These Festive Dining and Decor Trends Will Make for Some Glamorous Boston Holiday Parties This Year

Planning the perfect holiday party can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right rentals, you can transform your home or venue into an elegant, festive space that rivals the top events of the season. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual buffet, all you need are some expert tips to help you craft an unforgettable experience.

When it comes to curating on-trend party rentals, Party Rental Ltd. is the place to go. As a trusted marketplace (both online and in-person), Party Rental Ltd. has been a go-to source for experienced event producers and designers in New England for years. Their vast inventory of stylish products, from tableware to bar setups, offers hosts an opportunity to build the perfect holiday gathering, whether you’re envisioning an intimate dinner or a grand holiday bash. What sets Party Rental Ltd. apart is their ability to cater to both professional event designers and everyday hosts. Their expertise, online tools, and extensive selection allow customers to transform simple ideas into show-stopping parties.

We turned to them as a source for this guide because they stay ahead of industry trends–from preppy, plaid-driven Christmas designs to hedonistic New Year bashes–and offer practical solutions for every holiday occasion, ensuring your event is both on-trend and effortlessly executed.

Dazzling Dining Table Settings

When it comes to hosting a standout holiday dinner, your table setting is everything. According to Party Rental Ltd., grouped tables replacing the traditional long table and bold, color block styles are on-trend for 2025 events, but for those looking to elevate their hosting game, it’s all about adding that personal touch.

Venue: Four Seasons One Dalton Boston; Florals: Winston Flowers; Planning & Design: Celebrations by Catalina; Photography: Yoke Media; Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

“I think the biggest trend we’ll see for events across the board is a return to exceptional hospitality. Guests love a high-touch experience and the comfort of knowing their needs are being met at every turn—as they would receive at a Michelin-star restaurant,” Catalina Rojo from Champagne & Confetti explains. “Consider a place setting that takes that into account with multiple glasses for pairings per course, personal salt and pepper shakers, and a plate for French-serviced bread.​” 

To create a real showstopper, Party Rental Ltd. recommends using the Amanda Dinner Plate, Spade Gold Rim Charger, and Lugano Gold Linen from Party Rental Ltd.’s collection. The bold and luxurious linens paired with stylish tableware will set the stage for an opulent dining experience​.

Add a Seasonal Touch

No holiday party is complete without a little seasonal flair. For a New England-inspired holiday party, evergreen wreaths, classic color palettes, and cozy decor are a must. 

Venue: Four Seasons One Dalton Boston; Florals: Winston Flowers; Planning & Design: Celebrations by Catalina; Photography: Yoke Media; Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

“I like to think about ways I can transform tradition through bold, eclectic choices—intentionally mismatching patterns and textures,” Rojo says. “It’s a fun challenge to reimagine traditional designs with a contemporary twist.”

One standout idea is to incorporate flowing ribbons into your tablescape, adding a whimsical touch that brings the traditional holiday decor into the modern age​.

Show-Stopping Linens and Prints

For those looking to infuse a sense of boldness into their decor, Party Rental Ltd. recommends going big with prints and colors. 

“Clients are not shying away from prints and colors,” Laura Bowman from Party Rental Ltd. says. “A bold table linen or a designer charger plate can emphasize the holiday spirit and create a fun, festive atmosphere.”

Venue: Four Seasons One Dalton Boston; Florals: Winston Flowers; Planning & Design: Celebrations by Catalina; Photography: Yoke Media; Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

To create a dynamic tablescape, consider renting the Bella Print Linen or one of the company’s new holiday prints. These bold linens will help create a festive and luxurious atmosphere that captures the warmth and excitement of the season.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere with Lighting and Decor

One of the easiest ways to elevate the mood of your party is by infusing warm lighting and decor throughout your party.

“Our Illuminated collection, which includes bars, hightops, and cubes, can elevate your holiday party,” says Josephine Gandolfo from Party Rental Ltd. “Pair these items with candles and LED lighting to enhance the look of your space.”​

Up the atmosphere with LED lamps, which work with festive looks and add a soft glow to your party decor. By incorporating LED lighting and elegant candles into your decor, you’ll be able to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that will make your guests feel at home​.

Elevated Barware for Craft Cocktails

A well-stocked and stylish bar is essential for any holiday party. Specialty cocktails and unique glassware are the season’s must-haves. 

“Our tinted glassware or coupe glasses have been extremely popular to enhance your specialty cocktail,” says  Josephine Gandolfo. “For a modern yet classic holiday look, pairing our mirrored bar with the Metropolis back bar will make your drink station stand out.”​

Planning & Design: Contagious Events, Photography: Alex Wicel, Florals: Flou(-e)r Specialty Events

Set your bar apart by renting items like the Noa Glassware Collection or the Era Smoke Flutes for a glamorous twist on classic champagne flutes. 

Portable Bars for Smaller Spaces

If you’re hosting a cocktail party or a smaller gathering, consider using a portable bar cart. These carts are perfect for cocktail service in tight spaces, providing a stylish yet functional solution for keeping drinks flowing.

For a more substantial setup, Rojo suggests “using a mirrored bar with the Metropolis back bar, which offers a modern yet classic look for holiday entertaining.”

Must-Have Serving Pieces for a Flawless Dinner

Serving a large group? Make sure you’re equipped with enough platters, bowls, and serving utensils to keep your dinner service running smoothly. 

For those with limited space or infrequent hosting needs, renting party essentials can be a practical solution. As Laura Bowman points out, “Instead of going out and buying everything you need, rent your platters, bowls, and serving pieces so you can focus on hosting. After your party, just stack your used rental items outside and leave the cleanup to us.”

For larger crowds, don’t forget to rent additional chairs and tables to accommodate all your guests comfortably. Party Rental Ltd.’s Mason Dining Table is a great option for a classic, elegant setup.

Buffet Table with Style and Warmth

Buffets are a popular choice for casual gatherings, allowing hosts to offer a wide variety of dishes without the formality of a sit-down meal. 

“Elevated buffets are always a more presentable look,” says Josephine Gandolfo, noting that Party Rental Ltd.’s website makes it easy to get one set up. “Our ‘Food Display’ product search showcases our selection of risers and tiered stands. Our Metropolis Back Bars can serve as modern food stations, elevating your buffet presentation.”

For a holiday buffet, consider incorporating antique copper chafers and ceramic platters for a rustic yet sophisticated look. The warm copper tones paired with beautiful ceramic pieces will keep your food looking as good as it tastes. Consider renting pieces like induction warmers to ensure your dishes remain warm and delicious throughout the night​.

And no matter what design you choose, by using these expert tips and incorporating some of Party Rental Ltd.’s most stylish and functional pieces, you can plan a holiday party that’s both glamorous and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or a large-scale event, check out Party Rental Ltd.’s website to ensure your Boston holiday party is the talk of the town.

Photo Credits–Venue: Four Seasons One Dalton Boston; Florals: Winston Flowers; Planning & Design: Celebrations by Catalina; Photography: Yoke Media; Rentals: Party Rental Ltd.

 

This is a paid partnership between Party Rental Ltd. and Boston Magazine