Host the Perfect Spritz Party!

Ah, the joys of a spritz! Light, refreshing, and so many tasty options. Surprise and delight your friends and enjoy an evening of connection by hosting the perfect Spritz Party!

You'll be a 'spritzy thang' when you host this delightful party!

I hosted a Spritz Party last July. I believe it was about 90 degrees out. Actually, I know it was at least 90 degrees. It was HOT. Even with the mercury off the charts, it was the perfect way to celebrate some of my favorite ladies, and cool down! A Spritz Party is one of the easier parties to plan, and with a variety of options, everyone gets to try - and discover - their favorite spritz cocktail.

This is a party your guests will rave about! So let's get into how you can host the perfect Spritz Party.

Party theme: Spritz Party

Best for: Springtime/Summertime parties, book club gatherings, birthday parties, Ladies' Nights

Your Spritz Bar

Let's start with the focal point of your party, your Spritz Bar! While there are several spritz variations, I chose three favorites, which also deliver very different flavor profiles: the Aperol Spritz, the Limonello Spritz, and the Hugo Spritz.

Your garnishes and liquors will add plenty of color, but I'd also suggest fresh cut flowers, fun napkins, and party hand towels to add to your presentation.

Reserve plenty of space for the bar area and lay it out in a manner that makes it easy for guests to try their hand at making their own spritzes. A few recommendations to make your bar a success:

• Prosecco is great for spritzes, but Cava is another flavorful, bright option. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine, and can be purchased at a reasonable price point. I've found Casteller to be a lovely, easy-drinking Cava, but if you're not sure what to choose or don't have it in your market, visit a local wine shop for suggestions. Include a couple of bottles of each on the bar to see if you find a favorite.
  

• Plan for 3 -4 people per bottle of sparkling. (Check out the picture below for the serving sizes per drink for perspective.).
  

• Have plenty of fresh garnishes and citrus fruits available. Not only does it add flavor and aromatic notes to the cocktails, it contributes great color to the barl
  

• Serve in large wine glasses, as the proportions, plus ice, make for a larger cocktail. Don't have enough wine glasses? Simply ask a friend or two to bring some along. (That's what I did!)
  

• Have towels handy. With all of the ice, bottles in the chiller, etc., you'll be wiping up drips throughout the evening. It also helps guests clean up any drips or spills.

• Add signage to show guests how to make their own. While I made several cocktails for friends, I loved seeing them make their own - everyone enjoys learning how to make something new!
  

  

  Displaying the ingredients for spritzes is an easy way for guests to try their hand at making their own. And with one quick pic on their phone, they can bring the recipes home with them!

Food Ideas:

Light, easy appetizers with a Mediterranean flair are perfect for a Spritz Party. Go for a variety of fresh color, herbal flavors and easy-to-eat options for guests to enjoy. I especially like the options below because they're simple to make and serve - plus there's no cooking involved!

I love these bright, flavorful appetizers for any summertime party

Caprese salad bites:

This appetizer is a gorgeous, easy-to-make option, and pairs well with prosecco- and cava-based drinks. With just four ingredients, they're simple to put together, and are beautiful on a serving dish. Use fresh mozzarella balls (I cut them in half), cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Thread each on a toothpick and then drizzle with balsamic.

Use fresh ingredients - if you can collect them from your own garden, that's a plus! Tip: use a balsamic glaze or thicker dressing to avoid drips and ensure it adheres to the appetizers.

Prosciutto and Melon skewers are so gorgeous and delicious!

Prosciutto and Melon skewers:

There are many ways to prepare this hors d'oeuvre, but given the weather was so hot when I hosted, I went with a simple, no-grill option. I also served these on skewers, since I thought the presentation was lovely, and also makes it easy to serve and eat. Other ways to prepare these include wrapping the cantaloupe with the prosciutto and serving with basil or other herbs on top, or omitting the cheese.

Here's an easy recipe to check out for these tasty, summertime bites!

This spread cannot be beat!

Tuscan Cream Cheese Spread

You know those dips you could simply eat with a spoon? THIS is one of those dips. With so much flavor and goodness, the Tuscan Cream Cheese Spread is an absolute crowd pleaser, and one where you'll be texting the recipe to your guests the next day. It's the perfect blend of olives, sundried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, with plenty of seasoning to deliver exceptional flavor. Using low-fat cream cheese or a non-dairy substitute also works well with this spread, because the combination of flavors is what carries it. Make several hours to a day before to get the flavors to blend.

Create the Vibe with Your Music and Decor!

Your Spritz Bar really carries the day when it comes to the decor. It IS your focal point. But to carry the vibe through your space, a couple of other adds to consider:

I loved these fun towels I found - and my friends did, too!

• Fresh flowers - Since I hosted in July, I had plenty of flowers blooming in my garden and in planters I could cut to make simple, vibrant bouquets to set around my kitchen and patio. If you don't have access to cut flowers, store-bought bouquets are great, or stage a few potted flowers in terra cotta pots for a bright pop of color.
  

• Napkins and towels - it's easy to find napkins with citrusy patterns on them. I also found a few 'spritz-themed' towels I used for the party. They looked great on the table and the bar, and came in very handy!
  

• I love my letter board for making fun signs (see above). Even if it's as simple as a welcome message, or something a bit sassier (you spritzy thang!), it adds a fun touch to your party table.

For the Music, Go Instrumental

I also make sure I have some type of soundtrack playing in the background for parties. It's a subtle way to also create the vibe you're looking to achieve. Try Spanish guitar music or Mediterranean instrumental music to set a festive tone for your evening. Check out Sirius XM's Luna channel (found on app), or Spanish Guitar Radio on Pandora for starters.

So many spritzes - which one will be your favorite?

Need Help Planning?

A Spritz Party is a theme sure to impress guests. It's a perfect evening get-together for friends to enjoy each other's company and connect. Don't forget - if you need help organizing, check out these other blog articles:

Planning 101 - Let's Start with the Basics

Planning 101 - the Complete Party Planning Checklist