide comfortable seating to your guests.

8.     Other Prerequisites

When writing the invites, remind your guests to bring plenty of sunscreen and keep some in stock just in case your guests need it at the event. Use umbrellas to provide shady areas around the pool if there is not cover provided from the heat of the sun. With a pool party, you need to serve cold refreshments, so have plenty of ice available for use. You can ask local businesses for door prizes. You can also make party favors to give to your guests at the end of the event. Pool parties are a great way to make new friends, and recruit new volunteers for your community. Pass out notices and invite neighbors to help you throw the party. Be sure not to discriminate against any protected class(es) of residents (including children). Make sure to follow all community rules. Check with your lawyer and/or insurance agent before serving or allowing alcohol.

Organize your pool party by following these steps and have fun with your friends. The pool awaits you!

Helpful Insight for New Board Members

Helpful Insight for New Board Members

Congratulations on your new role of serving on your community's board of directors! While you were not likely given much information to help ready yourself for your new “job”, there are right ways and wrong ways to begin your term on your community board. Below are some useful tips to help you gain insight and better prepare you for your new position as a community association director.

Do your homework

Once you join your board of directors, your work is just getting started.  You must be prepared to attend your board meetings as well as any membership meetings; however, it doesn't end there. You will need to review reports, minutes and many other materials pertaining to your role as a director before you weigh in with a decision on them. You should not expect others such as another director or the manager to do your job, but you should consult with them and try to incorporate various points of view.

 

Familiarize yourself

You should become familiar with your role and your association's documents as soon as possible. There are materials the manager can provide that will help you better understand your role as a community association board member as well as online material. It is best to start with your Community’s Governing Documents. You may also want to consider reading the statute which governs your particular type of association. Do not expect to interpret everything on your own; that is your association attorney's role.

 

Ask questions

Asking questions is always a good way to learn anything that is new to you. Rather than making assumptions, ask questions about why the board is doing certain things and enforcing or ignoring certain policies. However, questions should remain genuine with the purpose of obtaining information, not veiled accusations or criticism. There will be a time to address issues after all the facts are gathered first. 

Take your role seriously

You cannot fulfill your fiduciary (acting legally, ethically, and in the best interest of the community) obligations if you do not attend meetings, are not adequately prepared, and do not take your role as a director seriously. Keep in mind, that even if you think the role easy, you might learn a hard lesson to the contrary in court. It is your responsibility to be focused on what is in the best interests of the community while putting aside any personal issues. You cannot truly represent your community in good faith if you do not put the interest of the association's homeowners collectively first.

Your voice and your vote count, so use both wisely. Volunteers like you can make a difference. I am also mindful that state legislators, the North Carolina governor, and even the President of the United States, first got their start as community leaders/organizers. The work you do is important and should always be treated accordingly.