People dine out not only for the food, but also for the experience. Word of mouth advertising is king, so for the holidays you should create an experience that also creates a buzz. Do things your competition isn't doing to bring in more business. Here's a few ideas:

Create special holiday drinks

Add some original drinks to your menu just for the holidays. Cinnamon, cider, clove, hot toddies, mint all come to mind when you think about the holidays. These warm flavors and smells create nostalgia and bring people together. Here's a link to Better Homes & Gardens' website for some alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink ideas.

Who doesn't like a S'more?

Add s'mores to your dessert menu. Better yet, add a s'mores bar where people can build their own! The customer chooses the ingredients and a member of your waitstaff can toast the marshmallow on the spot and build their special desert right in front of them. It's fun, messy and gets people talking.

Outdoor firepits

I can't think of a better place to enjoy my specialty holiday drink or s'more than in front of a warm firepit. Creating this comfortable and unique environment causes people to huddle up, get cozy and stick around longer than they normally would. Make it interactive by providing toasting forks and marshmallows for dessert.

Don't forget to decorate!

Lights, mistletoe, and maybe a tree or two are definitely a must. Get your staff involved with Santa hats or reindeer antlers. This improves morale and also creates a fun environment for both staff and customers. Music is also important. Don't just go for the usual, boring tunes. Subscribe to XM Radio or Pandora to find a unique mix or create your own mix of songs that creates a fun and different atmosphere.