with the mercury rising every day and the rain gods playing truant it is a good idea to take a dip in your pool to cool off what could even up the cool factor it will definitely have to be inviting your friends over for an afternoon of fun in the water take care that when you invite your friends over you dont just end up doodling in the pool here are some fun ways to make it an afternoon they will not forget in a hurry invite make a splash with the invites it is easy to put on your laptop and send out evites but they will not stick out in the mind go the extra mile and make your pool party a happening one from the word go collect empty cola bottles remove the labels by washing it in hot water and after it is dry fill it with sand place you invite in the bottle so it will look like a message in a bottle make sure you ask your guests to bring their own bathing suits and trunks send out the invites much in advance so your guests can mark it on their calendar pool party supplies closer to the party date ship in sand if you live far away from the beach line the side of you pool with sand to give it the beach effect place a few spades and shovels on the sand if you are expecting children at the party if not just lay down some beach towels and lounge chairs dont forget the umbrella for a nice touch and getting an inflatable palm tree is a must to add to the ambience games get plenty of beach balls and set up volleyball net and a basketball hoop this will add to the fun quotient of the afternoon your guests can have a plethora of games to choose from if they are not too busy sunbathing for those not into water games you can get an army of rubber ducks and have a war and of course for that5 you will need water guns keep many of them handy so children too can go around shooting spurts of cool water at each other food and drink a barbeque is a must for a poolside party it just adds to the whole atmosphere as the charcoal grilled meat and kebabs wafts across your backyard it is just the right stuff to make people want to crash your party for light eaters have tuna and cucumber sandwiches on the table as well for the little ones have plenty of finger foods as they love to play with their edibles for the bar have cool light beer for the afternoon which can progress whisky and scotch in the evening ensure your guests drink responsibly for the kiddies have loads mint coolers on the table noteworthy have a backup plan in case the weather decides to play spoilsport and crash your party remember if alcohol