It's deepest darkest (wettest) winter at the moment and in the current climate we'd be forgiven for forgetting that water can be a welcome presence in the warm summer months. But as event planners we're always six to eight months ahead, so we're up to our ears in festoon lights, arabian tents and - yes - swimming pools.
When planning summer parties at client's homes we often encounter beautiful ponds and pools. An enticing body of water can be a mixed blessing at a party, since the last thing you want is an *ahem* 'well lubricated' guest jumping for a refreshing dip, only to get into difficulties.
Any body of water in a party setting should of course be attended at all times. But we also find that if you make more of a feature of your pool or pond, people will be less inclined to get into it and make a mess. Here are our top 5 favourite ways to pretty up your pool:
1. Projection
A no fuss way to transform your pool from functional to decorative - simply point a spotlight with a gobo (pattern) on it at your pool.
Slightly more fuss and expense but very easy and very effective. Top tip: remember to turn off your filter and pump before you install the flowers. Whole heads are easier to clean up afterwards than petals. Greenery makes an excellent money saving filler.
3. Flower balls
For a more sculptural (and easier to clean up) effect, make flower balls: simply glue gun silk flower heads to a large styrofoam ball. Top tip: attach the ball to a fishing line and weight to stop them from all floating to one corner of the pool.
4. Surface balloons
Balloons are another excellent, cheap way to make a feature of your pool. You can either keep it clean with clusters of differently sized weather balloons weighted in place or have some fun with a ball pit effect created with different sized balloons and beach balls left to float freely on the surface of the water. You could even use actual ball pit balls, anything that floats really...Top tip: put a glowstick or waterproof LED inside the balloons so that they will gently glow after nightfall.
Another pretty effect can be achieved by filling balloons with helium and anchoring them in the bool on long ribbons. The balloons will be mirrored on the surface of the water, giving a sense of depth. Top tip: use fishing line to make the balloons look like they're just hanging in space.
5. Waterproof LEDs
It's easy to give a pool a 'starry night' effect using waterproof LED lights - a solution that manages to be both romantic and eminently practical at the same time.
