Introducing Dolce Vita: WordPress Theme for Recipe Bloggers
Dolce Vita is perhaps one of my favorite premade WordPress themes I’ve worked on so far. To most people’s surprise, developing a WordPress theme meant for DIY enthusiasts brings more challenges for me compared to developing a custom personalized website. Why? Because making sure users can easily customize it themselves to fit their needs and wants isn’t always a straightforward process. What could’ve been done with a couple of lines of code in a custom site can turn into an entire document of complex code to handle various customization options. But, I absolutely love challenges. Furthermore, I want to share with you some of the special features we have on Dolce Vita, the WordPress theme catered to food bloggers and recipe bloggers.
Feature highlights
1
Search bar in the header
Option to replace Kadence’s default pop-up search window with a regular search bar.
In this theme, I tried to extend the capability of the Kadence standard header search function that opens in a new pop-up window when clicked. Instead, I wanted it to display as a regular search bar. However, then I had to consider: what if my users actually prefer it to open in a new window? So I ended up adding an option for my users to choose what they prefer within the customizer. Would you like it to open in a new window or as a regular search bar?
2
Interactive post spotlight
A dynamic feature that showcases posts from a specific category in an interactive way, encouraging users to explore and engage with your most important content.
I created a custom block to showcase featured posts that change when clicked. One of Kadence’s strong points is its speed, as certain scripts are loaded only when needed by a specific block on the page. So like Kadence, I used lightweight custom JavaScript that loads only when this block is present on the page.
3
Recipe ratings display
When a post contains a recipe that has been rated by a reader, it automatically displays the average star ratings in Posts Block, Archives, and Single Post Page.
4
Player icon display on post thumbnail
When a post contains a video in the WPRM recipe, it automatically displays a player icon on the Posts Block’s thumbnail.
5
Subcategories display
Automatically shows a list of subcategories on the category page if the category has child categories.
6
Trending posts block
Automatically displays the most commented posts in all or specific categories within defined time frames.
7
Custom WPRM recipe card design
A sleek and easy-to-read WP Recipe Maker template designed to make your recipes’ presentation clean and visually appealing.
8
Styled lists
The recipe card design includes styled bulleted and numbered lists that automatically adapt to your global color palette.
9
Engage & share CTA
Features an Engage & Share CTA in the recipe footer, encouraging readers to comment, rate the recipe, or upload a picture of their meal on social media and tag the creator.
10
Recipe roundup
Styled for WPRM’s Recipe Roundup feature, this tool allows you to showcase your curated recipe collections effortlessly.
11
Custom WPRM recipe snippet
The post automatically displays styled recipe snippet buttons at the top of the blog post if it contains a recipe or video. These snippet buttons allow your readers to jump directly to the recipe card or the video.
Have an established blog but using a different recipe plugin? Contact me to see if we can make this theme compatible with your preferred plugin.
12
Custom recipe filter
Compatible with and styled for Search & Filter Pro, a dynamic filtering tool that allows users to find recipes based on specific criteria.
13
Lead magnet visual callout
A block showcasing a picture of your digital download item and an opt-in form, perfect for attracting and capturing leads. Plus, it includes a free Canva template that you can use to create your own download item—an excellent way to grow your email list!
14
Affiliate product grid
A designed-to-convert block template that showcases your affiliate products, making it easy for your readers to discover and purchase recommended items.
Like the last couple callouts? You can explore the entire collection here
You can use these blocks repeatedly across your site, whether in a blog post or on a page.
15
Shop My Post Widget
An intuitive scrolling block that showcases affiliate products featured in your blog post. It helps readers discover and purchase the items that you recommend.
16
Automatic disclosure statement
When toggled on in the individual post editor, a disclosure statement will appear at the top of your blog post. You can customize the disclosure text within your theme customizer to fit your specific needs.
17
Completely customizable
You can change the colors, remove sections you don’t want, disable features you don’t need, change the fonts, sort the order, and mix and match sections from different pages – and many more!
Building a website has never been easier and more fun.
With these intuitive tools and customizable features, you’ll have your recipe blog up and running in no time.
Too busy to work on your site?
I understand that your time is valuable, and sometimes you want to delegate tasks to reduce headaches—especially when you have an established blog with hundreds of pages of content. View my installation services or contact me to see how I can help you!
Hi! My name is Sheilla Luciana.
I’m a full-stack web developer who is simply passionate about web development, particularly WordPress. I have a deep commitment to clean code, fast page speeds, and organized, efficient pages.
