Host your own pop-up restaurant

What can we use instead of a tablecloth, real plates, or metal cutlery if those items are hard to find?

Use a large clean towel or roll of craft paper as the tablecloth, sturdy paper or disposable plates and cups instead of real dishes, and wooden or plastic spoons and forks from the kitchen drawer as substitutes for metal cutlery mentioned in the materials list.

What should we do if we run out of an ingredient or a dish doesn't turn out while preparing it?

Ask the adult you agreed with to help substitute the missing ingredient or switch to a different dish from the menu, or use a pre-made item and then continue with the 'Serve each dish to the guests' and 'Clear the plates' steps so the pop-up can keep running smoothly.

How can we adapt this pop-up restaurant activity for a 3–5-year-old versus a 10–12-year-old child?

For 3–5-year-olds, simplify by using picture-only menus, pretend food or pre-made snacks, and have the adult handle all cooking and heavier kitchen tasks, while 10–12-year-olds can write full priced menus, help prepare or assemble dishes under supervision, take orders, and follow through to 'Take a photo or note' and share on DIY.org.

How can we make the pop-up restaurant more special or personalize it before sharing the finished creation?

Theme and decorate the menu with drawings and colors, make handmade place cards and a simple chef hat to wear with the apron, add background music while you serve, and take a photo to upload to DIY.org as described in the final step.