{This is a sponsored post in partnership with Aperol}

Well start with the dresscode, duh! haha! Of course I would say that wouldn’t I.

But really, throwing a party can be a fun, festive way to get into the holiday spirit and if you want to make it even more fun, what not add a simple theme?

Last year, we were super-lucky to have the team at Aperol create a fabulous pop-up afternoon for us at our house, complete with yummy Aperol Spritz cocktails. An even more excitingly, we get to do it again this year (of course, being pregnant, I will just be SERVING the Aperol Spritz to our lovely friends, not partaking).

If you haven’t tried an Aperol Spritz, you’re missing out on a little summer party in your mouth! The cocktail, which originated in Italy, was designed to be served in the afternoon as a refreshing aperitif and still enjoyed exactly the same way as in 1919 when it was first created.

The vibrate orange of the Aperol Spritz made it really easy to theme the party (as did the Aperol accessories and styling the team very kindly provided), so I thought I’d share some of my best styling tips on how to have fun throwing a themed party with ease!

Here are my three top areas to concentrate on;

Dresscode

Of course I would say that! For last year’s Aperol Afternoon, I actually had a ‘wear white’ dresscode. It felt really summery, and easy for everyone to do, but also made the orange of the Aperol POP!

So even if your party theme is “orange” is there a way you can mix up the dress code? Sparkle? Summer afternoon? beach-themed outfits?

Keeping a dresscode quite broad means that people can still be comfortable in their own sense of style, and fit into the dresscode however they see it working for them. Going too specific (like a 1920’s theme etc) might make some people feel a bit self-conscious and the aim is for everyone to ENJOY the event right?

Decorations

You can definitely go to town on decorations, but you certainly don’t have to spend a lot of money! Think about WHERE you’re hosting the party (inside, outside) and what time of day or night? Can you string lights up, or paper lanterns in the themed orange?

We hosted our party on the back deck last year and had lots of stunning greenery and flowers surrounding us. We also had some great orange and white cushions, as well as napkins and straws that were also on the colour theme.

Food & Drink

Of course, every good orange-themed party needs the perfect Aperol Spritz. If you’re not lucky enough to have an expert come along and mix them for you like we did, then here is the recipe for THE perfect Aperol Spritz to make yourself (its SO easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before)

Traditionally, an Aperol Spritz is served in the afternoon over summer, so your catering can reflect that easily! Sharing platters (make sure you wash your hands in this COVID era though!) are a great way to have lots of yummy food available at easy reach.

Some of my favourite delicacies to add to a grazing platter include;

• olives
• prosciutto
• cheese – ALL of the cheese
• pickles
• crackers
• fruit (orange slices, grapes, strawberries)
• vegetables (carrots, cherry tomato)
• dips and condiments

You could also try combining the decorations with the food and drinks with things like orange edible flowers on the grazing platters.

See, it really is easy to add a bit of fun and colour to an afternoon with friends, and trust me, adding an Aperol Spritz or two definitely makes it more fun too!

Happy Summer!