Like any backyard party or barbecue, a pool party is pretty casual. However, there are still some simple rules to follow. Most important is safety around the water, and to make sure that a sunny day doesn't leave you red as a lobster. Here are a few sure-fire tips to make sure any pool party is fun, fun, fun!

1. Here are some dos and don’ts of poolside etiquette: no running on the deck. No splashing, that’s totally not cool. Don’t forget to bring your own towel, and to always pick up after yourself. Keep an eye out for glassware on the pool deck. And never, ever forget a small gift for your host.
2. Don’t forget your sunscreen! It helps to prevent wrinkling, premature aging, and serious damage to your skin. Look for sunscreens with high sun protection factors, or SPF’s. Remember, the higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. Apply sunscreens liberally and frequently, especially if you’re constantly in and out of the water.
3. Stepping out for a last-minute shopping excursion is often necessary to ensure that everything will be perfect once you return to party central. Take time to review your menu, making sure that you have all the right ingredients in the right quantities. A quick visit to a fruit and vegetable stand can provide you with flowers for your host and hostess; and you may even come across something you hadn’t planned for which could add the perfect, spontaneous finish to an entrée.
4. Here’s a recipe for backyard fun, even if you don’t have a swimming pool. Take one healthy lawn, add a sprinkler, and then a generous sprinkling of H20. It’s good for the grass; it’s great for your guests. Whether we’re talking about a funky, whirly dervish, or a very simple stationary lawn ornament, sprinklers will keep your hottest party guests totally cool, whether the party’s going at a rocking speed, or a snail’s pace.