How To Set Up The Ultimate Poolside Drink Station
A pool day in the Perth sun isn’t complete without a refreshing drink in hand! Whether you’re hosting a lively weekend gathering or simply enjoying a quiet day by the water, a well-planned poolside drink station can elevate the experience for everyone. Not only does it keep family and friends hydrated and refreshed, but it also adds a touch of luxury and style to your pool area. We believe in making your pool space as enjoyable and functional as possible. With a bit of creativity and a few thoughtful additions, you can transform your poolside into a resort-worthy refreshment hub where everyone can grab their favourite drinks and relax in style. Here’s how to set up the ultimate poolside drink station that will make every swim day feel like a holiday!
1. Choose the Perfect Location
When setting up a poolside drink station, consider placing it within easy reach of the pool but away from the splash zone. A shaded spot, like under a pergola or patio umbrella, is ideal for keeping drinks cool and protected from the sun. Make sure it’s also close to seating areas, so guests can grab their drinks and relax comfortably.
Pro Tip: Use a small, portable table or a bar cart that can be easily moved if you need to adjust for shade or reposition for a better view.
2. Keep It Cool with a Stylish Cooler
Investing in a high-quality cooler or ice chest is essential for keeping drinks chilled all day. Opt for a stylish, insulated cooler that complements your poolside decorations and can double as a serving station. Large ice buckets can also add a fun and laid-back vibe if you’re hosting a casual gathering.
- Add Ice Packs and Cubes: Start with ice packs at the bottom and place ice cubes on top to keep things extra cool. Refill as needed throughout the day.
- Fancy Ice Moulds: For a unique twist, use ice moulds in fun shapes like stars or palm trees that will add a decorative touch to drinks as they melt.
3. Organise with Drinkware and Serveware
Having the right pool-safe drinkware is key for a functional and safe drink station. Look for unbreakable, shatterproof cups, glasses, and pitchers that can handle the rigours of outdoor use.
- Choose Vibrant Colours or Clear Acrylic: Add a touch of style with colourful drinkware or opt for clear acrylic glasses to showcase colourful drinks and garnishes.
- Include Reusable Straws: Reusable silicone or metal straws are eco-friendly, and you can find them in fun colours that add to the presentation.
4. Create a Self-Serve Hydration Station
Hydration is essential on hot days, so make sure there’s an easy-to-access self-serve water option. Set up a drink dispenser with fresh water infused with cucumber, mint, or citrus for a refreshing twist that encourages guests to stay hydrated.
- Water Infusions: Infuse water with different fruits, like lemon-lime, watermelon-mint, or strawberry-basil. This adds flavour and looks beautiful in a clear dispenser.
- Label the Dispenser: Add a small chalkboard or label to indicate the flavour—this way, guests can easily find their favourite refreshing option.
5. Stock Up on Refreshing Drink Options
To keep everyone happy, stock your drink station with a variety of refreshing beverages. Mix non-alcoholic and alcoholic options if you’re hosting a mixed group, so everyone has something they can enjoy.
- Mocktails and Fresh Juices: Fruit-based mocktails, lemonade, or iced tea options are perfect for guests who want a cool, alcohol-free beverage.
- Pre-Made Cocktails: For simplicity, prepare some signature cocktails in pitchers ahead of time, like sangria or mojitos, and label each so guests know what they’re grabbing.
- Local Favourites: Include some of Perth’s favourite local beers or ciders as a nod to hometown tastes!
6. Add a Garnish Station for a Custom Touch
A garnish station lets guests personalise their drinks and adds a touch of fun to the experience. Keep a tray with fresh garnish options, such as lemon slices, lime wedges, mint sprigs, and even edible flowers, to add a splash of colour and flavour.
- Organise in Small Bowls: Set out small bowls or trays with different garnishes. This will keep them organised and easy to access.
- Add a Salt and Sugar Rim Option: For cocktail lovers, offer small plates with salt and sugar for rimming glasses. It’s an easy addition that can make each drink feel like it’s from a poolside bar.
7. Add Some Shade and Style
Keeping your drink station shaded is crucial, but why not make it stylish too? Hang up a colorful outdoor umbrella or even set up a small canopy to create a cool and comfortable drink area. Add string lights or fairy lights to make it even more inviting in the evening.
- Use Tropical Decor: Palm fronds, small potted plants, or a bamboo tray can give your drink station a laid-back, tropical vibe.
- Solar-Powered Lights: If you plan to enjoy your pool at night, solar-powered lights are a great way to keep the station lit without dealing with cables or plugs.
8. Poolside Snacks to Compliment Your Drinks
No poolside drink station is complete without a few light snacks. Choose easy-to-eat options that are refreshing and pair well with your drink options.
- Fruit Trays: Set out chilled watermelon, pineapple, and berries for a refreshing and hydrating snack.
- Cheese and Crackers: A simple platter of cheese and crackers provides something savoury and goes well with most drink options.
- Single-Serve Packs: For easy cleanup, set out individually packaged snacks or use small cups for single servings.
Setting up a poolside drink station is a simple yet impactful way to take your pool day to the next level. With a few thoughtful touches, like stylish coolers, shatterproof drinkware, refreshing infusions, and a garnish station, you can create an inviting setup that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s a casual family day or a summer gathering, these additions will ensure your pool area is the go-to spot for relaxation and refreshment.
How To Set Up The Ultimate Poolside Drink Station
A pool day in the Perth sun isn’t complete without a refreshing drink in hand! Whether you’re hosting a lively weekend gathering or simply enjoying a quiet day by the water, a well-planned poolside drink station can elevate the experience for everyone. Not only does it keep family and friends hydrated and refreshed, but it also adds a touch of luxury and style to your pool area. We believe in making your pool space as enjoyable and functional as possible. With a bit of creativity and a few thoughtful additions, you can transform your poolside into a resort-worthy refreshment hub where everyone can grab their favourite drinks and relax in style. Here’s how to set up the ultimate poolside drink station that will make every swim day feel like a holiday!
1. Choose the Perfect Location
When setting up a poolside drink station, consider placing it within easy reach of the pool but away from the splash zone. A shaded spot, like under a pergola or patio umbrella, is ideal for keeping drinks cool and protected from the sun. Make sure it’s also close to seating areas, so guests can grab their drinks and relax comfortably.
Pro Tip: Use a small, portable table or a bar cart that can be easily moved if you need to adjust for shade or reposition for a better view.
2. Keep It Cool with a Stylish Cooler
Investing in a high-quality cooler or ice chest is essential for keeping drinks chilled all day. Opt for a stylish, insulated cooler that complements your poolside decorations and can double as a serving station. Large ice buckets can also add a fun and laid-back vibe if you’re hosting a casual gathering.
- Add Ice Packs and Cubes: Start with ice packs at the bottom and place ice cubes on top to keep things extra cool. Refill as needed throughout the day.
- Fancy Ice Moulds: For a unique twist, use ice moulds in fun shapes like stars or palm trees that will add a decorative touch to drinks as they melt.
3. Organise with Drinkware and Serveware
Having the right pool-safe drinkware is key for a functional and safe drink station. Look for unbreakable, shatterproof cups, glasses, and pitchers that can handle the rigours of outdoor use.
- Choose Vibrant Colours or Clear Acrylic: Add a touch of style with colourful drinkware or opt for clear acrylic glasses to showcase colourful drinks and garnishes.
- Include Reusable Straws: Reusable silicone or metal straws are eco-friendly, and you can find them in fun colours that add to the presentation.
4. Create a Self-Serve Hydration Station
Hydration is essential on hot days, so make sure there’s an easy-to-access self-serve water option. Set up a drink dispenser with fresh water infused with cucumber, mint, or citrus for a refreshing twist that encourages guests to stay hydrated.
- Water Infusions: Infuse water with different fruits, like lemon-lime, watermelon-mint, or strawberry-basil. This adds flavour and looks beautiful in a clear dispenser.
- Label the Dispenser: Add a small chalkboard or label to indicate the flavour—this way, guests can easily find their favourite refreshing option.
5. Stock Up on Refreshing Drink Options
To keep everyone happy, stock your drink station with a variety of refreshing beverages. Mix non-alcoholic and alcoholic options if you’re hosting a mixed group, so everyone has something they can enjoy.
- Mocktails and Fresh Juices: Fruit-based mocktails, lemonade, or iced tea options are perfect for guests who want a cool, alcohol-free beverage.
- Pre-Made Cocktails: For simplicity, prepare some signature cocktails in pitchers ahead of time, like sangria or mojitos, and label each so guests know what they’re grabbing.
- Local Favourites: Include some of Perth’s favourite local beers or ciders as a nod to hometown tastes!
6. Add a Garnish Station for a Custom Touch
A garnish station lets guests personalise their drinks and adds a touch of fun to the experience. Keep a tray with fresh garnish options, such as lemon slices, lime wedges, mint sprigs, and even edible flowers, to add a splash of colour and flavour.
- Organise in Small Bowls: Set out small bowls or trays with different garnishes. This will keep them organised and easy to access.
- Add a Salt and Sugar Rim Option: For cocktail lovers, offer small plates with salt and sugar for rimming glasses. It’s an easy addition that can make each drink feel like it’s from a poolside bar.
7. Add Some Shade and Style
Keeping your drink station shaded is crucial, but why not make it stylish too? Hang up a colorful outdoor umbrella or even set up a small canopy to create a cool and comfortable drink area. Add string lights or fairy lights to make it even more inviting in the evening.
- Use Tropical Decor: Palm fronds, small potted plants, or a bamboo tray can give your drink station a laid-back, tropical vibe.
- Solar-Powered Lights: If you plan to enjoy your pool at night, solar-powered lights are a great way to keep the station lit without dealing with cables or plugs.
8. Poolside Snacks to Compliment Your Drinks
No poolside drink station is complete without a few light snacks. Choose easy-to-eat options that are refreshing and pair well with your drink options.
- Fruit Trays: Set out chilled watermelon, pineapple, and berries for a refreshing and hydrating snack.
- Cheese and Crackers: A simple platter of cheese and crackers provides something savoury and goes well with most drink options.
- Single-Serve Packs: For easy cleanup, set out individually packaged snacks or use small cups for single servings.
Setting up a poolside drink station is a simple yet impactful way to take your pool day to the next level. With a few thoughtful touches, like stylish coolers, shatterproof drinkware, refreshing infusions, and a garnish station, you can create an inviting setup that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s a casual family day or a summer gathering, these additions will ensure your pool area is the go-to spot for relaxation and refreshment.
