The 1 Thing Every Pool Party Needs This Summer Is Hiding in the Baby Aisle

In the hierarchy of parties, the almighty pool party is way up top, soaring past dinner parties, garden parties, and office parties just by merit of being waterside. There’s something about gathering by the pool with your crew that just makes a party even party-ier. But how to keep those drinks icy cold when they’re sitting out in the summer sun? Nicole McLaughlin, a supervising culinary producer at Allrecipes, shares her inside tip for keeping drinks cool by the pool with a special piece of gear that stores away between shindigs (and looks more festive than your run-of-the-mill tub)—an inflatable cooler.

Why Inflatable Coolers Are the Smartest Pool Accessory

Inflatable buffet coolers couldn’t be an easier way to pop up a cooling station: Just inflate them, fill them with ice, and then load up the drinks (or anything you want to keep cool, including fresh-cut fruit or salads). And they’re more fun: Inflatable coolers are designed for parties, featuring fun patterns like palm trees and sea turtles, as well as options with mesh covers to keep bugs away. (This adorable flamingo version even comes with floating drink coozies!) Between parties, an inflatable cooler can be easily tucked out of the way, unlike traditional lidded coolers that require stacking, hiding in the garage, or being shoved on top of cabinets. 

McLaughlin says an added benefit is that her guests don’t have to dig through a lidded cooler. “There are even some inflatable coolers that float in the water, so all the cool treats are within arm’s reach of your relaxation!” If you plan to use the inflatable cooler on a table that doesn’t have a waterproof surface, McLaughlin advises, spread a vinyl tablecloth underneath to prevent any chance of water damage.

For an Adorable Upgrade, Look in the Baby Aisle

In addition to inflatable buffet coolers, McLaughlin says, you can get even more creative (and bold) with inflatable baby pools and rafts, which work the same way. “When you’re all done, let it dry and fold it up,” she says. “It takes up only a very small amount of space, so you can also even pack it up for vacations with pool accommodations.”

More Tips for Pool Party Success

And while you’re prepping for a pool party or a day at the beach, give McLaughlin’s cooler-packing tips a try. She’s got great ideas for making “super-charged” ice packs out of PVC pipes and keeping sandwiches cool and sand-free. And for more pool party success, check out these tips for serving cold treats on a hot day.