The Decor & Activity: The DIY Spritz Bar

When it comes to the vibe, there is nothing that screams “Summer” quite like the clink of ice in a glass and the vibrant orange hue of an Aperol Spritz. It is the undisputed queen of warm-weather cocktails—light, bubbly, and impossibly chic.

But here is a secret for all my fellow hostesses: You do not want to be stuck behind the bar all night shaking cocktails.

Whether you are planning a bridal shower, an engagement party, or just a backyard summer soirée, the solution is the DIY Spritz Bar. Not only is it interactive, but it also doubles as a stunning piece of decor.

By styling a station with crystal carafes, bowls of fresh orange slices, and striped straws, the drink station becomes a visual focal point. The bright orange of the Aperol creates a perfect pop of color against a crisp white tablecloth, tying the whole “Mediterranean” aesthetic together. It looks beautiful, tastes delicious, and best of all? It lets you enjoy the party.

The Setup: The Golden Ratio

The beauty of the Spritz is its simplicity. You don’t need complex syrups or a degree in mixology. You just need to teach your guests the “3-2-1” rule. I recommend framing a cute print (more on that later!) with these instructions right in the center of the table:

• 3 Parts Bubbly (Prosecco or Sparkling Wine)
• 2 Parts Liqueur (The flavor profile)
• 1 Part Fizz (Club soda or sparkling water)

Choose Your Palette (The Liqueurs)

While Aperol is the classic choice, a true “Whimsy” style bar offers a spectrum of colors. I love offering a trio of options that look beautiful lined up in their bottles:

• The Classic Orange: Aperol (Sweet and slightly bitter)
• The Sunny Yellow: Limoncello (Zesty and bright)
• The Floral White: St. Germain (Elderflower notes—perfect for a garden party)

The Garnish Garden

This is where you take the station from “bar” to “styled vignette.” The garnishes shouldn’t just be in Tupperware; display them in mismatched crystal bowls or coupe glasses for that vintage-chic look.

• Fresh Fruit: Slices of blood orange, lemon wheels, and strawberries
• Herbs: Bouquets of fresh mint, basil, or rosemary sprigs
• The “Wow” Factor: Edible flowers. Pansies or violas floating in a drink add that whimsical, fairy-tale touch we love so much
• Olives: Green olives on long gold cocktail picks for those who like a savory twist

Stationery & Signage: The Finishing Touch

You didn’t think we’d forget the paper, did you? A station isn’t complete without the details that tie it back to your event’s theme.

• The Instruction Sign: As mentioned, a framed 5×7 or 8×10 sign explaining the 3-2-1 Recipe ensures guests aren’t guessing the proportions.
• Bottle Tags: Use silk ribbon to tie small tags around the neck of each liquor bottle labeling the spirit. It adds texture and looks incredibly high-end.
• Flavor Cards: Use place cards to label your garnishes. Hand-lettering “Fresh Basil” on textured cardstock elevates the experience instantly.

Get The Look

Planning a citrus-themed bridal shower or a garden wedding? A Spritz Bar pairs perfectly with our [Insert Collection Name, e.g., “Amalfi”] Suite. The bold typography and warm summer palette of the invitations set the tone before the first bottle is even popped.

Ready to plan your summer celebration?