Social Event Trends 2016: 8 Elegant Ideas

At a baby shower created by Chicago-based Christina Janda Design & Events, guests took home a vintage cup and saucer filled with big blooming flowers.

Rose gold and copper are the metallics of choice in tabletop decor, says Laurie Arons of Laurie Arons Special Events in San Francisco.

An elderflower champagne cocktail with an edible flower garnish in crystal coupe glasses, accompanied by a large crystal punch bowl on a vintage gold bar cart, was presented at the Toast the Trends event hosted by the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and bridal company Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke in September.

Guests enjoyed dainty versions of a ­wedding cake created by the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s executive pastry chef, Scott Gerken, and his team for the Toast the Trends event.

“Modern geometric metallics are exploding in social event decor right now,” says event planner and stylist Ginger Dockery of Gingerwood Creative in Washington. “We’re seeing this motif as a popular way for couples to incorporate an on-trend element into classic celebrations. These are especially being shown in combination with soft elements to contrast the hard lines.”

“I thought the root system of the haworthia (pictured, right) looked dramatic, especially because the succulent itself has a harder texture, so it was important to show both sides,” says Matthew Schechter, event and creative director of Interior Foliage Design in Long Island City, New York.

An arrangement in a glass planter was made with four ingredients—Picasso lilies, lavender scabiosa, and Blue Thistle in a curly willow wrap. “I really dig this because you don’t need to be blinded by 100 flowers to make an impression,” Schechter says.

Instead of over-the-top decor, New York-based event designer Jes Gordon used subtle silver trophies as vases for a sports-theme bar mitzvah.