Merry & Bright: Top Trends in Decor & More for Holiday Events

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a touch of magic and sparkle to your events. Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday party, a festive gala, or a family gathering, the right decor can elevate the atmosphere and create lasting memories. From sparkling lights to creative themes, the latest trends in holiday event decor are all about embracing joy, creativity, and a little bit of sparkle. Here are the top trends to make your holiday event merry and bright this season!

1. Sustainable Holiday Decor

As sustainability continues to be a priority for many, eco-friendly decor is making a big splash this season. Think natural materials like wood, pinecones, and dried flowers combined with energy-efficient LED lighting. Consider repurposing previous years’ decor or incorporating reusable elements into your design, such as fabric tablecloths, upcycled ornaments, and potted plants that can last well beyond the season. Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style—in fact, it’s a trend that can create a cozy, organic vibe your guests will love.

2. Glamorous Metallics & Glitter

For those who love a little extra sparkle, metallics are a go-to trend for the season. Gold, silver, copper, and even rose gold can be used to add a luxurious touch to everything from table settings to centerpieces. Glittering details, whether in the form of sequined table runners or shimmering tree ornaments, will elevate your decor and create an atmosphere of festivity and elegance. When paired with rich jewel tones like emerald or sapphire, metallics can bring that merry, festive feeling to life.

3. Whimsical, Themed Decor

This year, themed holiday events are all the rage. Whether you go for a vintage Christmas aesthetic with retro ornaments and nostalgic touches or a whimsical winter wonderland with icy blues, white florals, and frosty elements, a well-thought-out theme will tie your decor together and create a memorable atmosphere. Consider creating themed photo backdrops that encourage guests to snap and share Instagram-worthy moments, or even incorporate a fun activity, like a hot chocolate bar or cookie-decorating station, to bring the theme to life.

4. Nature-Inspired Elements

Bringing the outdoors in is a trend that’s gaining traction this season. Imagine long wooden tables with garlands of greenery, rustic wreaths adorned with pinecones, and delicate branches of holly hanging from the ceiling. Natural elements create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and invite your guests to embrace the season’s beauty. To keep things fresh, mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or eucalyptus for a fragrant touch that will enhance both the decor and the mood.

5. Interactive Lighting Displays

Lighting can transform any event, and this holiday season, it’s all about the interactive experience. Light installations, LED displays, and projection mapping are more popular than ever, creating a show-stopping focal point for your event. Think of a dazzling light wall or twinkling overhead lights that set a magical mood. Interactive lighting, such as a "snowfall" effect or colored lights that change with the rhythm of music, creates an unforgettable experience that guests will talk about long after the event is over.

6. Personalized Touches

Personalization is a big trend that’s making a holiday statement this year. Customized decor such as monogrammed napkins, personalized ornaments, or custom name cards at each place setting can make guests feel extra special. You can also create custom holiday cocktails or unique party favors tailored to your guests’ preferences, making them feel like the event was designed just for them.

7. Luxurious Textures

This year, embrace tactile elegance by incorporating rich fabrics like velvet, silk, and satin into your event decor. Velvet tablecloths, plush chair covers, and luxurious throw blankets will make your holiday setting feel warm and cozy. Pair these textures with contrasting elements like polished metals or mirrored glass for a sophisticated look. The added layer of texture creates an inviting space where guests will feel both comfortable and pampered.

8. Bold Color Schemes

While traditional red and green will always have a place in holiday decor, this season’s color trends are all about pushing boundaries. Think deep forest greens paired with mustard yellow, rich plum with silver accents, or even shades of blue mixed with metallics for a cool winter vibe. These bold combinations are perfect for adding a modern twist to your holiday event, breaking away from the expected and adding excitement to your decor.

9. Non-Traditional Christmas Trees

While the classic Christmas tree will always be in style, more people are getting creative with their tree designs. From minimalist, geometric trees made of metal or wood to trees crafted from string lights or stacked books, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating unique, non-traditional holiday trees. You can even create a "tree" of gift boxes or a floating tree made of ornaments suspended from the ceiling for a truly innovative design.

10. Festive Food and Drink Displays

Your decor doesn’t stop at the physical space—your food and beverage stations can be just as stylish as the rest of the event. Trendy food displays like grazing tables filled with charcuterie and seasonal treats or hot cocoa bars with all the fixings are a great way to combine style with function. Consider a dessert table that doubles as a decor element, featuring themed treats like gingerbread houses, snowflake cookies, or sparkling cocktails that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

This holiday season, the focus is on making your event merry and bright with a blend of creativity, elegance, and a touch of whimsy. From sustainable and nature-inspired decor to interactive lighting and personalized touches, these trends will help create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large celebration, the right decor can transform your event into a winter wonderland that everyone will remember long after the season ends.

Ready to plan your holiday event? Embrace these top trends and make your celebration shine bright this season!

Casey Romano, Publisher | meetingpages | casey@meetingpages.com

Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.