Things To Do This Mother’s Day

History tells us that Mother’s Day is a special event that is celebrated all around the world. Although one day is not enough to honor the most important person in your life. It is still worth planning and doing different activities to make our mothers smile. If you do not have any plans yet, then this is the time that you start going to your drawing table and draft the possible activities that you can do to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Cook a family recipe

Many Filipino families have a recipe that gets passed down from generation to generation. Celebrate Mother’s Day by sharing and teaching the kids in the family some of the famous recipes. It may be a recipe of adobo or ways of perfecting a grilled pork belly.

Help your mom finish her to-do list

Your mom may have a lot on her plate when it comes to household chores. Help her, or better yet, finish all of them. Send her to a beauty treatment in the salon while you are busy doing all the tasks. For sure, this will make her smile on that special day.

Time to have a deep conversation

When was the last time you had a real conversation with your mother? There is no better gift than to have a deep talk with her. No matter what the topics are, pour a glass of soda or a cup of coffee and enjoy the day telling stories with your mom. 

Design her home

Some mothers can’t just stand the sight of their home interior. Sometimes, all they want is to revamp the whole appearance of their home. Help her with this and look for ways to decorate their homes. Start with the walls and display their favorite art. If your mom loves floral prints then add floral designs so that the whole room will have that fun and positive vibes. 

Health is wealth

There are different health activities that you can do with the most special person in the house. Invite her for a morning walk or run in the park or the neighborhood. You can attend a yoga class together or head to a spa. If you prefer to stay at home, then play something on the television that you can try, such as tae bo or aerobic exercises. 

Throw a party

Mother’s Day falls every Sunday and during the dry season. This is the perfect time to have a party to celebrate Mother’s Day. Prep your home and garden and invite other family members and friends. Think of the right menu that will satisfy the appetite of your guests. 

Make a scrapbook

Take your mother for a trip down memory lane by turning her boxes of old photos into a scrapbook. This is a perfect activity to be creative. Go to shops and get some materials that you will use for the project. Not only that this activity can be shared with your mom, but the output is something that she will cherish forever. 

Whatever activities you plan on Mother’s Day, never forget why that day is celebrated. It is not every day that you get the chance to spend time with your mother and the family. The activities need not be that expensive and your creativity is much needed for a memorable and significant day. 

Japanese Restaurant Interior

Japanese cuisine themed ideas banner

Sushi anyone? Many people have loved this dish and there is something into it that makes it comforting and pleasurable. A Japanese restaurant is never complete without sushi and other signature dishes. However, there is more to a Japanese restaurant than just the food. In addition to the menu and service, the overall appearance and ambiance of the Japanese restaurant are important. All of these factors complete the Japanese restaurant experience that will take you to the Far East with a snap of the finger. Planning to start your own Japanese restaurant business? Here are some interesting ideas that will help you with your brand.

See and feel the ambiance

The culture and tradition of the Japanese have greatly influenced the aesthetics and architecture of Japanese homes and restaurants. By principle, the Japanese-styled interior revolves around uncluttered and clean living, sticking to order, balance, love for natural beauty, and ancient costumes. 

If you have watched Japanese tea ceremonies and other traditions, you will fully understand and appreciate the interior of every Japanese home and restaurant. Japanese restaurants have that relaxing touch that will make you enjoy your food more. 

Starting the Japanese restaurant business

Starting a Japanese restaurant is quite challenging but rewarding. Think about the different factors that need to be considered and incorporated to be successful in the business. Examples are the location, market for Japanese cuisine, and available resources, especially the budget. Be sure that you have devised a marketing and business plan. You will also need to hire professional staff members, such as experienced Japanese food and sushi chefs, interior designers or decorators, and servers. 

Characteristics of a Japanese restaurant

Achieving an authentic Japanese restaurant is not that hard, especially if you are a fan of Japanese food and culture. Some elements distinguish a Japanese restaurant from other Asian restaurants. In terms of the interior appearance, Japanese culture has respect and love for nature. As such, the interior appearance should reflect this passion. Bring nature in with traditional plants such as bamboo and bonsai. Palm and orchids work well with traditional plants. The important thing is that you make the restaurant look natural, green, and simple. You can enhance the look with wooden elements around the restaurant. 

In addition to plants, water is another important element that will boost the Japanese appearance of your restaurant. The sound of water has a calming effect and can evoke a tranquil room environment. 

Adding shoji adds to the beauty of the interior. Shoji is a Japanese screen that slides back and forth. This is used as a replacement for doors to save up space and likewise allow natural light in the room. The screen is usually made up of fine translucent paper found inside a wooden grid. 

The entry or “genkan” is also an important concept of Japanese culture. Guests are greeted in this area while shoes are taken off and replaced with indoor slippers. Add shelves in the entryway to store the shoes and remember that this should look simple and made up of wooden elements. It should be uncluttered and the furniture pieces are mostly low to the ground. In many instances, floor cushions are used instead of furniture pieces. 

Japanese restaurant interior designs also have a minimalist appearance. Remember that the restaurant should always be clean, uncluttered, and simple. Use culture-inspired furniture pieces, made up of wood, clean-lined and modern. When it comes to lighting, it is recommended to have angular and modern lighting. These help in imitating Japanese-styled lanterns.

Chinese Restaurant Interior Style

Chinese cuisine themed poster banner

Bring the beauty of China to your restaurant and enliven the history and culture that have captured the attention of the world. Over the years, Chinese decor has been associated with its culture and tradition as well as with nature. It is known that China is one of the oldest cultures and civilizations in the world, along with the Egyptians. Geographically, China has the biggest land area on the continent. Throughout the country, many homes and establishments have been designed that captured the interests of many countries, including their neighboring Asian countries. Chinese restaurant interior design is being loved in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Here is some info about the style that you will find interesting and may want to incorporate into your restaurant, especially if you are planning to start one. 

The Chinese – styled restaurant

Chinese restaurants have gained popularity over the years for many reasons. They are relatively affordable and offer a mixture of dishes that many people adore. Surprisingly, with the large number of customers being served every day, Chinese restaurants are among the most efficiently managed. 

When it comes to food, there is nothing more comforting than eating noodles with the aroma of fried garlic and ginger. Although the Chinese restaurant industry is booming, there is still the threat of the fast-food eateries that are preferred by many people, especially those who are in a hurry. If you want to offer authentic Chinese-styled food with the right ambiance, then you also need to take into consideration the interior design style. It should reflect the food being served and establish the brand of your restaurant. 

The interior design style of a Chinese restaurant

The interior of a Chinese restaurant is one of the unique designs and not much talked-about as Minimalist, Scandinavian, Rustic, or Mid-Century. However, the style never went out of style and is considered to be a powerful design, especially when associated with the country’s history and culture. 

When talking about the appearance of a Chinese interior design style, you will usually imagine bold red and black furniture pieces, dark lacquered wood, tones of red, black, and gold, and dimply lit lanterns. A successful restaurant is usually characterized by great management, a harmonious dining environment, and an impressive interior appearance. The mixture of both traditional and modern elements is what makes the Chinese restaurant design style extraordinary.

On business and psychology of Chinese restaurant design

If you are going to look at various magazines and books, you will see that various elements and styles define a remarkable Chinese restaurant interior. Just like in any design style, you choose the element that best suits your taste and those that can give your customers a memorable dining experience. As a restaurant owner, you invest a lot of time and money to make the restaurant become a perfect location for dining and conversations. This is why the restaurant’s interior is important to attract more guests. Words spread fast these days, and the experience one guest had can influence others. So if you are planning to start a restaurant business, never forget to have a fantastic interior design, in addition to the food and service.

Fine Dining Restaurant Atmosphere

Fine dining cuisine themed posters banner

What comes to your mind when it comes to eating in a fine dining restaurant? In general, fine dining refers to an experience of a customer in a restaurant with higher quality and greater formality as compared to a casual dining restaurant. A fine dining restaurant is more elegant and the food is served more formally. In terms of staff members, fine dining restaurants usually have more. Staff members have a higher level of training and expertise. 

In terms of food, the will be of the highest quality, made with luxurious ingredients, served in beautiful presentations. Expect that the quality of the dishware and cutlery are higher. Moreover, the decor and architecture are remarkable. With this said, expect the prices to be higher as compared to any casual dining restaurant. You are paying for the higher quality of food, the ambiance, and the highly trained staff. 

The atmosphere

The atmosphere in any fine dining restaurant is created to give its customers a certain type of dining experience. Fine dining restaurants evoke a formal and a high class and can be found in beautiful buildings with beautiful natural surroundings. Although not all have a view of the natural surroundings, it is ensured that customers will have a wonderful view. 

The furniture pieces are classy-looking and of high quality with some antique pieces in the mix. The walls may likewise have high-quality artwork arranged gorgeously. Customers are given more privacy with the spacing between tables. Do not be surprised if tablecloths are placed on tables along with cloth napkins and higher quality silverware and glassware. 

Many fine dining restaurants do not play any background music. However, if they do, it is usually classical played at low volumes so as not to distract the customers. The staff members are usually in uniforms or in dress in black, or black and white colors. They are trained and experienced in providing the appropriate level of personalization and attention to every table. As such, customers receive a great dining experience. 

The size

FIne dining restaurants are somehow smaller in size as compared to casual restaurants. They usually have fewer locations so that the owners and chefs can deliver the best level of quality. With the size in consideration, the works of the chef can take the center stage and staff members can give guests more personal attention. 

Restaurant Design Tips To Attract More Customers

While the quality of food and service is what people look for in a restaurant, the appearance of the restaurant is also one of the reasons why they keep coming back. A restaurant with decorations that speak to the type of cuisine and intended atmosphere can make all the difference. Therefore, regardless of the budget and design needs, decorating the restaurant should be an important concern.

Sometimes, the reason why some restaurants have expensive meals is because of the experience that customers have. Take for example some coffee shops where many people stay for a long time because they enjoy the experience of drinking a cup of coffee paired with a slice of pastry. The appearance of the restaurant can influence the appetite of the customer. Even if you serve the best food on the planet, if the interior design of the restaurant does not enrich the customer’s dining experience, they are not likely to return or even recommend your place to their friends. 

Decorating the restaurant is more than just having good taste and knowledge of architecture. It is also about marketing. This simply means using the space to promote the restaurant and sell more of its products. 

Here are some tips on how to decorate the restaurant so that customers would keep coming back to enjoy their food experience:

Color

Colors have all been known to have a significant impact on our brains and the body as well. In the food industry, red is the dominant one. Look at the various fast-food restaurants, such as McDonald’s. Studies have shown that the color red enhances the appetite, while blue slows down the metabolism. Therefore, it is important to choose the right colors for your restaurant and the psychological impact it will have on the minds of your customers.

Theme

Develop a theme for your restaurant based on your cuisine. If your cuisine is Mexican, you will likely want to feature elements of Mexican design, such as warm saturated colors, rustic wood, and mosaic tile designs. Think also of the style of your restaurant. For example, it could feature family-style seating or intimate tables, depending on whether you want a casual environment or a fine dining experience. 

Lighting

Lighting is also an important factor that is always considered by designers and restaurant owners. The right lighting can enhance the furniture, hide flaws, and improve the customer’s overall dining experience. Lighting is the first thing that may attract a customer. Lighting that is bright and attractive can invite customers with its warm, and welcoming appearance. 

Music

Music has a significant effect on customers. Studies have shown that background music not only makes employees happier but likewise improves the image of the establishment, and therefore stimulates customers’ appetites. Rock music tends to increase the appetite and makes customers chew faster. Classical music tells the stomach to desire calm refined foods. 

Aroma

Scientifically, our sense of smell is connected to our memory and sense of taste. The right aromas recreate fond memories of past experiences and can stimulate one’s appetite. 

Restrooms

Never forget to incorporate restrooms in your establishment. Maintaining pleasant, clean bathrooms with plenty of paper towels and a full soap dispenser is important. Likewise, it is important to make sure that all doors lock properly.

Seating capacity

The restaurant should incorporate a balance between the creation of a welcoming atmosphere and the number of seats available. Your restaurant should be able to receive enough comfortably seated diners to make a profit. You also would want them to feel at ease. 

Heating and ventilation

These are probably some of the most expensive pieces of equipment every restaurant needs, and the most important. This equipment will ensure that the customers are comfortable so they would keep coming back and dining in your comfortable restaurant. 

Kitchen design

Of course, the kitchen is the most important to be successful in the restaurant business. Kitchens require bulky and expensive equipment. The kitchen layout should allow food ready to serve to flow seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining room. If you have a kitchen layout that slows down your operation, then you would be losing customers, and eventually your business. 

Cool Restaurant, Happy Customers

Art Wall 187

Today, people have become more adventurous when it comes to choosing restaurants. While others may still be traditional, others are searching for something extraordinary in addition to the menu and services. One of the reasons why restaurants have loyal customers is due to the ambiance and experience they offer. The food revolution has reanimated the restaurant experience as people search for new spots for food and aesthetics. 

If asked, what do you look for in a restaurant? Probably, the first answer that we will hear is the menu. Others go for self-reward, to relax, to have a good conversation, to experience something new, and be delighted with the sights, sounds, and smells inside the restaurant. 

A restaurant can be considered to be successful if the diner translates them into a memorable, aesthetically pleasing experience. Restaurants with appealing interiors make their customers happy and gain their loyalty. 

Simple restaurant interior design for new owners

Starting up your own restaurant business is quite exciting, and challenging. Many things need to be considered, researched, experimented with, and presented. From the menu that will be prepared to the interior design, starting up a restaurant need to be wholistic. 

Entrepreneurs have different mindsets when it comes to starting their businesses. Some would want to gamble and invest a large sum of money, while others may not be risk-takers. The restaurant interior design greatly depends on the theme. There are various ideas to create a welcoming interior without going bankrupt before the business even starts. 

For instance, do away with tablecloths as they may be costly and are only common at weddings, banquets, and other formal events. Having linens on the tables may likewise send a wrong message to diners for being an expensive restaurant. You may also opt to create your menu instead of having them printed and laminated. Buy simple menu jackets and print the menu yourself. Be creative and imaginative with the wall design you are going to use. For instance, instead of using expensive wall art, you may pick the right stencil design and design the wall with your family. 

Modern restaurant interior design that you will love

Many people love going to restaurants because of the ambiance. There are two types of restaurants, one that serves food during the day and the other one that serves at night. Those that serve food during the day are more like fast food and quick snacks, while those which serve food during the evening offer a wide range of food and drink wherein diners tend to stay longer and become more comfortable. 

The entryway of a modern restaurant must be welcoming. This is also a place where diners can wait while their table is being prepared. The dining area is the most important part of the restaurant and it is a must that they look impressive. The design can be anything, and the most important thing is that the tables should be given enough space between them to provide privacy to the customers. Lighting is also important as it set the mood in addition to room color. The restroom should also be well designed so that guests will feel comfortable when they use it. 

Bunnies and Chicks for Easter? Why not!

Rabbit whats up poster

Bunnies and chicks have been some of the traditional symbols of Easter. Chicks or hatching out of the egg symbolizes new life or re-birth, while bunnies or hare is a symbol of abundant new life in ancient times, and also it symbolizes spring and new life. Both have also been used as fabulous decors in homes. 

History of Easter bunnies and chicks

Easter is the time of the year when Christians commemorate the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that the Son of God died on the cross for everyone’s sins. After three days, he came back to life to defeat death and evil. 

Though many kinds of stuff highlighted in Easter are not in the bible, they are still cherished traditions that have been around for many centuries. One of the most popular symbols of the holiday is the Easter bunny, which was introduced by German immigrants to America. The exact origins of the mythical bunny are not yet clear, but bunnies are known to be prolific procreators and are ancient symbols of fertility and new life. The German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s brought with them their tradition and story of an egg-laying hare which they called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws.” Later on, the story and customs evolved around the United States wherein during Easter morning, the bunnies deliver chocolates, candies, and other gifts in a decorated basket, instead of nests, which was the old tradition. 

Meanwhile, Easter chicks were known to be signs of fertility and new life during the Pagan times. This concept was then adopted by the early Christians since it helped them remember the Resurrection and having New Life through Jesus Christ. 

Since then, these two animals have become popular during the Easter celebration. They can actually be found in many homes during this Christian holiday and in many different forms and appearances. 

Decorating your home with bunnies and chicks for the Easter

There are many ways to decorate your home with Easter chicks and bunnies. Some of which can be bought from various stores and some can be created with a few materials needed. You can add some extra holiday flair to your home with paper cut-out bunny and chick Easter decorations. After creating them, scatter them on the food table to make a charming table setting. You can also distribute them to your kids so that they can glue them to a construction paper for a fun Easter craft. 

If you want to be more unique, make attractions in your garden with live bunnies and chicks. Have the bunnies run, or rather, hop freely in the backyard together with the chicks. Your kids will definitely enjoy watching and feeding them. Invite your friends over so that they too can have fun in your garden while serving them with hot choco and Easter bunny cookies.

Make your front porch one of the most attractive in the neighborhood. Add decorative bunnies and chicks. Do not forget to add nests for them to make it more realistic. 

Minimalist-themed Restaurant? Why Not!

If you are planning to open a new restaurant or rebrand what you already have, then think of a style that will make your establishment lovely but still boost the business. At this point, you may be confused about what theme or style to choose. If you are up for the challenge, then go for a minimalist-themed restaurant interior. There are advantages that this style can do to your business. The minimalist design removes anything that will cause customer distractions. As a result, they would be more focused on your products and services. In fact, this concept is in high demand in the hospitality industry. Read on to learn some interesting ways to incorporate minimalism into your business.

Add neutral palette

Incorporating a white or neutral palette in the restaurant to the different areas of your restaurant encourages guests to focus on the food coming from the kitchen. In addition to these, customers will have more quality time with their companion/s. 

Simplify the layout of the menu

Attracting customers to your restaurant takes more than just cooking sumptuous dishes. Once you have encouraged them to take a seat, then it is time to show them your menu. It is inappropriate to show them a cluttered menu as this can draw their attention away from the dishes that you are selling. Using the concept of minimalism in your menu is a great way to avoid any distractions. Using different kinds of fonts, pictures, and colors may make the menu look attractive. However, this can be counterproductive since the customers may not be able to focus on the dishes and beverages you are offering. 

The Point of Sale Hardware

Over the years, technology has drastically changed, meeting the needs of the consumers and making life more convenient. This is also true with cash registers. The device has been invented in 1879 and since then, many companies have manufactured devices that took over the restaurant point-of-sale market. There are many hardware that continues to become smaller in size but with more processing power. 

Simple and clean restaurant design

The design of many restaurants can be complicated, but with a minimalist design, the overall appearance can be cozy and refreshing. This design does not distract the customers from the dining experience. In addition to these, customers will also have a memorable experience since a minimalist design style offers many positive effects to the customer and to the business. 

Cool wall decors

When it comes to wall decors, there are many ways to spruce up the wall while still maintaining the minimalist appearance. Various wall coverings, like wallpaper, wall murals, and posters can make your restaurant look fantastic. You can choose from hundreds or even thousands of designs available. Black and white prints, line art, and certain graphical arts are recommended to give an accent to the walls while still maintaining their simplicity. 

Personalizing the walls is also a trend these days since you will be able to show who and what you are in a different way. If you are planning to display posters, then have them in frames as these can add beauty to the art. 

Design Tips That Will Boost Your Restaurant Business

First jesus then coffee poster

While the food that you serve is the main attraction of your restaurant, the design will give a welcoming ambiance that will help boost your business. The overall appearance of your restaurant is of utmost importance to attract more customers and ensure their loyalty. Here are some tips on how to transform the appearance of your restaurant and increase your revenue.

Define your style, concept, and theme

There is a big difference between entrepreneurs who are starting with their restaurant business and those who already have one. Start with an idea and work your way through to the decoration. For, instance, a Japanese-themed restaurant focuses more on simplicity, minimalism, and traditional accents. You may want to add natural elements, such as wood, bamboo, and plants will enhance the theme and design. Italian restaurants are bolder with red and white checkered tablecloths and rustic walls.

Captivating entrance

If your restaurant is located in an area with heavy foot traffic, then you need to do something to invite them. In addition to the impressive interior, decorating the entrance is vital to increase the number of your customers. Make the entrance pop with murals or neon signages. Use glass so that passers-by can take a peek at the interior. Bold colors can catch the attention of the neighborhood, especially those who are looking for a place to dine. 

Choose the right colors

Colors are known to convey messages and emotions. In color psychology, various colors have their effects on room atmosphere and overall design. Ask experts for their recommended colors according to the theme and concept. The best colors for the walls of the restaurants are shades of red, brown, green, orange, yellow, blue, and purple. Be strategic in adding them so that they will not become an eye-sore. You may have seen that fast food restaurants use shades of red or orange as these hues can stimulate the appetite and make food look more sumptuous. Fine dining restaurants are quite different and the use of earth tones like browns promotes a relaxing and calming vibe. 

Focus on the design layout

The layout of the restaurant is important to create the right ambiance. Start with the layout of tables and chairs as this can help create a cozy and welcoming vibe. If you have a bar, check out the stools and bar table that you will add. The colors and style must blend with the overall theme and concept. If you are planning to create a sports bar or already have one, make the television the center of attention. Add sports memorabilia and posters to enhance the restaurant theme. Add games like football, darts, or pool to attract more customers. 

Use the right lighting

Light can set a mood that cannot be achieved by any other decor. When designing restaurants, properly plan the lighting so that you will successfully achieve the perfect atmosphere. Red lighting can attract more customers and stimulate hunger. Adding candles and diffuse lighting can add a romantic and intimate vibe. 

Good aroma, good vibe

The smell also has a great impact on the restaurant atmosphere. Invest in scented candles as these may have dual purposes. In addition to making the room smell enticing, candles can add a romantic vibe. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans can likewise be a huge come-on to customers, especially if you have a coffee shop. 

Use music and ambient sounds

A restaurant is not just about the taste and smell of food. You may want to create a more comfortable and inviting mood with music and ambient sounds. You may choose from a wide range of music and sound genre depending on the concept and theme of your restaurant. 

Focus on details

A good restaurant interior focus on the importance of details. If you are short on space, add elements that will create a visually larger room. Examples are mirrors, indoor plants, folding tables, and bar stools.

Dine Fine, Fine Dine

Food is good but wine is better Poster in interior

What are the things that you like to see and experience in a restaurant? Whether you are planning to eat in or to go, the overall appearance and ambiance of an eatery are vital to customers. We all know that customers have different demands when it comes to service and products. They do not just go to a restaurant in search of sumptuous food, but the experience. At first, many of us do not understand this. For instance, you go to a popular coffee shop and buy a beverage that is twice the price as compared with other shops. You are not actually spending for the product alone. You are also paying for the experience, in this case, the ambiance that the interior evokes. If you are a restaurant owner or planning to start one, then here are some interesting ideas that you can use. 

Add wow effect with space divisions

The distribution of space in a restaurant is vital to how the customer feels. Full walls may congest the space and disrupt the flow of air and traffic. Half walls are recommended to separate the rooms with specific functions. For instance, the reception from the main dining area. This idea will boost the intimate ambiance of the establishment.

Mix and match floor and wall tiling

Try to combine materials to add style to your home. Mix and match materials to highlight a specific corner or to make the bar stand out. 

Create a focal point

A focal point is defined as an area or spot in your space that can draw the attention or eyes of the audience. Creating a focal point is quite simple and there are no strict rules on how to set up a fantastic focal point. For instance, creating a bar, complete with bar stools and counter will make a difference to the overall appearance of your restaurant. Decorating a particular wall with murals, decals, or framed posters will likewise be great. If you are planning to display posters, it is recommended to use a large-sized print or create a wall gallery that will add life to your establishment.

Add colors to your restaurant

When decorating a restaurant, it is vital to choose a style and decorative elements that would be loved by your customers. These elements will also set the room’s atmosphere. From these, you can define the color palette. In color psychology, you will see that every color has its respective effects on the overall vibe of the restaurant. Red can stimulate the appetite, orange can create a friendly atmosphere, and light and neutral colors can broaden the space and reduce decor overload. Earth colors boost the feelings of warmth and add a welcoming atmosphere.

Make the kitchen look cool 

Over the years, the kitchen served as the background of restaurants. By revamping the design, the kitchen can now take the center stage of your restaurant. In fact, there are many restaurants that integrated the dining area into the kitchen. As a result, customers can see how their foods are prepared. 

Don’t forget the bathroom

Complete the experience of your customers with a well-designed bathroom. In addition to this, the bathroom can reinforce your brand image.