The 2025 holiday trend? The return of second-hand

The holiday table speaks of tactile materials, bold mixes and second-hand pieces that carry stories, use and memory. It’s a more personal and more mindful approach that shifts the focus from appearing to creating an experience. According to an analysis by Catawiki, interest in a more curated and individual way of hosting is growing across Europe: in September 2025, searches for glassware rose by 87%, candle holders by 47%, tableware by 21% and wine by 15%. These numbers confirm a widespread desire to bring beauty, quality and character back into circulation, especially during the holiday season. For anyone planning dinners or lunches, everything starts with a “perfect formula”: the 30/30/30 rule, meaning 30% timeless basics like white plates and classic glasses, 30% iconic second-hand pieces like mid-century candle holders or vintage glassware, and 30% details that reflect the host, from scents to music to small objects.

For fashion, Fleur Feijen suggests setting the tone of the evening through accessories rich in history, such as vintage brooches, silk scarves or inherited jewellery, which add light without sacrificing comfort. Florentin Brunz Gaborieau, home décor expert, focuses instead on atmosphere and lightness: discreet music, delicate scents, layered lighting and small second-hand objects like vintage chopstick rests, ideal for adding character without clutter, while the combination of neutral plates and decorative glasses creates instant balance. For the table, Robin Goyeux reminds us that you don’t need to overdo it: a clean runner, fresh flowers and the soft glow of a candle holder are enough, but the real magic comes from unexpected details like vintage salt cellars or engraved place cards. Better to avoid the catalogue look and dare with mixes and contrasts. In design, Alexander Fahl speaks of creative maximalism, encouraging us not to hide mismatched pieces but to turn them into expressive strength: comfortable seating, functional surfaces and second-hand objects like colourful Murano glasses, vintage vases or mid-century candle holders become the stars. And for a standout gift, he recommends Alessi classics that combine practicality and elegance. Wine expert Patricia Verschelling suggests creating a sensory journey that accompanies guests: start with something fresh, move to a dry white or light red and finish with structured wines or smooth spirits, remembering that presentation also matters, from thin glasses to tulip flutes to a carafe at the centre of the table.
 

From the most formal dinner to the most spontaneous brunch, what emerges is a new way of living the holidays: welcoming with authenticity, mixing eras, materials, memories and personal details. Second-hand is not a nostalgic whim but an aesthetic and cultural choice that values the stories of objects and the people who use them. In a year that celebrates creativity and circularity, hosting with style means bringing what has already lived back to the table and giving it new life.