If you’ve not already nailed down your Christmas party theme, now is the perfect time to consider it. Not only is the first scent of winter in the air, but inspiration is abundant around as professionals and forecasters share the Christmas themes and trends, they predict will be hot this year. But which of the five Christmas party themes for 2024 will you embrace?
Will it be a metallic extravaganza or a nostalgic storybook Christmas? A regal Bridgerton-inspired ball or a retro disco with far-out seventies theming? Here, TLC’s head planner and CEO Liz Taylor shares her Christmas party theme trends for 2024, along with hints and tips on how to recreate them at your private or corporate soiree.
“This year’s Christmas party trends will bring a real sense of fun to your festivities,” says Liz. “One thing I always say is that whatever the theme, it has to feel like Christmas. So even if you choose a wild and out-there, theme for your Christmas party ensure it has some glitz and glamour weaved through it and you won’t go far wrong. My five Christmas party themes for 2024 provide all the ideas you need.”
FESTIVE METALLICA
First in our top five Christmas party themes for 2024 adds bling! More is more is your mantra with this theme. A shimmering trend that adds a new depth to the term heavy metal, taking metallic décor to its most decadent extreme.
Mix metals, taking inspiration from the Olympics – gold, silver, bronze. Mingle high shine and matt, sequins, sparkle and burnished finishes.
Christmas trees heaving with metallic decorations may have you questioning if there’s a tree underneath at all. Some are even swapping out real trees and their faux counterparts for metallic versions for added metallic impact.
In terms of table décor – throw off the crisp white linens and add something a little more lustrous. Aged gold sequin tablecloths or heavy metallic velvet drapery add a touch of class to build your theme on. Dust metallic finishes on floral installations, a gilded lily isn’t spoilt in this scenario. I’d be tempted to take a golden stroke to the walls and ceiling too if accessible, extending the Midas touch upon the entire space.
As always, a TLC party isn’t just about the décor. Create shimmering cocktails with edible glitter named to your theme. There’s gold, silver and bronze colouring for your food too no matter if it’s sweet or savoury. Extend your theme to the dress code. Have guests sparkle and shine their way to a Christmas like no other.
ENCHANTED WOODLAND
This theme is ideal for an outdoor setting. Yes, even in the depths of winter. In fact, especially in the depths of winter, outdoor parties can be a surprisingly cosy affair.
Take guests on a spellbinding journey through a whimsical woodland with frosted trees and an array of lanterns, twinkling lights and illuminated installations to guide their way.
Shabby chic wooden chalets can provide a cosy retreat from the cold, either as a makeshift village or dotted along the route offering refreshments and added elements as they go. Warm them from the inside out with a selection of boozy coffees, or toasty hot chocolates with whipped cream and marshmallows. Have one chalet offer gloves, hats, scarves and blankets. Another with sparklers and candy cane cocktails. One with Santa and a personalised gift for each attendee.
Your party space can be a clearing in the woods. Banquet tables laden with a feast in the most surprising of spaces. Canopies or a cosy tent or tepee can add cover against the weather, but a starlit dinner party is your aim.
Décor-wise – earthy, organic tones of brown, rust and terracotta make the ideal palette. Rustic wood and snow-dusted foliage serve Nordic charm with a hint of festive magic. Motifs of mythical or real woodland creatures created with a homespun feel nestled among miniature forest scapes and frosted branches. Furs, cosy cushions and snuggly beanbags add extra warmth to an inviting space. Candlelight and more pea lights add to the enchanting feel.
NOSTALGIC HOLIDAYS
Our best five Christmas party themes for 2024 offers innovation and tradition. In this theme, it’s how guests feel that matters. We aim to utilise all of the senses to recreate the cosy, homely charm of a picture book Christmas and infuse it with contemporary elegance. It’s the best of both worlds!
Think farmhouse kitchen styling and cosiness, with gingham bows and a classic red and green colour scheme. Roaring fires and the scent of gingerbread baking filling the air. It’s all the nostalgia of a childhood Christmas with a rose-tinted glow and a high-end contemporary finish. Like you just stepped into a movie set… in fact why not reinvent one of the classic movies just for your guests.
Elf, The Snowman Home Alone. All of these movies tap into the feeling we’re trying to create here. Hire a train and recreate the Polar Express and its journey to the North Pole. Mock up the McAllister’s mansion in your event space, complete with your own set of mischievous ‘wet bandits’ to entertain the crowd.
Entertain with a brass band or carol singers on arrival to set that nostalgic tone. 
This theme wouldn’t be complete without a dusting of snow, so make sure you have the snow machine ready in case our unpredictable weather doesn’t get the memo.
REGAL REGENCY
Bridgerton was certainly the TV moment of 2024! And that has translated into TLC being asked to recreate clients’ favourite moments from the show into show-stopping events in 2024. We’ve planned Regency-inspired weddings and extravagant Bridgerton-themed birthday parties. Now, the theme is extending to a Christmas special…
Not just reserved for the romance of weddings, a Bridgerton-themed Christmas party is a grand affair. A high society ball with Regency styling can bring opulence and grandeur to your festive party.
Use a pale blue and gold colour theme will keep your party on trend for the Bridgerton family. Or take inspiration from subsequent series which have thrown the spotlight on other characters. Citrus shades for the Featheringtons, purples for Sharmas, and so on. Each time bring in a complementary metallic shade to make it feel like Christmas.
Brighten the room with the warm glow of chandeliers and candles. Bring in regal touches like ornate mirrors, vintage lace and huge, towering floral installations, channelling the aristocratic grandeur of the era.
Unlike Bridgerton we want people to eat rather than pussyfoot around a grand banquet that nobody ever touches. Food is a centrepiece but designate a time to stop and dine before the dancing begins. Make it over-the-top opulent. A fancy afternoon tea would work perfectly. Towering displays of sweet treats and macaroons. Perfectly cut finger sandwiches and decadent pastries. Miniature beef and venison Wellington canapes. 
Serve up signature-crafted cocktails inspired by characters and themes from the show. Serve them in intricate China tea sets –high tea with added festive fun.
When it is time to jig, then bring in a tutor to take your guests through some of the steps from a Regency ballroom. Remember that music is a signature feature of the show, modern-day classics are reimagined with a Regency twist. So hire an ensemble of musicians to recreate this unique Bridgerton element.
RETRO DISCO
And this entry on our five Christmas party themes for 2024 chart – Disco. Reach for the flares, furs and platforms, it’s time to take a trip to the grooviest era in history with a seventies-inspired disco extravaganza.
The disco ball is your motif for this party – perfect for Christmas. It’s found everywhere, in table décor, adorning the tree and of course, a huge version at its home on the dance floor to provide a beacon for partygoers. The fun starts here.
Hire in a huge, illuminated dance floor (think Saturday Night Fever) and colour-reflecting smoke machines. This party theme is all about the music and dancing so make sure your crowd gets the memo. A fancy dress is a must! A 360-degree photo booth with props and outfits will capture all their moves in the most exciting way.
Serve up retro seventies-style cocktails inspired by your theme.
THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN IS ON…
Inspired by our five Christmas party themes for 2024? It’s not too late to engage TLC’s party planners to make this year’s festivities your best ever. Find out more: https://www.tlc-ltd.co.uk/corporate-events-organisers/christmas-parties/
SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER
In search of more Christmas party planning tips from professionals? Liz will be sharing her monthly Christmas party planner’s countdown over on PA Life website.