So you’ve set your hot tub up, filled it up, heated it to the perfect temperature and given it a go. Your test run has been a resounding success. OMG that was wicked! Now it’s time to share the love. Here’s some advice about making hot tub parties perfect first time, every time.

Hit tub party heaven begins here

Whether your hot tub is in the open or inside a greenhouse or pod in the garden, it’s all about the chill. You want to be super-relaxed. And that means not constantly getting in and out of the tub to fetch a clean glass, a fork, a hat or someone’s shades, turn the radio up or down, get more juice or a wet wipe. You could easily end up wasting most of your precious party time on the go.  

Your first job is to list everything you think you’re going to need for your hot tub party and get everything ready in advance.

22 things to prepare pre-party

1. More than enough glasses, cups, crockery and cutlery 
2. A portable fridge, cool box or container of iced water plus spare ice
3. A stash of dry towels, even if people are bringing their own
4. A place to wash your hands – ideally not something you’ll do in the hot tub!
5. A waterproof surface en route to the loo so your carpets and floors don’t get soaked
6. A sensible place to hang wet towels out of the way
7. Sunhats, sun creams and sunglasses
8. A dry place dedicated to phones and tablets so everyone knows where they are and they don’t end up in the water
9. A dry place for people’s clothes and shoes – resin garden storage boxes are ideal, look great, and mean there’s no need to keep trekking in and out of the house. If space is limited provide coat hangers and a shoe rack
10. Privacy! Unless you want the neighbours to see you semi-naked try a garden sail shade, a gazebo, or one of those enormous garden parasols. And put a permanent way to keep prying eyes away – maybe a fence, hurdles, or plants – on your ‘to do’ list
11. If the surface the tub sits on gets slippery when wet, use an anti-slip product
12. A place to keep food cool and dry, out of the sun and away from the tub
13. A pedal bin – a little thing that actually makes a big difference
14. Lighting ready to switch on when the party goes on after dusk – solar is ideal, even better when the battery can also charge with a USB
15. A fully-stocked first aid kit
16. Bags for Life for people to carry wet clothes and towels in
17. Warm throws to keep everyone cosy
18. Music
19. A way to keep the garden furniture reasonably dry while people are using it in between hot tub sessions  
20. A safe place to put used tableware – maybe put it in a box out of the way then take it indoors later
21. A torch for finding stray belongings after dark, or a flashlight app on your phone
22. Do you have steps up to the hot tub? If not it’s probably a good idea

Safe and sensible, strong and stable

Now you know what you’ll need to keep the party flow going, decide where to put it all. Bearing in mind hot tubs are hot and wet, it’s mostly common sense.

• Keep wet and dry stuff separate
• Remember electricity and water don’t mix well
• Protect electricity cables with floor cable covers to avoid trips and falls  
• Keep the food preparation and eating area away from the hot tub
• Use paper or plastic tableware for safety – there are some wonderful stylish designs out there
• Arrange the space so children and pets can run about without trashing the place or killing themselves
• Light the garden steps for safety after dark
• Warts and verrucas can be covered with waterproof plasters
• If someone has cuts or grazes, cover them with a waterproof plaster
• Think ahead – if the party’s going to go on longer than you thought, have taxi numbers ready to get people home safe
• Phones and hot tubs do not go well together – you might decide it’s best to put them away altogether for a phone-free party where people come first

Accessorise for an absolutely fabulous party look

Accessories make all the difference to a hot tub party setting. Bring garden furniture to vibrant life with throws, cushions, bunting and fairy lights. Hang dramatic garden mirrors on fencing and walls to open up the space, add light and create fantasy views.  Use beautiful plastic or paper tableware, not just the everyday white stuff.

Pin pretty voile curtains to a dull gazebo for an Arabian Nights vibe. Wind delicate LED lights around the pole of the parasol. Use special garden rugs for an even richer feel – they’re tough enough to get wet without a worry and come in gorgeous contemporary and traditional designs. Pre-load enough music so you won’t run out half way through the party or make your own playlist especially for the event.

Use attractive dining table-sized patio heaters to make a welcoming place to sit and eat. Plant flowers in pots and quirky containers to make it feel like you’re in a jungle. Add height and privacy with evergreens you can easily trim to keep under control. Or go for bamboo to enjoy shade and privacy along with the lovely sound of rustling leaves.

Books are a treat on days like this, made for a slower pace of life than digital. Place a tower of glossy coffee table books for people to browse, full of gorgeous images. Pick them up for a song at charity shops then it isn’t the end of the world if they get a bit soggy. Paintings, interiors, fast cars, gardens, celebs, fashion, food, jewellery, whatever you and your guests are interested in.  Stand pretty glass lamps with candles inside around the rim if it’s an adult party. If there are kids around, best not!

Hang wind chimes with their beautiful mellow sound, then take them down after the party if you prefer the peace. Fit dreamcatchers, wind silk flowers into the shrubs, drape silk scarves and tie dye fabric, make crochet blankets and dangle strings of Nepalese bells for a funky hippy feel. Float petals in the hot tub for the ultimate in romance. Citronella flares and candles keep insects at bay and provide a lovely fresh scent. Light incense sticks and cones for even more atmosphere.

If you think the sides of the tub look ugly, find a creative solution. You might be able to mask them with planting, rocks, or driftwood. If it’s wooden you can paint them. You can get paint for plastic, too. 

As long as you have the space you can divide the garden into separate rooms for hot tubbing, dressing and undressing, dining and lounging. We’ve seen hot tubs inside greenhouses, a quirky idea making winter hot tubbing a lot more fun.

And so your hot tub party journey begins. We hope you’re inspired to make it absolutely fabulous. If you haven’t done the hot tub buying bit yet, see what we have in store. They’re lush.