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Continue your theme with a little bit of decor. It can be as subtle as cocktail napkins that coordinate with the invitation or a few outdoor throw pillows to scatter around the area. A little effort can reap big dividends.
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Hire a bartender at the very least. A server, who can pass hors d’oeuvres and continuously bus the area, is also a good idea. There’s nothing worse than not being able to be a guest at your own party because you are too busy making drinks or passing a tray. Provide your bartender with a crisp T-shirt that matches the invitation and allow him or her to wear shorts and sneakers.
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Invest in stylish disposable plastic barware. It is poolside, after all. One broken glass can spell disaster, not just for you and your guests but, if you live in a condo, for your neighbors too. The pool will have to be closed and drained, and you will most likely be forced to move. Just don’t do it.
Pay attention to lighting. Real candles invariably blow out, and glass hurricanes or lanterns present the same breakage threat as glass barware. But there are all sorts of batteryoperated or rechargeable outdoor lighting options, from giant glowing plastic globes to petite café lamps.
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Serve the simplest food imaginable. Chips and dip are always a hit. A crudités basket is a nice gesture, but often goes untouched. Be sensible with your menu and consider that you will have limited refrigeration, along with the distinct possibility of a stiff breeze or bugs. This is not the time or place for an extravagant cheeseboard, no matter what Pinterest tells you. However, if you own a chafing dish, cocktail weenies and a good, strong mustard are always a crowd-pleaser. Be sure to have an obvious receptacle for used toothpicks—many folks don’t consider this.
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Have enough ice. This can be your bartender’s responsibility, but buy twice as much as you think you’ll need. Whether you are just serving rosé and sparkling water or a full bar, stock it generously and invest in a nice wine cooler. Always have something for non-imbibers too—avoid anything too sweet or syrupy. Save the blender drinks, and forget about signature cocktails. Well-meaning guests accept the signature cocktail, take one sip, and immediately look for a place to discretely stash it before making a beeline to the bar for a real drink. PALMBEACHILLUSTRATED.COM | OCTOBER 2021
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