For 2014, companies are looking to the past for inspiration. “Holiday parties are experiencing a resurgence,” says Josh Tierney, director of style and design for Great Performances. Last December, the New York-based catering company organized a firm’s nutcracker-theme party, complete with tartan decor, a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, and waiters dressed as toy soldiers. “Celebration and entertaining trends are subject to the same pendulum swings as fashion,” says Tierney about the nostalgic vibe surrounding the holiday party season. “Everything old is new again,” adds Arthur Backal, C.E.O. of Backal Hospitality Group and event manager of New York event space Apella.
Downsize a favorite holiday dish into a bite-size hors d’oeuvre. Brett Galley, director of special events at Connecticut-based event planning company Hollywood Pop Gallery, suggests pork tenderloin with bacon and caramelized onion marmalade on a crostini.
Backal recommends functional, mismatched seating, like love seats, couches, and tufted benches, to create an inviting and cozy feel. The Kidwell Sofa, $395, in a black-and-white damask print from Designer8 Event Furniture Rental in California offers a comfy spot to chat.
For an elegant, modern take on a traditional holiday theme, Galley suggests rustic table decor with earthy tones and nature-inspired accents, accented with a variety of red roses and greenery.
Tierney decorated a bar with classic nutcrackers for the party last December.
The cherry-wood Drake bar, $475, from Taylor Creative adds a touch of old-fashioned flair to holiday events.
Serve cheery cocktails in bright red colors with sparkly sugar rims and plump berries like the ones from Chuck’s: A Kerry Simon Kitchen at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago.
A cookie-decorating station turns adults into kids, says New York event designer David Stark. He recommends providing guests with blank ginger or sugar cookies in various shapes, along with a bar of edible decorating items.
At the Hallmark dinner, traditional Victorian carolers at the front door greeted guests.
Send guests home with an edible gift, like Harry & David’s Tower of Treats, $39.95, which is filled with Royal Riviera pears and a selection of mixed nuts, shortbread cookies, and citrus candies.
