Coast-to-Coast Holiday Event Design Trends: Elements’ Insights From Across Canada

This fall, the companies you know as Chair-man Mills Corp, Event Rental Group, Advanced Tent, MacFarlands Events, Loungeworks, Regal Tents & Structures, Contemporary Furniture Rentals Inc., A&B Partytime Rentals, and Higgins Event Rentals united under one name, one purpose, and one vision: Element Event Solutions. As Canada’s first national event solutions partner, Element builds on over a century of experience, consolidating tent, event, and furniture services across major cities from coast to coast. With their teams now operating under the Element Event Solutions banner, they bring the advantage of a nationwide perspective, spanning from Halifax to Vancouver and across the GTA.


The Nationwide Perspective: A View Across Canada

Element’s Andrew Zimbel leveraged this new national scope to engage his colleagues across the country in a conversation about event design from coast to coast. A fascinating blend of regional and universal trends emerged, with the 2024 corporate holiday party scene set to reflect these influences.

Embracing Luxurious Hues

A classic everyone agreed on: traditional holiday colour palettes remain a staple, but customers are now moving toward more luxurious hues. Instead of sticking with the usual reds and whites, clients embrace rich jewel tones in velvets and satins. Rebecca Chan of Rebecca Chan Events Inc. in Toronto and Emma Singh of Emma Singh Creative in Winnipeg also noted this shift toward bold, creative colours, highlighting luxury black and gold combinations that bring a fresh perspective to holiday decor. To match this trend, Element offers a variety of luxe options, including their stunning Black Velvet Tablecloth with gold accents, perfect for bringing this elevated colour scheme to life.

Michelle Nicol from Element’s Etobicoke office points out that maximalism is also making its mark, with patterned plates, vibrant linens, and coloured glassware creating visually engaging tablescapes.

 

 

Furniture Trends: From Cozy Vibes to Statement Pieces

Across the country, Element’s Etobicoke team, led by Laura Dobie, emphasizes the appeal of outdoor furniture in bringing a relaxed, rustic feel to events. “Muskoka chairs, stump stools, white harvest tables, and benches with mock fire pits are setting the tone for holiday parties that feel like cozy ski chalets or cabin getaways,” she shares. This trend toward natural, casual settings is also reflected in the popularity of wood and neutral tones, as seen in Element’s Sydney line, a top choice for clients wanting to bring the outdoors inside.

 

 

Vancouver’s Karen Mirfield, Pelin Jackson, and Morgen Valle note a growing trend towards stepping away from technology, encouraging guests to engage more directly with the event experience. The rise of Instax Polaroid guest books, where guests capture memories in an old-fashioned way, is a nostalgic nod to simpler times.

Meanwhile, in Halifax, Valerie Sharpe notes planners are favouring more intimate seating arrangements to foster a sense of connection and closeness, even in larger venues. This is echoed in Toronto, where Element’s Evelyn Collection—featuring colourful velvet sofas, chairs, and loveseats—is in high demand, bringing a fresh twist to event furniture. Sylvie Levesque, GM for Ontario, highlights the connection-building power of lounge-style seating: “As the national sponsor of Genwell—Canada’s Human Connection Movement—we believe in creating spaces that encourage conversation and connection. Lounge seating helps build those moments of engagement at holiday parties.”

 

 

Lighting and Ceiling Treatments: Setting the Mood

This season, it’s not just about what’s on the table – it’s about what’s above it. Ceiling treatments have soared in popularity, with Element’s draping team transforming entire event spaces from floor to ceiling. From warehouses reimagined as glamorous ballrooms to hallways turned into bejewelled tunnels, these ceiling transformations are redefining event atmospheres.

Lighting, too, plays a significant role in creating magical settings. In Halifax, Valerie emphasizes the power of warm lighting, suggesting twinkle lights and evergreen trees for a cozy, festive atmosphere. In Vancouver, table lamps like the popular Lincoln lamps are in high demand, while Toronto’s Anthracite battery-operated lamps are booking fast for creating warm, intimate spaces. Element’s lighting specialists recommend mixing chandeliers and uplighting to elevate the ambiance further, ensuring every corner is illuminated with elegance.

 

 

Gabrielle Mozer and colleague Christina from North York add that bars are also focal points for lighting, encouraging guests to enjoy their colourful cocktails in equally stunning spaces. A well-lit bar not only enhances the visual appeal but also highlights the craftsmanship behind the drinks.


Themed Events: Connecting Guests Through Thoughtful Design

The importance of themes can’t be understated. Christina shares that themed events remain popular for creating cohesive experiences. From boho chic to maritime kitchen parties, themes allow clients to fully express their brand or holiday message.

 

 

In Halifax, Kayla Thibodeau notes that tropical vibes and casino nights are perennial favourites for holiday gatherings. “It’s all about creating a fully immersive experience,” Kayla explains. Whether through nautical touches or formal black-tie themes, every element of the event should work together to transport guests to a different world.

Even for clients who opt for less structured themes, the focus remains on creating spaces that allow guests to feel relaxed and engaged. Uroosa Rajab, from Element’s Vancouver team, points out that many clients now prefer more flexible concepts, mixing and matching elements that speak to their unique vision. 


Personalized Experiences: Small Touches with Big Impact

Personalization is another significant trend for 2024, with Element clients across the country finding new ways to make their events memorable. Whether custom ornaments, walls of gratitude, or unique take-home gifts, these thoughtful details help create lasting connections.

Valerie advises that understanding the flow of your party is essential to enhancing the right areas. “Focus your decor on where guests will spend the most time,” she says, “and include interactive elements, like selfie stations or personalized keepsakes, to encourage engagement.”

Element Event Solutions is here to help clients create unforgettable experiences. With their new Project Manager Team, they guide clients through every stage of the planning process, offering design renderings that bring visions to life.

As Canada’s first national event solutions partner, Element is set to take holiday event decor to new heights in 2024, offering everything from decor and furniture to tenting and lighting. Whether your focus is on sustainable luxury, innovative design, or immersive experiences, Element’s team is ready to transform your next corporate event into a celebration your guests will never forget.

To learn more about Element Event Solutions, visit their website and follow their social media pages: