Holiday Party Trends You Can’t Miss, According to Emily Persky, Cofounder of I Have This Friend

The holidays are synonymous with celebration, and according to Emily Persky, cofounder of I Have This Friend, the 2024 holiday season is all about adding creativity and personal touches to make events and experiences truly unforgettable.

Persky and her cofounder Ingrid Hung launched I Have This Friend in 2023 with a simple mission: connect people—from everyday event planners to natural hosts—with exceptionally creative talent (their featured “Friends”). What began as a curated directory of chefs and photographers has expanded to include a wide range of specialists and industry experts, from florists and bakers to interior designers and even color analysts. Operating in Los Angeles, New York City, and virtually everywhere in between, I Have This Friend has become a go-to resource for elevating everything from birthday parties to holiday events and proposals. 

As the holiday season approaches, Persky shares her expert insights into this year’s top trends—and how to make your event stand out in a season filled with celebrations.

1. Make it unique

For many people, the holiday season is packed with events and dinners, so it’s no surprise that hosts are looking for ways to make their event stand out from the crowd. Set your event apart with an interactive activity that will get your guests up and talking to each other. 

“There are so many holiday parties and celebrations, both corporate and personal, that it can become redundant,” says Persky.  “People are excited to get creative, specifically around workshops. We’re seeing events like wreath-making workshops with a florist or having an artist lead a watercolor workshop where guests design their own wrapping paper. Cocktail and mocktail workshops for holiday drinks are also popular—guests can learn the recipes and make them for their friends and family at future parties.”

Persky notes that these activities don’t have to replace traditional dinner parties but can complement them beautifully.

“Oftentimes, these workshops are paired with a dinner party, so guests can enjoy dinner and an activity or a workshop that’s fun and engaging. People are being taken out and wined and dined quite a bit, so the whole conversation is around what’s something we can do that’s not just going to another steakhouse.”

2. Send guests home with a keepsake

Personalization is another major trend, and event hosts are leaning into activities that allow guests to leave with something unique and meaningful.

“We’re seeing a lot of requests for custom embroidery,” says Persky. “Many event hosts are having an embroidery artist come and customize sweatshirts, tote bags, whatever item they want. People love that and it’s such a fun gift. Live portrait drawings is another exciting one: An artist will sketch out a picture of you and your friend, a picture of your dog, or a festive item and it’s such a meaningful keepsake for them to take home.” 

Event hosts can also consider a viral favorite activity like color analysis. “Having color analysis sessions at your event has become one of the most popular requests of the year.” So popular, in fact, that I Have This Friend added color analysts to their site as a result of so much demand. The surge in popularity confirms for Persky that your event plans don’t need to be traditional or expected—they just need to be fun. 

“The services don’t need to be directly tied to the holidays if people are excited about them. It’s a great way of getting into the creative spirit.” 

3. Let the space bring your event to life

The venue plays a crucial role in shaping the mood and experience of a holiday event. According to Persky, finding a space that feels special is key.

“If people are trying to get outside of their day-to-day life and be in a place that feels new and different, going to yet another office space doesn’t work,” says Persky. “We rely on Peerspace to find the right spaces, and we focus on finding places that are aligned aesthetically with the vision of whoever is throwing the event.”

Persky recently hosted a corporate dinner for clients at this Open Door award-winning San Francisco space. With enough room for an artist to do live, on-site embroidery and for a private chef to prep and serve dinner, the space allowed guests to feel at home. “This dinner party in a Peerspace felt like you were in someone’s home and that’s so abnormal for a dinner party with your coworkers and clients. It felt extra special! The space cultivated the entire vibe.” 

4. Take the stress out of planning

Hosting a memorable holiday party doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially with access to the right resources and talent. Persky recommends starting with the guest experience and keeping it top of mind throughout the process.

“Think of how you want your guests to feel. Do you want it to feel fun and upbeat, do you want it to be interactive? Do you want it to take place in a setting where people can just sit and relax and enjoy their meal and wine? From there, you can work backward on which activities and which setting will bring your vision to life.” 

By leaning into personalization, creativity, and thoughtful planning, you can ensure your holiday celebration stands out in even the busiest of seasons.