Tablescapes, pop-ups & private jets: why aesthetic brand activations are taking over
Aug 1, 2025
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift.
Brands aren’t just hosting influencer dinners or launching with static event stands anymore, they’re focusing on ‘instagramable’ experiences!
These new kind of brand activations are more than just events; they’re beautiful spaces designed to spark conversations, encourage participation and leave a visual legacy
Here’s a look at how brands are using stunning design and real world moments to create brand-building opportunities:
1. Tablescapes that tell a story
Tablescapes have long been a part of weddings and hospitality, but now they’re being reimagined as powerful storytelling tools for brands. Especially when tied to partnerships, launches or key events.
Take the Nike x ASOS Wimbledon-themed activation. Rather than relying on a standard press drop or influencer gifting, the collaboration was launched with a carefully designed tablescape that encouraged content creation and delivered an exciting launch.


From a design agency perspective, these settings allow us to create tactile, multi-layered experiences. They offer brands a chance to tell a story through every detail like tableware and florals to typography and materials on the tables while tapping into a cultural moment that’s already on the public’s radar.
2. Statement moments linked with current events
After the Lionesses reached the UEFA Women’s Euro final, Nike marked the moment by creating a fully branded private airline experience. It was a bold visual statement designed to honour the players and align Nike with a powerful narrative of achievement and empowerment.


We’re always drawn to these kinds of activations because they show the power of design in real time. It’s not about building something static, it’s about crafting environments that react to the world around us. These moments allow brands to show up with intention, style and meaning all while creating high-impact visuals that are made to be shared.
3. Pop-ups that bring aesthetic to the everyday
The rise of branded pop up cafés, restaurants and open event spaces shows how much audiences value inclusion and interaction. When brands build experiences designed for everyone, not just influencers and celebrities, they create a sense of belonging that builds stronger, longer-term engagement.

And more often than not, they’re tied to seasonal or cultural moments that keep them relevant. Like a summer lifestyle drop or a tie-in to a major sports event like Wimbledon, these spaces are intentionally designed to feel timely and social.

From our perspective, this is where design truly meets experience. These temporary spaces create a stage for the brand to show up in a way that feels open, inclusive and beautifully executed, offering touchpoints that are both functional and visually irresistible.