Hosting is all about crafting that unforgettable experience for your guests, all while reveling in the gratification of those wide smiles and contagious laughs. The best events combine personalization with unique ideas. The personalization part is all down to you – putting your own spin on everything from the invitations to the décor. As for the unique concept, that’s what we’re here to help you with. Whether it’s your first, second, or hundredth time hosting, creating a lasting impression is all about bringing something special to the table. Join us as we explore this year’s hosting and event trends.
You’ve Been Booed
The “You’ve Been Booed” Halloween trend has become hugely popular on social media! It involves you leaving a bag of treats on your neighbour’s door and a note containing instructions on how to continue the spooky fun. Once you’ve been visited, you can then hang a sign, contribute to the neighborhood card saying “We’ve Been Booed,” and prepare your own little bag of treats for the next person! This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your new neighbors and give them a fun Halloween surprise!
Halloween Parties
In the party planning world of Halloween, the night is your haunted playground! This is your chance to be whoever (or whatever) you want to be! There’s an endless amount of themes, but some wickedly popular ones, such as “Bad Witches Only,” pumpkin carving nights, and adult-only gatherings, are a great place to start! And the fang-tastic part? You can drench your house in Halloween décor and give your guests a juicy taste of your inner spookiness!
Friendsgiving
It’s time to take a little inspo from the FRIENDS playbook, gather some Friendsgiving ideas, and host your very own celebration! Bring out those cozy vibes and delicious festive food, because your friends deserve the best of the absolute best! Take it up a notch with a theme like “Flannels, Fizz, and Friends” or “Girlfriends and Gratitude,” prompting everyone to dress up for the occasion. Halloween may have only been a month prior, but who doesn’t love a costume party?
Favorite Things
Last year, the “Favorite Things” party trend swarmed social media, with people all over the world taking part, and now it’s becoming a yearly tradition! Guests are encouraged to bring along some of their favorite possessions (usually multiples of the same thing) to swap or exchange with each other! You and your guests will then explain why it’s your favorite item, telling some silly stories or re-enacting the cute memories attached to each gift.
Curated Vibes & Take-Home Treasures
If you mix good food and even better drinks, you get a very, very happy guest! And one thing every hosting trend has in common? Yummy grub and sips are essential! Blending elegance and flair, list out all of the food options on customized menus, and create bar signs with everything from your non-alcoholic drinks to your one-of-a-kind cocktails! Then, to top it all off, leave your guests feeling nostalgic with matchbox favors and other assorted gifts in a personalized take-home bag!
White Elephant
The “White Elephant” gift exchange is a quirky event to host during the holiday season, and another excuse to gather friends, family, or coworkers for a little celebration! Encourage your guests to bring a humorous, impractical wrapped gift to be swapped (or even stolen)! Keep your guests on their toes by incorporating a game into the exchange, like a trivia quiz or murder mystery, and the winners can steal from the losers.
Cookie & Baking Parties
Bakers, rejoice! It’s time to introduce a whole lot of sweetness into the holiday season with cookie and baking parties! This type of party involves each guest bringing some delicious homemade baked goods (or store-bought, if you’re feeling lazy) to swap around and sample. Grab some bags or favor boxes so everyone can leave with one of each cookie… Provided, of course, they’re not completely devoured by the end of the evening, though cookie chaos is always encouraged.
Holiday Party Themes
Oh, the holidays! A time for parties, presents, and punch… so much punch. If this is your first time hosting a holiday party, there are a hoho-whole lot of themes to choose from. Some trends in 2025 are “Ugly Sweater,” “Jingle and Mingle,” and “Making Spirits Bright.” Whatever you choose, be it a traditional or out-of-pocket theme, customize some holiday décor, like ornaments and pillows, to match the vibe!
New Year’s Themes
From champagne calls to disco balls, a New Year’s party wouldn’t be right without a theme to go with it! Trending themes this year include “Pop Fizz Clink,” “Roaring ’20s Gatsby,” disco, neon glow, black-and-white chic, and Winter Wonderland magic! So grab those party hats and sunnies (it may not be summer, but you can at least look cool) and get ready to host one of the best events of the year!
If you’ve made it this far, then we hope we’ve provided you with some fantastic hosting and event ideas! Whether it’s a big bash or an intimate gathering, consider some of these trends and you’ll throw an event that’ll leave a long-lasting impression. If you’d like to read a little bit more on this year’s trending holiday cards, check out this article on “2025’s Top Holiday Card Trends – Announced.”
Adam L is a Content Specialist from Kerry, Ireland. His passions include going for long runs, video games, a love for animals, coffee, and travel!
