Throwing a sizzling summer pool party

There are summer pool parties, and then there are sizzling summer pool parties. Make your next gathering the social highlight of the season with these exciting party planning tips.

Tropical decor

Stock up on beach party supplies to create a seaside mood. Think luau!

More pool party decor >>

Sizzling BBQ

Nothing says pool party like a great cookout. Preparing food on the grill keeps everyone outdoors — where the fun is — and means you can enjoy a fantastic array of BBQ foods.

Personalize your steaks, burgers and pineapples with your name or a fun message. The BBQ Branding Iron Kit includes everything you need to leave your personal stamp on your next cookout.

4 Homemade spice rubs for barbecuing >>

Beach tunes

Sure, you could play the Beach Boys or a little Don Ho, but to set a sizzling party tone, you'll need to jazz things up a little bit. Visit iTunes to download some funky dance music and fab island beats. Since this is for adults only, you don't even have to worry if the lyrics are censored!

Set the mood with calypso tunes, steel drum music and party songs like these:

• Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
• NaNa by A. R. Rahman
• You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
• Single Ladies by Beyonce
• Shots by LMFAO featuring Lil Jon

Ultimate pool party playlist >>

Tiki bar

Keep the standard party fare on hand — beer and wine — and add some scrumptious summer drinks to the mix, too. You don't have to be a professional mixologist to create a fun bar. Just pick up some frozen cocktail mixers and whip up an array of margaritas, rum runners, daiquiris, mojitos and piña coladas!

Strawberry Lemonade

Recipe courtesy of Bacardi

This refreshing drink combines two of summer's most popular flavors and adds a little kick:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 can frozen Bacardi Mixers Strawberry Daiquiri mix
• 1/2 cup Bacardi Limon
• 1/2 cup pre-made lemonade
• 4 cups crushed ice
• Sliced strawberries and lemon slices for garnish
• Tall drink glasses, chilled or frozen

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a pitcher and blend for one minute or until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
2. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with fruit.
3. Bottoms up!

More sip-worthy summer cocktail recipes >>

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