Are you looking for a creative way to spruce your restaurant this holiday season? Decorating for Christmas can be an exciting and festive task that will bring the season’s joy into your space.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so it’s time to start planning your festive decorations for your restaurant. Decorating a restaurant for Christmas is a great way to spread some holiday joy with your customers while also boosting business at this special time of year!
So if you’re looking for inspiration on how to decorate a restaurant for christmas, then keep reading – we’re about to give you all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your Christmas decorations stand out as one of the best around.
What Will You Need?
Before decorating, you must assemble all the materials and tools to make up your Christmas decorations.
1. Lights: Whether you want to rock the classic twinkly lights look or add some festive flair with a unique pattern, make sure you have plenty of lighting options.
2. Trees: Get your space into the holiday spirit with an evergreen tree inside and outside your restaurant. You can even buy smaller trees that are easier to transport and set up.
3. Tinsel & Decorations: Add a bit of sparkle to your decor with tinsel and ornaments! You can also get creative by using unique items like garlands, tinsel curtains, and snowflakes made of paper or even fabric if you feel crafty.
4. Wreaths & Centerpieces: Wreaths are a classic Christmas decoration, but you can also find some unique centerpieces for your tables. Get creative with the materials you use to make these pieces – feathers, pine cones, ornaments– and even wrap them up in twinkly lights for an added touch.
5. Artificial Snow: If you want to create a winter wonderland, why not add artificial snow to your decorations? It’ll give your restaurant a magical touch!
Now that you have all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to start decorating.
10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate a Restaurant for Christmas
Step 1. Start with the Entrance:
The entrance is your customers’ first impression of your restaurant, so make it festive and inviting. Consider placing a large wreath on the door, hanging garlands around the door frame, and adding a few potted poinsettias on either side of the entrance for a pop of color. Remember to decorate any outdoor seating areas or patios for a fully immersive holiday experience.
Step 2. Create a Festive Atmosphere with Lighting:
Nothing says Christmas like twinkling lights. Illuminate your restaurant with warm, inviting lights to create a cozy holiday ambiance. String lights around the bar area, drape them over the windows or wrap them around indoor plants. You could also incorporate candle-lit centerpieces on each table. If your restaurant has a fireplace, make sure it’s lit to add to the festive charm.
Step 3. Dress Up Your Tables:
Decorating your tables is a subtle yet effective way to create a festive mood. Consider using Christmas-themed tablecloths or runners. Incorporate centerpieces from holiday elements like pine cones, holly, candles, and mini Christmas trees.
You could also add a touch of elegance with gold or silver chargers under your plates. Consider using festive napkin holders, perhaps something as simple as a sprig of holly or a cinnamon stick tied with a ribbon.
Step 4. Decorate Your Bar Area:
The bar is a central point in your restaurant where customers often gather, making it an ideal place to add festive decorations. Consider hanging a garland or string of lights around the bar. Incorporate Christmas-themed cocktail menus, and consider serving drinks in festive glassware.
Glass jars filled with colorful ornaments can serve as vibrant centerpieces. At the same time, a mini Christmas tree or a display of festive wines and spirits can also add a touch of holiday cheer.
Step 5. Showcase a Christmas Tree:
No Christmas decoration is complete without a grand Christmas tree. Select a corner of your restaurant for this centerpiece of your decorations. Decorate the Christmas tree with lights, tinsel, and ornaments that match your restaurant’s color scheme.
Consider adding special decorations tailored to your restaurant – perhaps ornaments shaped like food, kitchen utensils, or even small photos of your regular customers. Consider placing beautifully wrapped faux gifts or a decorative skirt underneath the tree.
Step 6. Use Seasonal Colors:
Choose colors that evoke the season’s spirit, like red, green, and gold. Incorporate these shades into your restaurant decorations to bring a festive touch to your space. You can hang banners or flags with seasonal messages in these colors. Consider using holiday-themed placemats or napkins on the tables for an added touch.
Step 7. Create a Festive Menu:
Adding a festive touch to your menu is another great way to bring the Christmas spirit into your restaurant. Offer seasonal favorites and holiday-inspired dishes and drinks. You could include traditional Christmas foods, warming winter dishes, and creative cocktails with a festive twist. Remember to incorporate the holiday theme into the presentation of your dishes, with garnishes of cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to imitate snow.
Step 8. Feature Holiday Specials and Promotions:
Give your customers an extra reason to celebrate by offering holiday specials and promotions. These can range from discounted meals, special holiday-themed combos, or even a complimentary dessert or drink with their meal.
Consider hosting themed nights, like ‘Christmas Jumper Night’, where customers wearing Christmas jumpers get a special deal. You could also offer a ‘Holiday Happy Hour’ with discounted festive cocktails.
Step 9. Engage Your Customers:
Engagement is key to creating a memorable dining experience. Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media by creating a unique holiday hashtag or offering incentives for posting. For instance, you could offer a discount on their next visit or enter them into a raffle for a holiday gift.
Additionally, consider holding fun activities like a ‘Decorate Your Own Gingerbread’ event or ‘Best Christmas Sweater’ contests to keep the festive spirit alive and engage with your customers on a more personal level.
Step 10. Train Your Staff:
Lastly, ensure your staff is well-trained and in the holiday spirit. They should be knowledgeable about the holiday menu, able to make recommendations, and answer customers’ questions. They should also be prepared to handle the holiday rush efficiently. Consider providing them festive uniforms or accessories, such as Santa hats, red aprons, or reindeer antlers. Remember, your staff is the face of your restaurant and a key part of the overall holiday experience for your customers.
By following these steps, you can create a festive atmosphere in your restaurant that will make customers merry and bright. With the right decorations, music, menu, specials, and staff training, your restaurant will surely create lasting memories this holiday season!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Create Rustic Decorations: Think outside the box for decorations – consider incorporating rustic elements such as wood slices, pine cones, and birch branches to bring a natural feel to your restaurant’s decorations.
- Involve Your Customers: Consider letting your customers contribute to the decor. You can keep a basket of ornaments by the tree for customers to hang or even host a mini decoration contest amongst your regular patrons.
- Send Out Holiday Greetings: A personalized holiday greeting can go a long way in establishing good relations with your customers. Send out Christmas e-cards or physical cards to your regular customers, expressing your appreciation for their support.
- Consider Charity: The holiday season is a time for giving. Consider tying in a charitable cause with your restaurant. For example, you could donate a percentage of the profits from a specific dish to a local charity. This helps those in need and promotes a positive image of your restaurant.
- Safety First: While decorations add to the festive spirit, safety should always be your top priority. Ensure your decorations do not obstruct walkways, exits, or fire safety equipment. Avoid flammable materials and ensure all lights and electrical decorations are safe and used as directed.
With these tips and tricks, you can ensure your restaurant is filled with the holiday spirit. With some creativity and effort, your restaurant will be transformed into a festive wonderland that will bring customers back again and again! Christmas decorating doesn’t need to be stressful – have fun and enjoy the season!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Overdecorating: While creating a festive atmosphere is important, it’s equally important to do your decorations sparingly. Overcrowding your space with decorations can create a cluttered look and reduce the comfort of your customers. So, keep it stylish and simple.
- Ignoring The Restrooms: Remember your restrooms while decorating your restaurant. A few simple decorations can go a long way in maintaining the festive feel throughout your establishment.
- Neglecting The Outside: The exterior of your restaurant is the first thing your customers see. So, create an inviting atmosphere using outdoor decor like fairy lights, wreaths, and window decals.
- Disregarding Your Restaurant’s Style: Your Christmas decorations should complement your restaurant’s existing style and theme. Traditional Christmas decorations may look out of place if your establishment has a modern minimalist style.
- Failing To Plan: Decorating your restaurant for Christmas is a big job requiring proper planning. Start early to decide on your theme, purchase your decorations, and schedule time for decorating. This will ensure you are well-prepared and can create a festive atmosphere without any last-minute stress.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you create a festive and inviting atmosphere in your restaurant this holiday season. With careful planning and thoughtful decorations, you can ensure that your customers have an unforgettable experience!
Conclusion
With all of the great ideas for how to decorate a restaurant for christmas, there’s no excuse not to get creative this holiday season. Decorating your restaurant will bring a festive atmosphere for customers and can draw in more attention from individuals looking to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
Using the tips provided, you can easily turn your restaurant into a winter wonderland that looks both welcoming and stunning. Embrace the spirit of the holidays and have fun decorating your business this season!
From lit trees, mistletoe decorations to festive window displays – there are many delightful ways to celebrate Christmas at your business. Lastly, decorations must work within your restaurant’s style. Ask yourself what type of environment you want to create––is it cheerful or something cozier? Use these questions for guidance when deciding what decorations will be best suited for your restaurant.
No matter what decorations you choose, transforming your business into a cozy wintertime spot will make customers feel special and elevate their experience while dining with you this holiday season!