“A pool party is a chance to be social, an opportunity to get together with our friends and family and have a good time.” - Jeff McKay, Host
Food & Wine
Summer Splash
Fun in the sun never looked, tasted or sounded as good as it does at this awe-inspiring pool party.
As the heat of the Midwestern sun begins its punishing journey to St. Louis for the summer, the desire to cool off becomes almost overwhelming. With vacations pushed off until August, there has to be a way to enjoy the company of friends and family while soaking up all that summer has to offer. We at SLHL, along with our hosts Jeff and Kim McKay, decided the best option was to throw an unforgettable pool party at their Chesterfield home. Taking advantage of the perfect backyard and pool that Jeff, the owner of Erosion Drainage Products Incorporated, and his wife Kim have, we threw the ultimate summertime party.

To set the scene for the party, the lounge area of the backyard was adorned with summer flowers in full bloom.  The deep purples and bright oranges of the orchids and daisies were a perfect complement to the sheer blue of the pool’s crisp water, while the delicately placed greenery was seamlessly in line with the lush lawn surrounding the pool. Because the beauty of the yard itself served as the primary feature of the party, the serving platters were an eclectic but simple combination of silvers and solid greens, golds and maroons, creating an atmosphere of joy inspired by nature.

Even more important to the McKay family than décor is establishing a welcome feeling for their guests upon arrival. Their preparedness is what makes these hosts wonderful at entertaining. “We always have extra towels, bathing suits and goggles ready for friends and family,” says Kim. Additionally, welcome gifts are a clever idea to get visitors involved in the theme. A basket of flip-flops in a variety of sizes or individual beach towels immediately draw guests in and encourage them to participate in poolside activities.

Because pool parties are often family functions, Jeff and Kim recommend always specifying in the invitations if the function is open to children, or off-limits to kids.  Giving guests more information is always better than giving too little. Kids or no kids, safety is always an issue poolside. Glass in the pool area is never a good idea, but there are plenty of options that keep the appearance of class without becoming kitschy. The McKay family keeps a stock of beer in aluminum bottles as well as Lucite and acrylic wineglasses for pool parties.

No pool party is complete without a table overflowing with food. Kim suggests asking guests to bring along a dish to share. The summer weather brings about feelings of camaraderie that inspire us all to pitch in and take part in the cooking.  However, she warns, “It’s all about how many people are coming. If there are a lot of guests, I suggest catering. I have more fun not running around.” And then everyone can enjoy the fare together.

Lou Rook III, Executive Chef at Annie Gunn’s and The Smoke House Market in Chesterfield took his inspiration for the meal from local vegetables that are in season during the summer months as well as the meat of a traditional barbeque. Simply stated, Rook said, “Summertime is a time for grilling.” And grill we did. Marinated flank steak and chicken drummies were piled on plates next to sweet corn relish and pickled vegetables chosen because of their ability to hold up under the scorching heat. The food was easily complemented by the summer wines, selected by Rook because of their low alcohol content and refreshing taste in the heat.

There is no particular recipe for cooking up the perfect pool party. The most important element is the carefree, fun attitude our hosts exemplified that puts the guests at ease. The best part of having a pool party, as Jeff declared, “Is seeing everyone have a great time.” Undoubtedly, guests will have had so much fun they will be desperate for an invite to the next bash.