Holiday Trends: What's New, What's Next

10 Ideas to Take Your Holidays to the Next Level

By Kathy J Craig | Castle Event Catering

When people ask me to suggest something that is a holiday trend, I tread lightly. Holidays are deeply personal. They are layered with memories, traditions, and expectations. Yet, it’s in our nature to always look for ways to elevate the events we create for friends, family, or colleagues with touches that make them more special and memorable.

One of my favorite ways to help clients elevate holiday events is to start by finding the right venue. We work anywhere, but I always begin by seeing if our premier venue, Anthology, might be the perfect fit. This space is especially close to my heart. Andy and I have poured ourselves into renovating this historic building, turning it into an inspiring gathering place right in the heart of Richland.

And just like a holiday wish list, where every item reflects a dream of what the season could be, event planning starts with imagining the possibilities. From the sparkling lights to the perfect menu, the little details are what bring joy to the table.

Here are 10 of my favorite ways we’ve brought the holidays to life at Anthology and at clients’ tables over the years. Our goal is always to create unforgettable celebrations that leave your guests feeling inspired, delighted, and thoroughly sated.

Maybe one (or two) will spark your own holiday wishes this year.

1️⃣ Inspiration from a Theme

We’ve done everything from color palettes (monochrome, metallics, jewel tones) to a full-on Cowboy Christmas (above, top photo) and a Northwest Theme (above) in Anthology, our premier venue. Think beyond red and green. For instance, consider themes like Nordic Hygge, Hollywood Glam, or Cozy Cabin for a unique vibe.

2️⃣ Local Ingredients, Global Flavor

We take your guests on a global culinary journey while sourcing ingredients locally. Some of our favorite local sources are direct from the farm or farmer’s market.  We enjoy celebrations all each season has to offer. Tri-Cities Food Coop is also a great source of local ingredients and crafted items.

3️⃣ Sweet Endings that Bring the 🔥

Elevate desserts with a little heat! We love to present guests with s’mores done traditionally, or built over small, tabletop fire pits. And for a classic grand finale, we bring on the Bananas Foster Flambe!

4️⃣ A Trip Through Time and Space

Transport guests to a different era. A Dickens Christmas with mulled wine and vintage carolers? Or a Futuristic New Year’s Eve with metallics, glow-in-the-dark bites, and AI-generated toasts? Or keep it simple with a glittering winter look.

5️⃣ Dedicated Mocktail Bars

Mocktails are no longer an afterthought. Treat guests who don’t drink as VIPs. Think spiced pear fizz, rosemary citrus spritzers, or cranberry-orange “negronis” with zero-proof spirits.

Photo: Rirri for Unsplash

6️⃣ Over-the-Top Décor Moments

We love using oversized toys from The Nutcracker, all-white flocked trees with dramatic lighting, or hanging floral chandeliers made of evergreen, pinecones, and twinkle lights. Impact over clutter. Anthology, with its spacious floorplan, high ceilings and windows, makes the perfect backdrop!

7️⃣ Grazing Tables Get an Updo

Say goodbye to standard cheese boards. Think charcuterie “landscapes” with elevation, edible florals, themed sections (vegan, keto, kid-friendly), and seasonal décor elements.

8️⃣ Fireside Experiences

Outdoor fire pits or faux fireplaces create cozy corners. Serve hot cocktails, roasted chestnuts, or fondue while providing warm blankets and soft seating.

Also, see our hot dessert ideas in #3!

Photo: R.D. Smith, Unsplash

9️⃣ Personalized Touches

Handwritten place cards, curated playlists based on guest preferences, custom scent diffusers enhance the experience and show that care has been taken. I love these winter wonderland place cards from Soolip.

Pro Tip: Calligraphy is an amazing way to uplevel any table!

🔟 Change it Up with the Best Serving Style for You

SEATED AND PLATED: Guests remain seated while our service team brings custom dishes to the table. This is the most formal style. Typically, three courses are followed by a dessert display.

BUFFET: Double-sided buffets match the décor and let guests serve themselves. A hybrid option begins with a plated first course, then moves guests to the buffet.

CELEBRATION STATIONS PLUS: Think of this as a formal food court with variety, interaction, and mingling throughout the event. The options are endless.

FAMILY STYLE: Casual elegance with bowls and platters shared at each table.