the eyes of the beholder. While P Diddy’s guests are getting low with Flo Rida, Cletus and Jethro are probably content putting the Lynyrd Skynyrd anthology on repeat and calling it a day. So whether it’s an all-out Vegas style bash, complete with professional DJ, or a more ca- sual gathering of friends and family, “mellow” is the operative word. Think about it – when was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t wait to get really crazy and fist pump by the pool all day?” That’s what Fort Myers Beach is for. Pools are meant to be soothing, calm places where people go to get some sun, soak away their worries, and surreptitiously ogle whatever nubile bodies are in the vicinity without being labeled “creepy.” So whatever your taste in music, I recommend keeping it mel-
MUSIC: When it comes to music, beauty is really in
low. Some down-tempo electronica is usually a safe bet – it’s good mingling music, and taken in combination with a few drinks, it can have an almost anodyne effect on the soul. Just please stay away from up-tempo electronica. Glow sticks don’t have much of an effect in the daylight, and nobody looks good sitting poolside in a baggy Sponge- bob Squarepants t-shirt! There’s no need to blow your car payment on a professional DJ,
simply hook up a couple of speakers to your computer, create a few different stations on Pandora, and your work is done. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Pandora is a free music website that allows us- ers to create personalized stations that play a continuous stream of music similar in style to the associated song or artist. For those who don’t own a computer, or know what the internet is, I’m willing to bet good money that you also don’t own a pool (inflatables don’t count), in which case it seems curious that you’re still reading! Bottom line, it doesn’t really matter what kind of music you play, as long as it fos- ters the relaxed summer atmosphere that accompanies every summer poolside bash.
group of adults playing childish games with a level of skill decreasing exponentially to their increasing blood alcohol level? No party that I wish to attend, thank you! Call me old-fashioned, but I will always love the classic drinking games above all others: beer pong, flip cup... even quarters, when I feel like conjuring memories of high school! And believe me, there are few things more hilarious than watching your friends attempt to play a game of Marco Polo after the jello shots run out. Just be sure to designate a lifeguard to strictly enforce the “no running on the pool deck” policy. Now some of you probably have an actual horseshoe pit, or
GAMES:: Finally, what pool party is complete without a
enough backyard space for a modest game of Ultimate Frisbee. Bully for you. However, individuals with more limited means or acreage, do not despair. There are plenty of budget friendly backyard games. Cornhole (or corn toss) is a great party game because it’s fun, inex- pensive, and not nearly as indecent as it sounds. Set up two angled wooden or plastic boards about 10 to 15 feet apart with small circu- lar openings at the far ends and procure a few small bags filled with corn or sand (old socks will work!). Two-person teams then attempt to toss the bags through the openings in the opposing team’s corn- hole board. Think horseshoes, but without the metal stakes and actual horseshoes... and with far more innuendo. Cornhole boards are avail- able online for a reasonable price... or just wait for two people to pass out by the Slip N Slide, prop them up at an angle, draw a black circle on their chests with a Sharpie, and game on! Another entertaining option is Ladder Golf, aka Redneck Horse-
shoes, which involves throwing golf balls attached to lengths of rope around the rungs of a small ladder that’s about 15 feet away. Teams score points based on which rung of said ladder they’re able to hang the golf balls on. Ladder Golf sets can be purchased online, but can also be built fairly easily by any relatively handy individual. I’ll admit that these games aren’t likely to be played during the Summer Olym- pics any time soon, but they’re just right for a lazy Sunday afternoon in SWFL. For the ultra competitive types out there, try to remember that any game called “Cornhole” should not be taken too seriously no matter how many beers you’ve chugged! So there you have it. Don’t waste time, stock up on booze, tri-tip,
and avocados, send out those e-vites, and get ready to officially kick the summer off right, and kick it off wet. If you don’t have a pool, there’s never been a better time to Facebook stalk old acquaintances that do! And please drink responsibly… nothing brings summer fun to a screeching halt faster than flashing lights in your rearview! Wishing you and yours a safe and sun-filled summer! One Love.
Pulse Magazine SWFL | 37
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