Corporate holiday parties offer companies the exciting opportunity to surprise and delight guests. It’s a chance for brands and businesses to bring people together, celebrate successes, and end the year on a high note.
The most wonderful time of the year may still be months away, but we always recommend planning your end-of-year holiday party in late summer or early fall. Luckily, the PartySlate team is already predicting which corporate holiday party trends will ring in the new year. Say goodbye to lackluster office parties and hello to curated celebrations that will reinvigorate employees and CEOs alike.
Remember, PartySlate is more than just a place for inspiration. Once you’ve picked your favorite trends to incorporate into your event, visit our directories to find the perfect holiday venue and vendors. PartySlate lets you plan your celebration all in one place — so you can keep focusing on what you do best: leading your business.
1. “It’s Beginning to Look Like” Non-Holiday Party Themes
Leave the evergreens and candy canes for another day. This year, we’re all about the non-holiday party themes.
Party themes create cohesion throughout your event, ensuring everything from your décor to catering contributes to the overall vibe. Some of our favorite theme ideas include decade throwbacks, location destinations (yes, outer space is on the list), movies, activities, and more. Trust us, guests will love the total immersion that a great party theme provides.
90’s Retro
This holiday party, planned by We Crush Events, was wicked hot with a “Teenage Ninja Turtles”-themed food van, Barbie photo booth (you remember the hit song), and a bright color palette straight out of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Click to see how even the cocktails were on-theme.
Relativity & Beyond
Rachel De Marte Events partnered with KEHOE DESIGNS to create this corporate holiday party for a hip tech firm, Neon décor, Tang cocktails, and servers dressed as aliens were just a few of our favorite elements. Make sure to see the futuristic lounge area that put a new spin on geometric seating.
2. Icy Ombré Hues Soothe Winter Blues
Blustery weather may come with frigid temperatures, but it also brings on breathtaking scenery. Freshly fallen snow, crystal-clear skies, and glittering icicles transform the dull landscapes of late November into a vivid winter wonderland.
Let your holiday party color palette take inspiration from the beauty of the season. This year, we’re expecting glam color schemes that delight in icy hues. Lean into arctic and midnight blues, frosty greens, and chilly whites. With shades this stunning, we don’t mind if spring holds off for another few months.
Blustery Backdrops
This New York Interconnect holiday party, planned by Twenty Three Layers (23 Layers), recreated Central Park with an FAO Schwarz pop-up in ombré winter hues. Make sure to also check out how a subway installation, mini ice rink, and hot cocoa station completed the look.
Luxe Winter Lounge Areas
This holiday party for Searchlight Pictures, planned by Sterling Social Events & Experiences, dazzled with a modern seating area that was perfect for gathering and great conversation. See how vintage lanterns and miniature palm trees maintained the California vibe without infringing on the holiday spirit.
3. Eco-Conscious Centerpieces (Where Chic Meets Ethical)
We love a décor element that is both beautiful and good for the environment. Look to design companies that use locally-grown flowers and sustainably sourced materials. We also appreciate companies that prioritize recycling and aim to reduce waste.
Interested in other eco-friendly corporate holiday party décor ideas? Consider catering that uses locally-sourced ingredients, centerpieces that include locally-grown flowers and sustainably-focused event venues.
Stunning Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax candles by Vogue Candles brought festive (and feel-good) illumination to this corporate holiday party in Los Angeles. Make sure to also view the wintry photo op that boasted frosted evergreens, branded ornaments, and tiered candlelight.
4. Barbie Mania is Here to Stay
If you thought Barbie was over, think again. The summer movie blockbuster and classic children’s toy will still be influencing events of all kinds, including corporate holiday parties.
This winter, expect to see subtle nods to Barbie, including pink décor elements of all kinds, like tinsel, ornaments, florals, and candles.
Pink Party Favors
This pretty-in-pink holiday dinner party, designed by , delighted guests at every turn. We love how these tablescapes wowed with dreamy pink baby’s breath, hot pink ornaments, and perfectly pink party favors.
Pops of Pink Décor
This stunning corporate holiday party at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain featured elegant holiday trees with hot-pink ornaments. Make sure to also check out the pink-hued uplighting that was accented with bright snowflake projections.
5. Dessert Comes First With One-Bite Sweets
Dessert takes center stage around the holidays — and we couldn’t be happier about it. Delight guests with a new take on passed apps. One-bite sweets make a celebration extra special. After all, how often do you get to eat dessert before dinner?
Some fun dessert ideas include winter-hued macarons, frosted coconut bites, extra mini gingerbread houses, and chocolate-covered peppermints. Yum, indeed.
Wintry Blue Macarons
This corporate holiday party, designed by Revel Decor, reveled in brilliant blue hues — including its one-bite macarons. Check out the other bold blue elements such as luminous uplighting, velvety furnishings, and other delicious sweets like blueberry mochi by Limelight Catering.
Frosted Coconut Bites
This holiday party for Hulu, planned by Sterling Engagements and set at California Science Center, recreated a food-forward winter wonderland. In addition to delicious bite-sized coconut treats, guests enjoyed flair bartending, live music, and fun activity stations. Click to see.
6. Pop-Up “Shops” in the Party
Even company holidays parties can benefit from the creativity of a product launch. Pop-up shops offer branded and immersive moments that are sure to please your guests. Turn your catering station into a mini grocery store or your gift station into a novelty boutique.
This is a fun opportunity to also create an unconventional photo op, so make to elevate the shop with on-theme décor. Remember, great photo ops increase the likelihood of guests sharing their photos on social media — which further promotes your brand.
Freezer Fare for a Chilly Season
We know to steal a good idea when we see it. This NYC pop-up shop for Rao’s, designed by B Floral Event Design and Production, wowed with one fun food station after another. Make sure to see the “Let’s Get Saucy” pasta sauce installation as well as the Italian Eatery counter.
Holiday Window Shopping
This corporate party, planned by Bob Gail Events, kept things cozy with some holiday “window shopping.” Make sure you also view the seasonal photo op that features some of our favorite winter sports.
7. Do a Favor With Party Favors
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all. Give your guests their choice of gifts, plus ideas for everyone else on their list.
The holidays are a time for giving, so consider offering favors from a business that gives back to the community. Some of our favorite ideas include locally sourced treats, locally made swag, or gifts from a company that donates a portion of their profits.
Gift Guide Station
We’re taking inspiration from this product launch for AnkerMake at Lavan 541 Chelsea. We love the idea of a holiday gift guide — especially when it’s translated into a swag station. Make sure to check out the various booths dedicated to different AnkerMake products for even more party favor ideas.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a corporate holiday party venue?
Choosing the right corporate venue starts with knowing what to prioritize. In addition to advanced AV and technology capabilities, a venue should have a flexible floor plan, convenient location, and so much more.
With PartySlate, finding a great venue is as easy as a click of the button. Click below to search our curated venue directory and find your ideal space. Use the filters to narrow your search by city, guest size, amenities, and more.
If you see a venue you like, make sure to check out their PartySlate profile so see examples of real events held on-site. Lastly, you can reach out to a venue right from the directory, allowing you to reach out to venues all in one place.
Where can I find a corporate event planner?
We always recommend starting your event planning process by hiring an experienced event planner. Your planner will be responsible for executing a strategy, keeping things organized, and facilitating a seamless and stress-free event.
Click below to browse PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to find your ideal event planner. Use the filters to narrow your search by city, services, and more. Make sure to also check out their PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business. You can also reach out to a planner from the directory, just like with your venue search.
Where can I find more corporate event inspiration?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for planning events of all kinds. While it’s easy to find wedding content in every corner of the web, it’s much more difficult to discover fresh corporate ideas. Luckily, PartySlate prioritizes corporate events that range from product launches and experiential events to summits and employee celebrations.
Click the guides below for some of our favorite corporate event ideas. You’ll find everything from the latest trends to classic ideas that never go out of style.
featured entertainment
The Zanadu Group
We love how this Miami-based entertainment group brings the energy to any event, getting every guest involved in the fun or on the dance floor. The Zanadu Group provides live music ensembles, DJs, and unique interactive entertainment to take your special event to the next level. photographer: Nancy Cohn Photography