Nothing ushers in the summer season like two of our favorite celebrations: Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day.

Of course, with these events being two of the most popular for diners, it’s important to get creative in order to rise above what everyone else is doing. Here are three ways you can make sure guests are lining up to party with your plates.

I Saw the Sign

The chalkboard sidewalk sign is still a classic go-to for grabbing guests off the street and into your chairs, especially during patio season. Though it's tempting to showcase your fancy lettering skills, it's best to keep it simple. Too many flourishes, and any potential customers will get overwhelmed trying to decipher what you've got to offer in the quick amount of time they're cruising by. List specials in clean, easy-to-read lettering, and save the embellishments for your amazing dishes instead.

Speaking of, potential guests are intrigued by stories and buzzy ingredients. If your take on birria fusion utilizes product from local farms or features national brands with unique sourcing like Braveheart® Black Angus Beef, include this on your sign – it’s more likely to tempt foot traffic. Descriptive flavors that elevate recipes will catch eyes as well. For example, your Mother’s Day steak frites plate may include something like caramelized garlic cilantro seasoning on the fries. Potential diners can be wowed by that! Or the steak is topped with a jalapeno lime butter. Foodies will be drawn to the combination of fresh spiciness and citrus. Be sure to include these descriptive touches on your signage.

Give Mom Her Flowers

Mother's Day brunch is inarguably one of the biggest events in the industry, so it's imperative to make your menu stand apart from the local competition. Certain items will be standard — bottomless mimosas, anyone? — but how you can take it up a notch?

Anyone can do sparkling wine and even freshly squeezed OJ. Try adding a half ounce of floral liqueur, and a homemade tincture or bitters. Garnish with an eye-catching flower instead of a twist to really make Mom feel special. Edible flowers are also coming into season in May; check with local greenhouses to learn what's in season in your area. The red and pink petals of carnations can be cut away from the base of the flower and used in desserts not only for a pop of beauty, but for a light sweetness and subtle nutmeg scent. A frisée salad topped with a simple soft-boiled egg probably won't make it to Instagram, but sprinkle a few edible bright orange nasturtiums on top, and new followers will be popping up like wildflowers.

Make Cinco Stand Out

This Cinco de Mayo, entice guests by embracing traditional Mexican dishes that honor the Mexican victory in The Battle of Puebla. Don't hide all of those bright, seasonal ingredients by wrapping them up in tortillas and smothering them in cheddar cheese. You will stand out on the plate — and on social media — by serving dishes that truly showcase the fresh vibrancy of Mexican cuisine. Think tostada, a dish that still utilizes the ever-important tortilla, but its open face presentation allows the guest to gawk over every little pop of color (and pull out their phone for pics!) before the flavors even hit their mouth. To really capture the traditions of Puebla — considered by many to be Mexico's gastronomic capital — mix up a roasty mole poblano, a sauce that can serve as a rich backdrop to brighter garnishes of queso fresco, cilantro, pickled red onions, and even pomegranate seeds.