From Thanksgiving to New Year’s: Holiday Event Design Trends to Watch

This year, we’re seeing a move toward elevated comfort, spaces that look luxurious yet feel lived-in. Plush seating, rich textures, organic materials, and expressive lighting come together to shape experiences that are as welcoming as they are memorable.

For planners and hosts, staying on trend doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel or investing in permanent pieces. With event design inspiration and flexible rental collections from Relics Rentals, it’s easier than ever to curate stylish, on-theme settings that evolve seamlessly from one celebration to the next. Whether you’re designing a moody winter cocktail party or a cozy Thanksgiving lounge, Relics provides access to high-quality, design-forward furniture and decor that set the stage for unforgettable moments.

Trend #1: Cozy Luxe Takes Center Stage

If 2024 was about bold maximalism, 2025 ushers in a softer, more refined kind of luxury. According to Pinterest Predicts 2025, searches for “warm luxury” and “plush interior design” have surged, and that same sensibility is making its way into holiday event styling.

The Cozy Luxe trend celebrates indulgent comfort: think velvet sofas, faux fur throws, and metallic accents that catch the light of flickering candles. It’s a style that merges the tactile pleasure of rich textures with the intimacy of thoughtfully layered lighting.

Key elements for Cozy Luxe design:

• Velvet seating and ottomans in jewel tones like deep green, plum, or sapphire
• Soft lighting from chandeliers, candles, and warm bulbs to create a golden glow
• Gold or brass accents through barware, trays, and decorative mirrors
• Layered textiles such as silk runners or faux fur cushions

At Relics Rentals, you’ll find everything needed to bring this look to life, from plush lounge chairs and sofas to metallic side tables and ottomans that instantly elevate the space. The result? A cozy, high-end atmosphere perfect for winter soirees and holiday dinners alike.

Trend #2: Nature-Inspired & Organic Decor

Another defining look this season leans into the beauty of the natural world. The Nature-Inspired trend draws from organic forms, neutral tones, and sustainable materials, creating spaces that feel grounding, calming, and effortlessly chic.

How to design with organic inspiration:

• Start with natural wood tables and rattan seating for an earthy texture
• Add lush greenery installations or seasonal garlands in place of traditional florals
• Choose ceramic or woven decor over plastic or synthetic materials
• Keep the color palette neutral, think ivory, taupe, sage, and brown

This trend pairs beautifully with Relics Rentals’ collection of wooden farm tables, rattan chairs, and woven accent pieces. Together, these elements invite guests to slow down and savor the season, an ideal choice for modern brands and environmentally conscious hosts who want their gatherings to feel both sophisticated and sustainable.

Trend #3: Moody Minimalism for Winter Events

Simplicity makes a statement this season. Moody Minimalism is redefining the winter event scene with pared-down aesthetics, clean lines, and dramatic tonal contrast. For upscale corporate celebrations or modern New Year’s Eve galas, this design trend delivers understated elegance.

Picture a black-and-white tablescape illuminated by soft candlelight, black flatware, white floral arrangements, and sleek furniture silhouettes that exude quiet luxury. The focus is on form, not fuss.

Styling ideas for moody minimalism:

• Matte black accents through flatware, glassware, or centerpiece bases
• Low, sculptural floral designs in white or cream tones
• Statement furniture with modern shapes and minimal detailing
• Dark table linens or surfaces for contrast against lighter decor

For planners embracing this elevated aesthetic, Relics Rentals’ modern shelving, console tables, and contemporary seating options offer the perfect balance of refinement and function. Less truly becomes more when every piece is chosen with intention.

Trend #4: Statement Lighting Steals the Show

Lighting has officially become the new centerpiece of holiday event design. No longer just functional, lighting now defines the mood, guides the flow, and provides striking visual anchors for every celebration.

In 2025, expect to see chandeliers, pendant clusters, and string lights taking center stage. For evening gatherings, layered lighting creates depth and warmth, from intimate dinner glows to dance floor sparkle.

Lighting design trends to try:

• Mix lighting types: combine overhead fixtures with floor lamps or table lamps
• Use warm-toned bulbs to enhance comfort and complement gold or neutral decor
• Highlight architectural features like draped ceilings or statement bars
• Incorporate candles in varying heights for texture and movement

Explore the lighting rental collection from Relics Rentals, featuring chandeliers, floor lamps, and ambient fixtures that can instantly transform a venue. With the proper lighting, even the simplest setup becomes atmospheric and unforgettable.

Trend #5: Multi-Functional Spaces & Mix-and-Match Seating

With hybrid gatherings and flexible guest experiences on the rise, this year’s event layouts prioritize versatility. The Multi-Functional Spaces trend is all about designing zones that can shift in purpose throughout the evening, from cocktail mingling to seated dining, dancing, or lounging.

How to bring this trend to life:

• Mix seating styles: combine bar stools, armchairs, and dining chairs for visual interest
• Create cozy nooks or lounge pockets for conversation
• Use modular lounge setups that can be rearranged as needed
• Incorporate mobile bars or serving stations for a dynamic flow

Relics Rentals offers modular sofas, high-top tables, and bar rentals that make it easy to craft flexible, flow-friendly event designs. This adaptability not only improves the guest experience but also allows planners to maximize the use of space, especially in mixed-use venues or smaller downtown settings.

Bonus Trend: Metallics & Reflective Surfaces

No holiday season is complete without a touch of shimmer. The Metallics & Reflective Surfaces trend brings festive radiance to tablescapes, lounges, and bars alike.

In 2025, it’s all about subtle shine, champagne tones, brushed brass, and soft silver replacing the harsh glitter of past seasons. Reflective decor catches candlelight and enhances the room’s glow, adding that signature sparkle to both modern and traditional themes.

Easy ways to incorporate metallics:

• Style a bar cart or shelving unit with glassware and metallic trays
• Use mirrored tabletops or accent pieces to reflect light
• Layer metallic textiles, such as napkins or pillows, for a gentle shimmer
• Mix metal finishes like brass and silver for depth

Relics Rentals’ bar and shelving options feature gleaming surfaces and polished details that make it simple to infuse glamor into any setup, from intimate dinners to full-scale galas.

Pro Tip: Create Cohesion Across the Season

For event planners managing multiple gatherings, cohesion is the secret to streamlined, budget-friendly design. With thoughtful planning, it’s possible to carry a consistent aesthetic from Thanksgiving through New Year’s while keeping each celebration fresh.

Here are a few tips to streamline your holiday decorations:

• Start with neutral anchor pieces, tables, chairs, or sofas that suit any theme
• Swap out linens, candles, and florals to reflect the holiday at hand
• Add season-specific accents, like autumn foliage for Thanksgiving or metallic garlands for NYE
• Choose modular furniture that transitions easily between lounge and dining setups

By renting from Relics Rentals, you gain the flexibility to evolve your design as the season progresses, without storage hassles or costly repurchases. The curated inventory allows you to mix, match, and adapt your look from one celebration to the next, ensuring that every event feels intentional and cohesive.

Stress-Free Setup and Professional Support

What makes Relics Rentals stand out isn’t just our furniture, it’s our full-service experience. From start to finish, our team handles every detail so you don’t have to.

• Delivery: We coordinate drop-offs around your schedule, ensuring everything arrives on time and in perfect condition.
• Setup: Our experienced stylists and technicians arrange each piece for flow, safety, and visual harmony.
• Takedown: After your event, our crew returns for prompt pickup, leaving your space as spotless as before.

Reliability is everything during the holidays, and our clients know they can count on us, no last-minute scrambling, no DIY setup, no stress. After hundreds of successful events across Wisconsin, Relics Rentals has built a reputation for turnkey event solutions that allow hosts to celebrate, not coordinate.

Bring Your Holiday Vision to Life

From Thanksgiving tablescapes to New Year’s Eve lounges, 2025’s holiday event trends prove that seasonal style is all about balance, between warmth and luxury, comfort and sophistication, and tradition and innovation.

Whether your vision leans organic and grounded or glamorous and bold, Relics Rentals provides the tools to bring it to life. With curated furniture, decor, and lighting collections, you can design unforgettable experiences that evolve beautifully throughout the holidays.

Ready to create your most stylish season yet?

Explore the full collection at Relics Rentals or reach out to our team for customized design support. Let’s make your holiday events as memorable as the moments they celebrate.

Relics Rentals | Milwaukee, WI
(262) 227-3003
[email protected]