Introducing: the Holiday Parties of 2015

Holiday parties: we love them!

These days, however, they’re all over the place, at least in terms of “trending” themes and ideas. One year, stark and elegant winter wonderland parties are popular, and then next holiday season, lively carnival-themed parties are all the rage.

While these themes can seemingly come out of nowhere, all trends do, in fact, start somewhere. We’ve outlined below some popular themes, food, and décor to help you prepare for your clients’ holiday fêtes.

Photo courtesy of BG Events & Catering

The not-so-traditional themed affair

There seems to be a push for all things unique in weddings, corporate and social events this year, especially when it comes to themes. Just a decade ago, a corporate masquerade party or superhero-themed wedding would’ve seemed outrageous, but themed events have certainly become more mainstream. This trend applies to holiday parties as well.

All over, people have found a renewed love for ugly holiday sweaters and parties themed around the ghastly garments are still a favorite. Cookie swaps, “12 Days of Appetizers,” and holiday carol karaoke parties are three other trends ICA caterers have observed.

Cookie swaps are exactly what they sound like: each guest brings a batch of their own and trading begins. A less casual theme, “12 Days of Appetizers,” includes 12 appetizer-style courses served one after another, sometimes relating each dish to its respective line in the song (and a partridge in a pear tree certainly calls for a pear appetizer!). Lastly, holiday carol karaoke is a fun, comfortable theme that is sure to bring people together (to laugh at each other), especially when families are involved.

Small bites, diverse cuisine

2015 is seemingly the year of small plates, with the semi-frequent build-your-own bar and culturally diverse menu. Holiday parties—residential or corporate—will keep with these trends, though clients are sure to personalize them.

Street food-inspired snacks such as tacos and hotdogs are also gaining popularity. Korean BBQ, ramen, and anything involving Sriracha are trending, a nod to the larger idea based around enjoying cuisine from a variety of cultures. Mash-ups of foods are also prevalent, with standouts like bahn mi bruschetta showing just how creative chefs can be.

Holiday parties are sure to honor these trends while also tailoring them to the season.

Contrasting décor themes with unique details

There are two prevalent contrasting themes in décor and design this year: modern and rustic. Modern holiday parties will have minimalist décor with many geometric accents as well as singular bright colors amidst black and white elements. Parties with rustic themes, conversely, will have tons of woodsy and natural details, like pinecones, mistletoe, and stark, wintery branches.

A little something extra: personalize it

This bonus trend comes with suggestions for consumers’ overall want to personalize everything. Here, ICA caterers share ways to personalize a holiday party.

Centerpieces are some of the easiest décor elements to personalize at an event. Glass vases are classic, and a standby, though clients love changing up what goes in them. Strands of Christmas lights, pine sprigs, a variety of baubles and unusual candles make excellent fillers for glass vases or stand alone centerpieces and allow clients to customize their holiday parties.

Photo courtesy of Tasty Catering

Even caterers get nostalgic for the holiday season, and that makes the celebrations some of the most entertaining events to cater.

Happy holiday booking season!