Festive Flair - What's Trending in Holiday Tabletop, Lighting & Decor

As planners gear up for another busy season of celebrations, holiday event design is leaning into a blend of elevated elegance, sensory storytelling, and modern whimsy. Whether you’re creating an intimate VIP dinner or a large-scale corporate gathering, this year’s décor trends are all about warmth, texture, and immersive experiences.

Here’s what’s lighting up the holiday scene for 2025.

Bold, Layered Tabletops That Tell a Story

The holiday tabletop is no longer a simple place setting—it’s a curated experience. Planners are embracing:

• Rich, layered textiles like velvet runners, woven chargers, and embroidered napkins

• Unexpected color palettes—think emerald with blush, navy with gold, or monochromatic metallics

• Nature-inspired elements such as dried citrus, pine sprigs, winter berries, and sustainable wood accents

• Mixed-material centerpieces incorporating glass, ceramic, stone, and warm metals

The result? Tabletops that feel personal, festive, and deeply textural—perfect for both daytime gatherings and moody candlelit dinners.

Lighting That Creates a Holiday Glow

This season, lighting is doing more than illuminating spaces—it’s shaping the entire event atmosphere. Trending now:

• Soft amber uplighting for warmth and depth

• Oversized statement chandeliers in contemporary metallic finishes

• Candle clusters and LED tapers for a modern, safe alternative to open flame

• Programmable LED installations that shift color or intensity throughout the evening

• Architectural accent lighting to highlight greenery walls, snow-inspired textures, or sculptural décor

The goal is to bathe guests in a sophisticated winter glow that enhances décor without overpowering it.

Décor That Blends Modern Luxury with Holiday Tradition

From corporate galas to festive mixers, décor trends are leaning into cozy elegance:

• Maximalist greenery—lush garlands, oversized wreaths, and mixed evergreen installations

• Frosted finishes on glassware, signage, and centerpiece elements

• Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with neutral palettes and natural woods

• Metallic accents in brushed gold, champagne, and pewter

• Ornament art walls and holiday vignette stations perfect for photos and brand integration

This year’s holiday décor is refined, immersive, and thoughtfully curated—offering the perfect blend of festive cheer and polished professionalism.

Interactive Elements That Spark Engagement

Attendees want moments they can experience and share. Planners are incorporating:

• DIY ornament bars

• Hot cocoa or craft cocktail stations

• Snowfall effects for entrances and stage reveals

• Branded photo moments with wintery backdrops

• Holiday scent diffusion featuring evergreen, clove, or vanilla

These elements add sensory delight and keep guests talking long after the event.

Final Takeaway

Holiday event design in 2025 is all about warmth, intentionality, and immersive detail. By blending trend-forward tabletop design with atmospheric lighting and elevated décor, planners can create festive environments that feel both fresh and timeless—perfectly crafted for celebration, connection, and unforgettable seasonal gatherings.