Effortless Pool Party For Kids and Grown-ups Too!

!±8± Effortless Pool Party For Kids and Grown-ups Too!

There is something about planning a party at the pool that alternately evokes images of lazy days and frenzied terror. Going as a guest to a pool party sounds positively lovely. All you have to do is soak up the sun and strategically position the towel so you look your best without appearing to actually orchestrate it.

However, if you are the host or hostess it is another matter entirely. You are now the party planner and the success or failure of the party will fall on you. Is planning a simple pool party difficult? What if you get there and you have forgotten the crucial ingredients? What should you serve? Will the food hold up on a hot day? What if... what if... what if...You might as well start to worry about lightening striking on a clear and beautiful day in southern California. It's not going to happen and neither is the other stuff. And if it does you'll just deal with it.

But we have to admit, a good party plan makes everybody feel better and we have a fool proof plan for you.

1. Here is your menu:

o Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (is there a kid around who doesn't love these?)
o Deli roll ups (recipe to follow) for the adults or adventurous kids
o Carrot sticks, celery
o Apples, grapes, cut up cantaloupe or whatever your favorite fruit is
o Chips, Trader Joe's Low Fat Pretzel Sticks and store bought dips
o Toll house chocolate chip cookies or Rice Krispy treats
o Drinks can be as simple as bottles of water
o It's easier to store everything in a nice cooler.
o Paper plates & napkins
o Trash bag

2. Putting you party in the cooler keeps everything cold and you don't have to worry about the food not holding up well. It has the added benefit of keeping all your food together in one place. If you don't have a cooler just put a few bags of ice in with the dips.

3. Bring pool toys which can be purchased at your local grocery store, drug store or any discount store like Tuesday Morning, Big Lots or the local 99¢ store . There are great bargains at those store where you don't have to spend a lot of money, but at the same time you can get a variety of pool toys. Blow up rafts, inner tubes, diving toys and squirt guns are great for the pool party. Don't forget towels, sunscreen and extra shirts

4. That's it. Get in the water, cool off and HAVE FUN!

Recipe for Deli Roll Ups: Makes 6 Rolled lavosh)

Package of lavosh (12X18 rectangle) Found at Trader Joes, Wholesome Choice, Whole Foods and other markets

Basil Herbed Cream Cheese (recipe below )
8oz package cream cheese, softened 6 T. mayonnaise 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1-2 T. finely chopped fresh basil 1 tsp. granulated garlic Mix above ingredients until smooth Turkey breast and ham, sliced (3 slices to cover each lavosh 2- ham 1 turkey or 2 turkey and 1 ham) Tomato, sliced- cover the lavosh (about ½- ¾ tomato per lavosh) Red onion, finely chopped Green leaf lettuce, washed and thoroughly dried
Here's how to Assemble the Roll-ups
Lay Lavosh on plastic wrap Divide basil cream cheese into 6 parts and spread on lavosh. Add thin slices of turkey breast and ham 2 turkey, 1 ham or 1 turkey, 2 ham Add tomato slices Sprinkle with chopped onion Add the lettuce on top ( tear leaf lettuce and put on top of all ingredients Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill until firm or overnight. Slice at an angle (which makes them much prettier, approximately 12-slices per roll), Arrange on a large paper plate and serve. Easy and yummy.