Host a Simple Pool Side Birthday Party + DIY Pool Side Baby Tote

This shop is compensated by Collective Bias, Inc and its advertiser. All opinion are mine alone. #SwimAdventureContest #CB #CollectiveBias 

I am so excited about today’s blog post! Celebrating pool side is a common occurrence here in sunny Florida and being able to showcase that and my handsome little guy is such a treat. Our little Lincoln just started swimming lessons and outside is his most favorite place to be. Celebrating any occasion pool side will be something we do regularly now that he’s a little swimmer in the making!

I enjoy playing hostess and this pool side birthday party display is simple and ideal for many of you hostess loving friends too. Hosting a pool side birthday party is far from stressful and I’m tossing a load of ideas your way along with a DIY pool side baby tote and info on a fabulous sweepstakes too! Grab all the super fun details (and adorable pics of my little guy) below.

Pool side, lake side, beach side, regardless of where I keep a few staple items on hand. My pool essentials for me and baby include:

• Raft- A large raft for the family to enjoy is always a good idea and who could say no to a donut raft?
• Sunglasses -a pair for me and for baby of course. Babies in sunglasses might be the cutest thing ever.
• Huggies® Little Swimmers®– the Disposable Swimpants come with an easy-open side to make poolside changes a breeze.
• Towels -cute towels are the best, right? You can never bring too many towels!
• Bubbles -my little guy loves playing with bubbles and when he needs a pool break or snack break bubbles are a great thing to have on hand. They’re also a great idea for guests at parties too!
• Bottled water- we must stay hydrated, especially the little ones!
• Tote bag- Details on how to create a custom pool side baby tote below
• Sunblock- baby and child friendly sunblock as well as adult SPF
• Hats- It’s hard not to buy all the summer hats for children because they’re so darn cute! I make sure to bring my big floppy hat along too.

What are a few of your staple pool side tote bag essentials?

Now let’s chat poolside birthday party essentials.

• Birthday banner- consider making or purchasing a birthday banner that you can use a couple of times. This birthday banner was made with thick card stock and the string is twine which allowed me to use this banner twice already! Custom banners are always a great idea!
• Fresh lemonade- This is a given. There’s something about a glass of lemonade poolside. Add a little pizzaz to your drink by using decorative plastic cups, paper straws and drink stirrers like these plastic flamingos!
• Alternative to traditional cake- Donuts and funfetti cake pops go together pretty fabulously. Why wouldn’t they? wink! Create a unique birthday party cake towering donuts and cake pops then add bright candles and food safe sticks or stirrers. These flamingo stirrers are sorta the best thing ever.

Before I share the pool side baby tote DIY with you I wanted to mention a super fun sweepstakes happening! If you have littles I’m sure you’re well aware of Huggies® Little Swimmers® Disposable Swimpants and how they’re sorta the best things ever. I picked up a pack at Sam’s Club for swim class, but I’m sure I’ll be back again soon because the splash pad is now open for the season! Yay for more water time with this handsome little guy. Isn’t he the cutest thing ever?  Isn’t the Finding Dory cute too?

To enter the #SwimAdventureContest share your photos with the hashtag or upload directly via SamsClub.com/SwimAdventureContest for a chance to win one of 5 $1000 Sam’s Club Gift cards. How awesome is that? Contest runs from 2/1/16-6/1/16. I can’t wait to see all the super cute photos entered to win this great prize!

Be sure to check out all the other pool party essentials while at Sam’s Club too!

Now for the pool side tote DIY! I know you were anxiously awaiting this.

Required supplies:
Tote bag (canvas bag is ideal)
Iron transfer sheets
Iron (placed on cotton setting)

How to:
Select the wording and font you want for your pool side tote. Lincoln will be spending most of his summer poolside so creating a pool side baby tote to bring to swim class and pool gatherings was an easy decision.
Once you’ve decided on your lettering, font and style it’s time to print. Follow the instructions on the iron on sheets and be sure to mirror the image and wording so it irons on properly. I suggest giving your iron a few minutes to heat up so it’s ready to go when you hit print.
Trim down the paper and place it on the tote. Iron as directed per transfer sheet instructions (typically just a few short minutes, but be sure to press down evenly and never use steam).
Allow the bag and iron on transfer sheet to cool then slowly remove.
You’re poolside ready with your new custom tote!

I couldn’t just leave you with one DIY so here’s another! Luck you.

To add a little pizzaz to pool parties and gathering I mentioned using banners. Banners are great and so is additional decor such as these hanging palm fronds I created! Hung over the side of a chair makes for a simple decor touch and if you use thick cardstock you might be able to use them again or leave them hanging pool side for a few days!

Supplies:
Cardstock
Scissors
Yarn
Hole Punch
Palm Frond Template (easy to find online or make one of your own!)

How to:
Trace out the palm frond onto cardstock and cut.
Hole punch the tops and string on yarn to hang.
Hang on chairs or use the palm fronds as garland and add them to the front of a food table.

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