Why Minimalist Decor Is the New Luxury for NYC Corporate Galas

If your first thought about minimalism is that it's plain...think again. In the past, “more is more” and “maximalist” decor were highly requested to make an event look and feel high-end. However, corporate galas are shifting toward minimal decor at events, and this trend is predicted to continue in 2026. The reason behind the shift is multifaceted, including intentionality, a focus on quality, and the guest experience. The minimalist practice can be incorporated in multiple ways, such as tablescapes, color themes, and the menu. By removing the excess, you can give your attendees and brand a chance to shine.

Why minimalism is the new luxury

• Intentional design: When every element for an event is thoughtfully and strategically considered, less is more, and ornate and fussy is out. Streamlining the decor allows the event planner to utilize the space and light that already exists in the venue, along with some purposefully chosen accents, to create the desired atmosphere - simple and sophisticated. Instead of overwhelming displays or filling every corner, event designers can focus on creating just a few focal points throughout the space, making these features more meaningful and impactful.

• Value over volume: When there is less of all the things at an event, you can splurge a little more on the chosen accents that will make a bigger impact. This concept conveys luxury to guests, as they’ll notice the quality in the selected decor, food, and other elements, as opposed to the plethora of maximalist decor, where these details may be overlooked. 

• Guest experience: A cluttered visual space can create a cluttered mental space. With minimalist decor, guests can eliminate distractions and focus more on each other and the reason they’re attending the event. 

By focusing on the design, quality, and experience, the decor at your corporate gala will appear and feel more luxurious and elevated. 

How to make minimalism work

• Tablescapes: The tablescape at any event is important, as it helps set the scene for the event. Keeping that in mind, choosing clean and elegant elements made from high-quality materials is a strategic way to incorporate a luxurious feel with minimal clutter. Consider small and precious floral arrangements, along with fewer physical items, such as table numbers, place cards, and photos on the table, to allow for open space.

• Color scheme: Clean and refined color pallets help create an atmosphere of calm. Consider neutral colors like ivory, blue, and green for a luxurious ambiance. If using ivory as the main theme, a pop of green as an accent color can take the rest of your minimalist decor to the next level.

• The menu: A minimalist approach can also be applied to the menu, allowing you to enjoy delicious food without compromise. Your caterer can offer one signature dish instead of an endless list of options. Using seasonal items to guide your menu will not only give the most flavor but also simplify the planning process. Use QR codes or a simplified printed menu at each table instead of individual menus at each seat to maintain the minimalist decor at mealtime. 

Embracing minimalist tablescapes, colors, and menus are practical ways to create an elegant NYC corporate gala. 

Less is more

Minimalist decor at corporate galas in NYC is here to stay for 2026. Events will focus more on intentional decor decisions, quality pieces, and improving the guest experience to elevate the brand and the core message of the event. 

Find more minimalist decor inspo at The Event Planner Expo 

Looking for more event decor inspiration? Event planners can look forward to the 2026 Event Planner Expo, where the best-of-the-best NYC event planners will share their trend predictions and industry insights. Reserve your exhibitor booth - you won’t want to miss what’s coming next year!