Preparing your hospitality business for the holidays
December has arrived, and the festive spirit is everywhere! It’s the season for creating magical moments, delighting guests, and making the most of this peak period. All businesses across the board are getting ready to serve their guests in the best way possible, making them want to return and share their unique holiday experiences - both on social media and with friends and family.
Do you already have some creative ideas to stand out during the holidays? Amazing - your guests will love it! Still a bit in doubt whether you've thought of everything? We’ve put together some practical tips to help you attract more clients and increase your sales during this busy season.
Tip 1: festive decoration
Imagine walking down a street lined with restaurants you’ve never visited before, feeling the holiday spirit in the air. Which one would you choose? Chances are, before tasting any dishes, you’d make your decision based on the decoration and ambiance. That’s why creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere in your dining area is crucial during the holiday season.
- Use warm or colourful lights, and add some twinkling lights on the ceiling to create a cozy atmosphere
- Put up a nicely decorated Christmas tree in a prominent spot, but make sure it doesn’t block entrance or get in the way of guests and waiters moving around
- Don’t forget the smell. A festive scent can make a big difference. For example, if you serve Christmas punch or spicy mulled wine, let the amazing smell fill the dining room. You can also use scented candles to create that special Christmas mood and increase your sales
- To top it off, turn Christmas songs on - ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year…’
Tip 2: menus and group offers
The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food, and making memories - so why not make your restaurant the go-to spot for these gatherings?
- Take advantage of the season by creating special menus and group offers that appeal to your guests. Work with your team to design holiday deals and create pre-set menus with dishes your customers will love. Don’t overwhelm your clients with too many options - offer a few dishes for each course to keep the choice quick and simple.
- Welcome family gatherings and office parties by setting up comfortable spaces where groups can enjoy their meals and conversations. Consider offering special discounts or tailored packages to make their experience even more enjoyable.
Try out menus and combi deals in the online unTill Air demo.
Tip 3: connect with your clients via social media
It’s always a good idea to interact with your guests and share your dishes online - no matter what season. But during the holidays it’s even more important. Plan a smart social media schedule and stick to it - post festive pictures of your restaurant, behind-the-scenes kitchen moments, and tasty food. Take a peek at what other hospitality businesses are sharing on their socials. Take a note of what works and what doesn’t and use those insights to improve your own strategy.
Not so skilled with social media yourself? No worries. There’s probably someone in your team who is enthusiastic about social media and skilled enough to take charge and make your posts shine.
Tip 4: optimise your restaurant’s space
The holiday season is a busy time for hospitality businesses, and high demand often pushes restaurants to look for extra space in the dining room by adjusting their table plan. Rearranging tables can help you accommodate more guests and make the most of this holiday rush.
Make it clear for guests where they will be seated - whether it’s inside, outside, or near the bar. Updating table layouts in the POS system can sometimes feel like a hassle, but with unTill Air, these changes are quick and easy.
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Tip 5: themed events
What’s better for a group looking for fun than themed events to make their experience even more memorable? Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Live music dinner: bring the Christmas spirit to life with the life music and attract even more guests
- Food workshop: share the recipe for one of your signature desserts and guide your guests in making it themselves - a perfect combination of fun and deliciousness
- New Year’s countdown party: kick-off the celebrations with pre-New Year’s Eve dinner, then ring in the new year with your guests in an atmosphere of joy and excitement
- Secret Santa dinner: encourage your guests to take part in a fun gift exchange during their meal. Your team can help coordinate the process to make it a memorable experience
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the festive season yourself and create happy memories for everyone in your team. A packed schedule doesn’t mean you have to lose the festive spirit. When your team is in a cheerful holiday mood, it naturally spreads to your guests, making their experience even more joyful.
Liked our tips? Perfect! Check out other blogs for even more helpful insights.
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We’ve gathered all the information you need, so you can quickly and easily find the answers you’re looking for.