It’s amazing to look back on the last year to think of how many things have changed in the party industry, and yet at the same time, how many things remain the same. Many party trends have come and gone (I’m talking about you chevron!) but there is certainly no shortage of party inspiration online and innovators in the party industry, which means the next big party trend is always just waiting to be discovered.
With all of that said, here is my take on the top 10 party trends for 2015.
Since the dawn of the Pinterest era 5 years ago, creative party details, elaborate party photoshoots and unique party themes have been on the rise. But it seems like something has been lost along the way, which is the appeal to the everyday mom, sister or friend looking for cute, easy to execute party ideas to create a memorable celebration for their loved one.
In 2015, we will start to see many people get back to basics when party planning. OF COURSE creative parties will still be “in”, however many party hosts will look for ways to simplify the process by repurposing items they already own, combining store-bought party items with a few handmade or boutique-style item and just an overall less is more approach to party planning.
Image credits: one, two and three.
In keeping with the back to basics trend, many party hostesses will seek out one standout item to combine with store bought or simplified party décor. By incorporating an item such as a tassel backdrop, marque letters or a mylar balloon banner, it will give the party a unique flair and wow factor that is still stress free and easy to execute.
Image credits: one, two and three.
My thought process is that if you are going to splurge on any aspect of a party, it should be A. unique and B. reusable. Yarn art is perfect example of resuable party decor, which can also double for home decor once the party is over. Other items such as a personalized pillow or a name banner used at a baby shower can also make a perfect gift for the mom-to-be to use in the child’s nursery. It definitely helps justify spending so much time (and money) planning all of the details of a party if you know that some of the items will have a future use too!
Image credits: one, two and three.
There are so many options for chic party decor using balloons, such as jumbo balloons with tassels, foil letter balloons, painted balloons and most recently custom printed balloons. Balloons are incredibly easy to incorporate at a party and create a fun, festive environment without breaking the bank. Most notably, expect to see the trend of personalizing a party with balloon letters to spell out fun phrases, display a monogram or spell out the guest of honor’s name on the rise in 2015.
Image credits: one, two and three.
I can’t get enough of the organic look and feel of shibori and dip dyed textiles. I love that each piece is unique which gives off a luxe, but not stuffy feel. This trend is perfect to incorporate in small doses such as napkins, a table runner or stationary. And since the pattern is so unique, the rest of the party decor can be kept simple.
Image credits: one, two and three.
While calligraphy has traditionally been used for more formal events like weddings, it is now gaining popularity for all types of occasions. With many artists and indie designers working independently, as well as partnering with online stationary sites like Minted.com, calligraphy and calligraphy-like designs have become more available and affordable to the masses. But calligraphy isn’t just for stationary! In 2015, look for the calligraphy trend to pop up in variety of party items such as signs, foil stamped napkins, coasters, cake toppers, drink stirrers, custom cups and more!
Image credits: one, two and three.
For those who want a boutique-style party, but don’t have the time to scour dozens of websites and do all the prep work and planning, a Party in a Box is the way to go! My friends over at Little Miss Party offer a one-stop-shopping experience for chic party goods that are already perfectly coordinated in a variety of on-trend party themes. Each party box includes decorations, place settings and other little details that are boxed up and shipped right to your doorstep so all you have to do is the setup!
Image credits: one, two and three.
Although many parties seem to be “all about dat CAKE”, more party hosts are starting to think outside the box to come up with other fun and interactive food items. If you are hosting a summer BBQ, why not ask your neighborhood ice cream man to swing by at a certain time and pick up the tab for your guests? Or if you are hosting a brunch, what about custom donuts like these to spell out a fun saying on the food table. Or for beer lovers, what about a brew pub on wheels like this or creating your own beer garden with kegs of craft beer.
Image credits: one, two and three.
The use of modern gem and geometric shapes has been popping up just about everywhere in the party space. It is sophisticated enough to be incorporated into weddings and also playful enough to be used as a little girl’s birthday party theme. From custom pinatas to wire gem frames to paper shapes, the possibilities are endless on how to use this trend in your next party.
Image credits: one, two and three.
In the social media driven world we live in, it’s becoming more prominent to see the use of event hashtags. This trend debuted mostly at weddings, but has since expanded to birthday parties, showers and events of all types. Event hashtags are a fun and interactive way for guests to help document the day for the party host and guest(s) of honor and will continue to grow in popularity in 2015.
Image credits: one, two and three.
Jo says
This is such a brilliant round up, 2015 looks to be a serious cool year for parties! My favorites…Calligraphy and Chic Balloons. Thank you for an awesome post x
Jen says
Tara, many thanks for featuring my shibori coasters! I’m a big fan of numbers 6-10 on your list, with Food Trucks winning the race. I’m also a big fan of your splashy gold font! I’ll bet you throw one sylish party. Cheers!