12 ideas for a travel-themed party for adults
Craving an escape? Whisk yourself and guests away with a European-themed party. Whether you’ve been dreaming of sipping Aperol spritzes on the Amalfi Coast, cozying up for dinner in a Parisian bistro, or indulging in a mezze feast in the Greek islands, these travel-themed party ideas for adults will transport you without ever leaving home.
We’ve pulled together 12 creative ideas for Italian, French, Greek, and Spanish-themed parties—complete with menu inspiration, décor ideas, and invitations to set the tone for guests right from the start. Pack your metaphorical bags—let’s go!
Table of Contents
Italian-themed party ideas
Italy is synonymous with delicious food, stunning coastal views, and effortless style—making it the perfect inspiration for a travel-themed party for adults. Whether you want to host a chic cocktail gathering or a hands-on dinner, these Italian party ideas will bring la dolce vita to your next celebration.
1. Spritz-y soirée
For a light, bubbly, and unmistakably Italian party, host a spritz-focused cocktail soirée. Begin by welcoming guests with a refreshing Aperol spritz, the bright orange aperitif that instantly evokes lazy afternoons living it up in Italy. You can pre-batch the cocktails to make serving easy, and serve Negronis for those who want something a bit stronger. Keep the food light and snackable: arrange boards with Italian cheeses, cured meats, marinated olives, and bowls of truffle potato chips for a playful touch. Decorate with vibrant oranges and greens to mimic the colors of the spritz, and choose a Paperless Post invitation that features a spritz illustration or citrus motif to set the mood for your aperitivo hour.
2. Amalfi Coast lemon lunch
Transport your guests straight to the Mediterranean with an Amalfi Coast-themed party that celebrates its most iconic fruit: the lemon. Decorate outdoor tables with bowls of fresh lemons, striped linens, and pops of coastal blue to capture the breezy seaside atmosphere. On the menu, serve grilled fish with lemon and herbs, fresh caprese skewers, and a bright lemon pasta that brings the sunny flavor to life. Pair the meal with limoncello spritzes or sparkling water infused with citrus slices. And for your invitations? More lemons, of course, paired with beautiful blues to give guests a hint of the Mediterranean escape that awaits.
3. Pasta-making dinner party
For a truly interactive experience, host the ultimate Italian-themed dinner party: a pasta-making night that lets your guests try their hand at traditional Italian cooking. Begin the evening with a short lesson from a local chef—or take the lead yourself—teaching everyone to roll and shape fresh pasta. Once the pasta is prepped, hand it off to your chef to prepare dinner while guests sip wine, mingle, and enjoy light antipasti. For your Italian-themed dinner party decorations, channel the cozy atmosphere of a rustic trattoria with wooden accents, candlelight, and red-checkered or linen tablecloths. Choose a pasta-themed Paperless Post invitation and include Guest Questions to capture dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the feast.
French-themed party ideas
Hosting a Parisian-themed party or a Riviera-inspired soirée lets you bring the elegance and charm of France home, no passports or French lessons required. From wine tastings to cozy dinners at the bistro, these French party ideas will have guests saying “oui” to an evening of food, drinks, and good company.
4. Riviera nights
Set the tone for your glamorous French Riviera-inspired party by sending out invitations that feature palm trees, striped beach umbrellas, and bright colors—immediately transporting your guests to the sunny Mediterranean coast. The vibe should feel light, airy, and effortlessly elegant, encouraging guests to dress in their resort finest. Decorate your space with lush palm fronds, tropical flowers, and touches of turquoise and coral to evoke the coast’s vibrant hues. For the menu, serve fresh seafood like shrimp cocktail, oysters, or grilled fish, alongside an abundance of seasonal fruits and crisp vegetables that reflect the Riviera’s fresh, farm-to-table philosophy. Toast the evening with rosé wine and Champagne cocktails, keeping the drinks light and celebratory. Soft French lounge music playing in the background will help set a relaxed, sun-soaked mood, making everyone feel like they’ve escaped to the French seaside without ever leaving home.
5. Parisian bistro party
Kick off your Parisian party theme with invitations that capture the timeless romance of the City of Light—think delicate Eiffel Tower illustrations, quaint café scenes, or elegant script fonts that hint at a classic Parisian vibe. When guests arrive, welcome them to a cozy bistro-inspired setting, complete with twinkling string lights overhead and tables dressed in either classic checkered tablecloths or crisp white linens. The menu can feature beloved French staples like pâté, escargot, steak frites, and freshly baked baguettes with fancy French butter. Flowing wine and Champagne will add sparkle to the evening, while the soundtrack of French jazz or accordion music will transport guests to a café on a quiet Paris street.
6. Wine and cheese, oui!
For a sophisticated and laid-back gathering, begin your wine and cheese party by sending a wine-themed invitation that hints at the decadent evening ahead. Set up a sprawling spread that becomes both the centerpiece and décor of your event, overflowing with wedges of brie, Camembert, goat cheese, Roquefort, and other French favorites. Surround the cheeses with charcuterie, crusty breads, crackers, fresh fruits, nuts, and high-quality French butter, creating a feast for the eyes and palate. Complement the spread with a tasting of French wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley, inviting guests to savor and compare. Use rustic wooden serving boards, flickering candles, and small floral arrangements to enhance the cozy, countryside charm.
Greek-themed party ideas
The sun-drenched Greek islands inspire parties that feel both casual and elegant, with bold blues, crisp whites, and touches of gold setting a Mediterranean scene. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back mezze night or a more formal dinner, these Greek-themed party ideas will bring the warmth and vibrancy of the Aegean to your gathering.
7. Mezze party
Send invitations adorned with olive branches or illustrations of colorful food platters to get guests excited for a feast of fresh flavors and communal dining. Set up a long table or buffet piled high with all the best Greek dips—creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, smoky baba ghanoush, and savory whipped feta. Accompany these with warm pita bread and an abundance of fresh produce like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Incorporate a tasting station featuring different varieties of Greek olive oil, encouraging guests to sample and savor the region’s famous liquid gold. Keep the décor simple but impactful with white linens, vibrant blue pottery, and soft candlelight to evoke the feeling of a seaside taverna. This party invites relaxed mingling and sharing, creating a welcoming atmosphere infused with Mediterranean hospitality.
8. Gods and goddesses gala
Invite guests to step into mythic grandeur with a gods and goddesses Greek-themed dinner party. Send invitations featuring gold accents and classic Greek columns, setting the stage for a divine celebration. Encourage everyone to dress in togas or their finest deity-inspired costumes, transforming your party into a playful homage to Mount Olympus. Decorate with elegant white and gold linens, olive branch centerpieces, and a DIY station where guests can craft their own laurel crowns—adding a fun, interactive touch to the festivities. The menu should be equally lavish, featuring Greek salad with tangy feta, roasted lamb skewers, flaky spanakopita, and sweet baklava to finish. Traditional Greek music or classical tunes can play in the background as guests enjoy the feast, creating an atmosphere that feels both regal and joyous.
9. Aegean seafood dinner party
Capture the fresh coastal vibe of the Greek Isles with invitations that combine lemons with the iconic blue and white color palette, immediately evoking the Aegean Sea. For décor for your Greek-themed party, use simple linen tablecloths and napkins to set a clean, elegant foundation, while glass hurricane lamps filled with flickering candles add a soft, romantic glow. For dinner, serve an array of grilled seafood like octopus, shrimp, and fish, all dressed with olive oil, fresh lemon, and herbs. Side dishes such as lemon potatoes and a traditional horiatiki salad will complement the main fare perfectly. Let traditional Greek music fill the air, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy. As the night winds down, invite everyone to dance and toast with ouzo, ending the evening with the lively spirit of a true Greek island celebration.
Spanish-themed party ideas
Spanish parties are vibrant, colorful, and full of flavor and rhythm. From the communal spirit of paella feasts to lively tapas gatherings, these ideas will help you throw a travel-themed party for adults that’s full of energy and culture.
10. Paella party
Set the stage with invitations in warm sunset hues, featuring terracotta tones and Spanish tile patterns that hint at the festive night to come. The centerpiece of the party is, of course, paella—the quintessential Spanish dish that brings everyone together. Whether you choose a classic seafood paella, chicken and chorizo, or a vegetarian version, cooking it in a large pan outdoors or in clear view adds theater and anticipation. Complement the dish with pitchers of fruity sangria and chilled cava, keeping drinks bright and refreshing. Decorate with terracotta dishes, colorful linens, and flickering lanterns to capture a rustic Spanish vibe. This communal dining experience encourages guests to share, savor, and soak up the warmth of Spain’s culinary traditions.
11. Tapas and sangria soirée
Send invitations with vibrant tile motifs or bold patterns to evoke the lively spirit of a Spanish tapas bar. Create a table filled with classic tapas dishes such as patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, gambas al ajillo, and croquetas. Offer both red and white sangria infused with fresh citrus and berries, along with Spanish-style gin and tonics for variety. Dress the space with vibrant serving dishes, patterned table runners, and warm string lights to mimic the ambiance of a bustling Barcelona eatery. Encourage guests to stand, mingle, and sample throughout the evening, keeping the energy high and the mood festive with upbeat Spanish music.
12. Flamenco night
Invite guests to a night of dancing with bold red and black invitations that promise drama and passion. Transform your party space with deep reds, flowing fabrics, and candlelight to create an intimate, theatrical atmosphere. Leave room for an open dance floor where guests can try their hand at flamenco moves, or hire a local professional to teach everyone how to do it. Serve sherry, robust Spanish wines, and hearty bites like tortilla española, chorizo skewers, and marinated olives. The fiery guitar music and rhythmic clapping will get everyone moving, wrapping your party in the vibrant culture of southern Spain.
Host a Europe-themed party with Paperless Post
The right invitation is key to setting the tone for your European-inspired gathering. With Paperless Post, you can create the perfect vibe from the very first click. Our tools make it easy to design an invitation that reflects your party’s destination—whether you’re channeling the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, the romance of a Parisian bistro, or the vibrant energy of a Spanish tapas bar.
Choose a design that matches your party’s theme or color palette, and change up the backdrop or envelope liner to highlight the signature hues of your chosen country—think lemon yellow and Mediterranean blue for an Amalfi Coast-themed party or bold reds and golds for a lively Spanish fiesta. Guest Questions allow you to gather any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance, making it effortless to plan whatever’s on the menu.
Once your invitations are sent, Paperless Post makes it easy to track RSVPs and manage your guest list, so you can focus on creating a celebration that feels as special and memorable as a European getaway. Have a great trip!
Customizable designs for having fun in the sun, made to email, text, or share.
