Creating the right atmosphere isn’t about following a formula.

For some companies, the perfect end-of-year celebration means bringing everyone together for an evening of great food and entertainment. For others, it’s about creating a more relaxed setting where colleagues can connect, unwind, and enjoy each other’s company. Whatever the format, it’s the feeling people leave with that shapes how the event will be remembered.

We sat down with our décor expert, Karin, to discuss what really makes an event memorable and how the right atmosphere can transform a gathering, regardless of size.

"People often assume atmosphere comes from decorations, but I’d argue it starts long before that," says Karin.

"Guests begin forming an impression the moment they arrive. The welcome they receive, the flow of the space, and how easy it feels to settle in and connect with others all play a bigger role than many people realize."

According to Karin, the most successful events are those where every element feels connected.

"There’s rarely one thing that makes an event stand out. It’s the combination of the setting, lighting, table styling, music, food, and overall experience. When everything works together, the event feels thoughtful, polished, and intentional."

Another aspect that is often overlooked is the balance between structured programming and time to simply enjoy the evening.

"It’s tempting to schedule every minute, but some of the most meaningful conversations happen in between. Giving people space to interact naturally is just as important as the activities themselves."

When it comes to design, Karin also encourages companies to look beyond traditional Christmas décor.

"Many organizations still start with the classic Christmas colour palette, but we’re seeing a growing interest in more understated and timeless designs. Rather than building the entire event around seasonal decorations, we often focus on atmosphere first. When the lighting, colours, and surroundings feel carefully considered, the result is both more elegant and more welcoming."

As Karin points out, creating a memorable celebration isn’t about following a set formula or putting on the biggest event of the year.

It’s about creating an experience that reflects your people, your culture, and the way you want to close out the year.

Because when the atmosphere feels right, everything else tends to fall into place.

Whether you're planning a large company celebration or a smaller gathering, there are countless ways to create a memorable end to the year, and we’d be delighted to help you find the one that feels right for your team.