In backyards across Houston, leaves are unfurling, flowers are blooming, and temperate afternoons are stretching farther into cool and breezy evenings — it’s officially hosting season.

Spring brings with it a plethora of opportunities to share one’s home with friends and family. From Easter brunches and egg hunts to graduation celebrations and trendy Mahjong parties, eager hosts scour the internet for aspirational insights for throwing the most memorable event of the season.

Whether one takes a fully do-it-yourself approach to event planning or chooses a more laissez-faire option by hiring a professional, the first step is always the research phase: what are the newest themes, cocktails, color schemes, and photo vignettes for the season? CultureMap sought the advice of event planner extraordinaire Emily Rudelson of Planned With to get the scoop on the hottest entertaining trends of 2025. With a portfolio that includes Lululemon, Sweetgreen, Mercedes-Benz, and many more, Rudelson has a resume that more than qualifies her (Full disclosure: Rudelson once worked for CultureMap.)

“Hosting an unforgettable at-home event is more than just setting the table and pouring drinks — it’s about creating a high-quality experience that feels effortless for both the host and the guests,” Rudelson tells CultureMap. “A big advantage to hosting an event at home is the freedom to create a truly unique experience without the cost, bounds, or restrictions of a venue. No rigid event timelines, no décor limitations, no preset vendor lists. Just pure creativity and personalization.”

Here’s what’s defining at-home entertaining in 2025:

Elevated dinner parties
Think intimate, chef-driven experiences with curated tasting menus, wine pairings, and tablescapes that feel colorful, textured, and layered for a high-end, varied aesthetic. Bold stripe patterns, retro 70s prints, or tropical florals are trendy settings to make your table particularly beautiful this year.

Moody and layered lighting
A variety of candles, dimmable lamps, and sculptural light fixtures create an intimate ambiance that transforms any space into an intimate lounge.

Interactive entertainment
Guests want to be immersed, not just observe. Think of entertainment moments that unfold during dinner (not just after), allowing every guest a good view from their own comfortable spot.

Signature cocktail experiences
Gone are basic bar setups. Expect custom bars, cocktail ice luges, cocktail carts, tableside mixology, and statement cocktails.

Sustainable and local-first hosting
Eco-conscious entertaining is in — compostable decor (like opting for fresh flowers or herb centerpieces), locally sourced ingredients, and vintage or rental glassware to cut down on waste.

Nature-inspired designs
Bring the outdoors in with lush greenery, seasonal floral installations, and organic colors and textures that create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Sage, terracotta, lavender, and subtle pinks are hot colors for 2025 and tones that work for every season.

Intimate lounge seating over formal tables
Cocktail party-style layouts with plush sofas, floor cushions, and intimate seating clusters encourage conversation and movement.

Live personalization and gifting
The best events leave guests with more than just memories —they take home one-of-a-kind, custom favors. Whether it's live embroidered scarves, live hat branding, engraving stations, or custom scent blending, these activations add a meaningful, hands-on experience that make your event unforgettable.

Hosting is not for the faint of heart and can easily spiral out of control, which is something Rudelson sees often. Hiring a professional planner allows people to enjoy the event rather than feeling overwhelmed by making sure everything goes smoothly.

“With unlimited possibilities come a lot of moving parts, which is why Planned With ensures every detail is effortlessly executed and creates a thoughtfully designed experience that you and your guests will be talking about long after the night ends.”

Photo by Maritere Rice

Tropical florals and vintage accessories set the scene for a spring fête.