The holiday gathering is designed to reflect the spirit and style of those who are celebrating. While some enjoy the kitschy and festive aspects of a traditional holiday party, others believe that there is a special art to hosting an elevated gathering that is both enjoyable and artfully designed. For those who want a more sophisticated approach to holiday hosting, read on as we explore the key elements that you can use to give your next gathering a chic and contemporary twist.

Beyond Red & Green

The first and most important step to staging an elevated holiday party is thinking beyond the usual color palette. Contemporary holiday decor has incorporated a more tasteful range of colors to choose from, including gold and silver accents, rich blues, and natural earth tones. Red and green can still be hues you turn to in your holiday color scheme, but they are best utilized in understated ways, like incorporating natural greenery and red winter berries. 

Bring Nature In

One area of your home’s decor that you can afford to go all-out on is greenery and elements of nature. Natural garlands made of myrtle, olive leaf, or eucalyptus, handmade wreaths, and foraged or dried elements such as preserved fruits, pinecones, branches, and winter berries all help to bring an organic festiveness to your holiday gathering. 

New Traditions

Contemporary holiday decor trends owe a great deal to Scandinavian design, which foregoes the more commonplace American motifs of the holidays in favor of more subtle decorations that fit the entire winter season and don’t clash with the home’s existing decor. Hanging paper stars, handmade candle holders, ceramic objects, light textiles, and wood-carved pieces fit seamlessly into any contemporary home and add just the right touch of seasonal joy.

Seasonal Scents

Though elements like an authentic tree or the smell of baked goods can easy fill your home with the aromas of the season, it is always beneficial to have an appropriate candle, diffuser, or other aromatic element present at your holiday gathering to keep everyone in the spirit. Avoid overbearing scents such as vanilla or cinnamon and opt for more complex and understated aromas that include amber, eucalyptus, citron, frankincense, balsam, black spruce, or sweet fig.

Holiday Spirits

One of the most defining elements of a holiday party, other than the types of drinks you serve, is the glasses that your guests will be drinking from. When choosing glassware, find a balance between function and theme— pick glasses that are suited to the types of beverages you serve, but feel free to let the style of your party draw you towards the unexpected. A striking collection of vintage coupes or even an elegantly minimal mugs for hot drinks as the mood dictates.

Festive Favors

Leave your guests with a lasting memory of the night by handing out parting gifts that evoke the tone of the party. Personalized mini champagne bottles, chic ornaments that bring a taste of your style home, or edible gifts such as Swedish Gummy Candy, chocolate or cocoa capsules that match the flavors of the event.