Italian Phrase
Stanno organizzando una festa di cocktail.
Meaning
This sentence means 'They are organizing a cocktail party.' It conveys that a group of people is currently planning an event where mixed drinks will be served.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell someone about the ongoing preparation of a social gathering centered around cocktails, whether at work, among friends, or in a hospitality setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Stannoorganizzandounafestadicocktail
Stanno + gerundio
The construction 'stanno + gerundio' forms the present progressive, indicating an ongoing action performed by they.
Organizzare (verb)
Organizzare means 'to organize' or 'to arrange'. In the gerund form it becomes 'organizzando', meaning 'organizing'.
Una festa di + noun
The pattern 'una festa di X' translates to 'a party of X' or 'a X party', specifying the type or theme of the party.
Cocktail (noun, borrowed)
Cocktail is an English loanword used in Italian to refer to mixed drinks; it remains unchanged in plural context.
🗨In Conversation
Stanno organizzando una festa di cocktail per il prossimo venerdì.
They are organizing a cocktail party for next Friday.
Che bello! Posso portare qualcosa?
How nice! Can I bring something?
✕Common Mistakes
Stanno organizzano una festa di cocktail.
Mixing present progressive with simple present; use 'stanno organizzando' for ongoing action.
una festa di cocktaili
Do not add an Italian plural ending to the English loanword; 'cocktail' stays the same.
una festa di i cocktail
The article 'i' is unnecessary because 'cocktail' is used as a mass noun here.
↔Alternatives
Stanno preparando una serata a base di cocktail.
They are preparing a cocktail‑based evening.
Stanno allestendo una festa con cocktail.
They are setting up a party with cocktails.
Stanno pianificando un cocktail party.
They are planning a cocktail party.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, cocktail parties (feste di cocktail) are often more relaxed than formal dinner events, focusing on standing guests, light appetizers (stuzzichini), and a variety of mixed drinks. It's common to serve classic Italian cocktails like Negroni, Spritz, or Americano alongside international favorites. When inviting guests, mention the type of cocktails to set expectations about dress code and atmosphere.