By Victor Georgescu

Just as I mentioned in the past, the experience of the guests is what matters the most , and Christmas parties are no exception to this rule. Moreover, in the last year, the trend has been to find more elegance through simplicity, both in the event industry and in many other industries. This trend will continue for company parties from the end of this year.

Under the influence of these two “macro-trends”, we recommend several ideas and methods by which you can organize this year, not only a memorable Christmas party for employees, but also a current one, which the guests will talk about for a long time.

The minimalist, stylish decorations, rather using digital elements and ambient lights are “HOT” for Christmas 2016. The colors of the year are (for the first time two were chosen!) pink quartz and serenity (a tone of blue) and the motivation for these were chosen together is that they bring calmness and good mood through their combination. Red Ambient lights are “out”, preferring shades of pink or lilac.

A new element, which we expect to see more and more often at companies’ end-of-year celebrations, are interactive digital boards – novelty always attracts attention, and these boards are a great excuse to play. On the other hand, even if photo booths are no longer a novelty, there are still ways to come up with new and surprising elements in this chapter as well.

Going in tune with the development of the digital world and the protection of the environment, paper is no longer necessary nor desirable. Hostesses with large clipboards and pens that don’t work are no longer a delightful welcome. Instead, using tablets or mobile applications is a much more up-to-date and faster way of receiving invitations.

Continuing the trend of putting the guests’ experience first, then any “wow” event will have to provide an area for networking, and the implementation of the concept (whatever the chosen one) would be better done through decoration and accessories, and not based on the wardrobe of the guests.

Going further, one more step, the buffet trend for Christmas parties is to be oriented towards “comfort food” – foods with many calories and many carbohydrates, which have a sentimental value for the people present. This last detail emphasizes the impact of congratulation and thanks that the company has on its employees, by organizing this celebratory event.

Lastly, a trend present only this year refers to the recent Olympic Games in Rio. More than half of the entire population of the Globe watched at least part of this great event, and concepts related to Rio 2016 can be included with great success in companies’ Christmas parties.

Learn more about Christmas party themes >>