Have you ever been to a festival, a state fair, or a small carnival and when you went to the area where you could buy something to eat, you were greeted with a simple tent with some workers in front taking tickets and dolling out food?
If that sounds familiar, it’s because you have probably been to dozens of these. They are completely generic, nondescript, and we are guessing they left no real lasting impression on you. Unless the food was the BEST you had ever had in your life, it is just another run-of-the-mill booth.
Taking the time to decorate your event stand is an easy way to leave a lasting impression as well as bring more people to your area to purchase food. At a large event where every booth looks the same, a little ambiance can go a long way!
Your decor doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. We always tell our owners that some of the best items to find can be at thrift stores and garage sales. Crafting stores also have seasonal decor that you can pick up at large discounts. The goal is to help your area visually stand out without dipping too deep into the pocket.
If you are catering an event, try and find items that will accentuate the experience. Unused wooden pizza peels and small baskets with the brands of the ingredients are always fun. Your client will welcome and delight in the little touches you put together. If you are catering a wedding, find out what their wedding colors are and accentuate your area with it. Working a school graduation or sporting event? Find out their colors and/or mascot and decorate accordingly.
No matter what type of event you are about to undertake, make sure of one thing: Know your audience. A wood-fired event at a higher-end country club may be looking for something very different than a fall farmer’s market. It may cost a bit more to decorate for an upscale event, but you can pay for that through fees that you charge the client.
While a good looking serving area is always appreciated, try and keep it simple as well. Try to focus on the decor that is quick to set up and tear down. Hauling a 20 foot wacky wavy inflatable tube man may get lots of looks towards your booth, but you will spend extra time setting it up and taking it down for each event – and that’s time you could use to recuperate or even start the idea planning for your next successful event!
