Hot tub party

What it is

A hot tub hired for the weekend turns the garden into a spa. Guests take turns soaking with a drink, music plays, and the lights come on after dark. Brilliant for winter birthdays and New Year’s Eve as well as summer.

Plan ahead

• Four weeks before: book a hot tub hire. Check you have a flat, solid base, a hose and an outdoor socket. It takes 12-24 hours to heat.
• One week before: buy floating drinks holders, LED lights and plastic glasses (no glass near the tub).
• The day before: check the tub is heating and the chemicals are balanced (the hire company usually does this).

Set the scene

Fairy lights around the area, a gazebo for shade or rain, robes and towels on hooks, slippers by the steps and a speaker playing a chilled playlist.

Activities

• Tub rotation: 20-30 minute sessions, then out to cool down and rehydrate.
• Floating drinks bar: mocktails or cocktails in plastic cups.
• Games under the gazebo: cards, a quiz, or giant Jenga.

Food and drink

• Easy food that doesn’t need cutlery: sliders, skewers, flatbreads
• Lots of water
• Hot chocolate or mulled wine at the end

Tips

• No glass anywhere near the tub.
• Keep alcohol moderate - heat and alcohol don’t mix well.
• Shower before getting in to keep the water clean.