By Hope Daniels
“Cannonball!”
The music is cranking, the glasses are clinking and the beach towels are hanging. Before diving into your next pool party, check out these essentials and extras that will make a splash at your next backyard bash.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY FLOATS
Don’t be surprised when your guests post pool-side pics after spotting these adorable floats. Whether they decide to spread their wings
in the water or lie back on a giant pineapple to soak in the sun, they are guaranteed to reach star status once their photos go live.
Bigmouth Giant Pineapple pool float, $30; Bigmouth Giant Angel Wings pool float, $32.
Where to buy: Frostings by Venee,
Long Branch, 732-703-9084, venees.com
SWIM SWAG
The difference between a fun party and an epic one is supplying your guests with must-have pool favors. Underwater cameras help capture every shallow and deep moment, colorful party cups set the perfect theme and these beverage floats are the hydrating answer to any swimmer who doesn’t want to get out of the H20.
Sunnylife Underwater Camera, $20; Cherry Visor Shade Sunglasses, $10; Wine Holder Pool Float Set of 2 in Peach, $12.
Where to buy: Urban Outfitters,
Red Bank, 732-741-3260, urbanoutfitters.com
FULL-FRONTAL COVERAGE
No one likes to feel sticky, sweaty and smelly in the heat, and a good SPF can take the misery out of any scorching hot sunny day. Although adding sunscreen can be quite a bore, these anti-aging, adult-friendly luxurious lotions feel more like a smooth massage than a chore.
Sisley-Paris Sunleya Age Minimizing Sun Care SPF 50+, $300; RéVive Soleil Superieur Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $115; Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50, $145; La Mer Reparative Skintints SPF 30, $95.
Where to buy: Cos Bar, Red Bank, 732-301-6536, cosbar.com
FANCY FLIP-FLOPS
Let your feet be the trendsetter of the night. These stylish sandals will capture the attention of all, whether you are a host or guest. From the colorful beaded artwork to the monogrammed disk slides, these shoes are made for walking and talking.
Plain fashion flip-flops, $34; monogrammed, $56; beaded, $68
Where to buy: Cabana 19, Red Bank, 732-842-2138,
cabana19redbank.com
DECORATIVE SEATING
Let your guests think they are sitting on a sunny oasis or at a posh outdoor lounge with these artsy outdoor pillows. The vibrant colors and clean, striped look give way to an inviting first impression and open conversation.
Assorted outdoor pillows, prices vary.
Where to buy: Welcome Home, Red Bank, 732-219-8700
COZY UP TO THE FIRE
There is nothing more appealing than heading from the cool water as the sun sets to sitting by a warm fire. This outdoor firepit is the detail that will make your guests want to stay outdoors all night long, laughing and toasting to a great summer.
42” Santorini Fire Table, $2,599
Where to buy: Ski Barn, Shrewsbury, 732-945-3900, skibarn.com
POOL-PROOF DÉCOR
There is no room for party poopers at a backyard fiesta and breakable glass is considered a big downer. Instead of risking the accidental dropped dish or shattered margarita pitcher, use melamine or metal serve ware to protect those fingers and open toes. Plus, jazz up your shindig with beach coastal napkins, tablecloths and vibrant candle votives for the shore vibe.
Napkins, glassware, serve ware, prices vary.
Where to buy: Sickles Market, Little Silver, 732-741-9563, sicklesmarket.com
HOT WHEELS
We aren’t talking about your car, but these mobile Yeti products are the Bentleys of coolers. Known for their durability and performance, these coolers keep your perishables fresh, no matter the outdoor conditions.
Yeti Tundra Haul cooler, $399
Where to buy: Brave New World, Little Silver, 732-842-6767, bravesurf.com
This article was first published in the May 23 – 29, 2019 printed edition of The Two River Times.
