
Halfway through the year already! Can you believe it? In the run-up to our favourite season, we’re looking forward to a busy winter period. And, after a difficult year, you’ll want your party to stand out from the crowd! So, what are some of the Christmas party trends for 2021? It might seem a little early to start planning, but it’s crucial you begin organising ahead of time otherwise you could be swept off your feet when the pinch point comes round!
As top caterers in the industry, we’re always looking towards the next trend to ensure we’re up to date and can offer our clients create events that see them wow their guests. So, our team has compiled their predictions for the 2021 party season to see you prepared ahead of the game! After all, what’s so bad about bringing forward a little Christmas cheer?
#1 Going green
Natural foliage has been an upward trend for some time, and this will only continue to grow in popularity as we head towards the Christmas season. We’ll see a lot of wreaths and wooden bases popping up at events, bringing a little of the outside in. And, this doesn’t need to be limited to just your wall and door decor! Why not create a stunning table setting, cosying up the overall feel of your event.
It can be daunting trying to pull these elements together – you certainly don’t want it to end up looking like you’ve just grabbed a few branches from outside! So, when you look at Christmas party trends for 2021, ask the experts for advice and guidance. At Vanilla Bean, our team is experienced in delivering upon these trends, creatively installing decor that pairs seamlessly with the dishes available and enchanting your guests with a fantastic dining setting.
#2 Light it up
As the night draws in, naturally we think to add lighting features to our events. They can really elevate the overall mood and create a magical experience for your guests. Festoon is a very popular choice, but why not try something a little different this year to make sure your event stands out from the crowd.
- Use en masse: Often, we only use a few metres of festoon lighting but this doesn’t create the full impact desired. So, why not use this simple feature en masse this year!
- Weave into greenery: As we’ve touched upon, greenery will be a popular trend so try combining your lighting with this foliage to create an enchanting walkway.
- Add a splash of colour: Typically, only white light is used for winter events but multi-coloured can be an exciting twist. It’s a little fun whilst retaining a sophisticated overall feel. Or, why not try a ‘moody blue’ which is set to be a popular colour over the season.
#3 Keep it personal
Personalised elements are always a great touch, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. The options grow every year, but one of our timeless favourites is the tailored cocktail. It’s a truly special touch that can really add to the sense of occasion – plus, it’s so simple to do!
Our team has certainly earned the title of ‘master mixologists’ and we’re happy to help you come up with the perfect complimenting cocktail to serve at your event. After the event, you can recreate it at home too, reminding yourself with each sip of the great memories made! Christmas party trends for 2021 don’t have to be overly complicated, and a cocktail is a great opportunity to showcase your personality and add a special, individual touch.
#4 Sustainable and local
We champion the local – particularly after such a difficult year, more and more of us have been supporting our local suppliers. Not only does this mean we’re provided with fresh, seasonal products but it also sees a more sustainable event as a result.
Events are often full of one-use products and waste but, with an experienced event caterer that can handle all aspects of the celebration, you can avoid this unnecessary waste. We’re dedicated to offering luxury yet local, seasonal dishes, tailoring our menu to suit your exact requirement. This is perhaps one of the best Christmas party trends for 2021 – and beyond, as we move towards a more sustainable way of life.
#5 Hygge
Hygge – it’s a word that’s been floating around for a few years and means ‘ cosiness’ in Danish. Particularly during the winter season, many of us hope to achieve a sense of hygge and certainly, our events are not an exception to this desired goal. So, how can you create this feeling at a celebration?
We recommend utilising a bio-ethanol fire alongside heaters to create a stunning visual display that can act as a central feature. Fire is certainly one way to heat things up! And, why not place blankets around for your guests so they can cosy up as the evening winds down?

#6 The end of the line for buffets
Buffets are no longer a popular choice for events with the rising concern over coronavirus. And, so, the Christmas sit-down lunch has been given a new lease of life. This is ideal for more intimate gatherings, or even to add an additional level of sophistication to your celebration.
Not keen on a sit-down meal? You could opt for a variety of delicious canapes instead, allowing guests to try several different flavours in one sitting. Pair perfectly with your unique cocktail for a memorable event that sees you standing out from the crowd!
#7 More entertainment
Entertainment is back with a bang! One of the top Christmas party trends for 2021 is live entertainment, whether it be a band or a pair of dancing performers. People are keen to see a live performance after far too long away from theatres and music venues. So, instead of just opting for a playlist, ask us for our exclusive, trusted performers. We’ve got a range of contacts to suit any celebration, so we can ensure everything runs smoothly and works in harmony with the overall feel of your event.
#8 Last minute amendments
We’ve had to learn to adapt in the last year and certainly that has given way to last-minute amendments. Whilst not necessarily a trend, it has become a commonality that event caterers and suppliers have learnt to professionally handle. Of course, not all last-minute changes can be accommodated but, more often than not, they’ll do the very utmost to ensure your amendments are facilitated.
It’s crucial you work with an experienced event caterer and planner to guarantee your event runs as you envisioned it, otherwise, this may significantly detract from your overall enjoyment. As a host, you want to be focused on entertaining your guests rather than worrying about your requirements not being fully met.
Christmas party trends for 2021: The conclusion…
Every year, new innovative ideas pop up for Christmas parties. Utilising a trend can be a great way to mark the exact year, following the popular choices to set the event in your mind for years to come. But, of course, this isn’t essential – nor does adopting one of these trends have to be the focus of your entire celebration. A small nod to a trend can be all you need – at the end of the day, the event should be as you envisioned it whether this be following a popular trend or not.
Our dedicated Vanilla Bean team have been in the industry for over 30 years, so we’ve certainly seen our fair share of event trends! We can seamlessly incorporate these in-demand features into your event, ensuring they do not detract from the overall occasion and steal away the focus. Yet, with our expertise, your celebration is sure to get a ‘wow’ from your attendees! To find out more about us and what we do, please visit our website by clicking here, or get in touch to discuss your upcoming event.