Elf Training Camp: A Model for Restaurants

• By: Jennifer Andersen
• Posted: Dec 5th, 2016
• Blog:Our Muddy Boots

Those who have been with me for a while know how much my family loves to celebrate Christmas. Our tree goes up the day after Halloween and that’s when the carols start streaming through our speakers. Each year we look for extra festive things to do, and we found them in 2016.

One of our highlights so far was “Elf Training Camp” at the Melting Pot in Littleton, Colorado. Yes, it was festive and magical. Yes, it is in a beautiful setting. Yes, the food was yummy and the staff was wonderful. While all of these things are great, they are not the reasons I loved this event. Wanted: A Place for Families to Celebrate Together We felt special pulling up the Elf Training Camp at the Melting Pot in Littleton, Colorado!

We felt special pulling up the Elf Training Camp at the Melting Pot in Littleton, Colorado! Those who have been to a Melting Pot Restaurant know that it takes close to two hours to eat. You also probably know that it’s not a favorite place for a lot of kids- it’s more of a grown-up atmosphere. The Melting Pot in Littleton had the same beginnings. As the owner grew older and had a family of his own he decided that his restaurant needed to be more inclusive of children. With some convincing, his sister Alexa came aboard to create a space at this Melting Pot where families could visit together.

Starting with “Fondue Fairytales” and “Superhero Sundays” the patio of the Melting pot transformed from a romantic garden to a special place for children and their families. This year, the restaurant decided it would make the winter Holidays extra special for families with their “Elf Training Camp”- and it was awesome!

Elf Training Camp: What the Day Was Like

A Special Elf Dust Sprinkled on the Final Course A Special Elf Dust Sprinkled on the Final Course We turned right onto West Main street and saw the red tents set up in front of the restaurant. It felt so special! The inside of each of the two tents were decorated spectacularly. A fountain, twinkle lights, fancy tablecloths and dish ware filled them. What astounded me is that this was all done for children! Each table was also labeled with a personal reservation card with each family’s name.

Each tent had their own head Elf who led us through our training- they were wonderful. Caroling, Elf games and “lessons” filled the two hours beautifully. The food was the same food that The Melting Pot always serves- fondue (4 courses in this case). And guess what? Kids love Fondue! What a fun way to eat cheese and chocolate. A Holiday Gala for Children Dessert was the last of the 4 courses (and the kids' favorite!) Dessert was the last of the 4 courses (and the kids’ favorite!)

It was such a special afternoon and I so appreciated what my children got to experience. It was like a Holiday Gala for children- and several of the children wore their favorite fancy clothes. From the fancy tent and decor to the delectable dishes and drinks, this was not your typical children’s event. I would love to see this serve as a model for other restaurants. When we treat children like people, good things happen! In this case, mine had fun, were treated specially, felt like a million bucks, and got into the spirit of the season. I look forward to Elf Training Camp next year, and so do my kids!

For those who would like to attend this year (and I do recommend attending) you can find more information by clicking here. Elf Training Camp is happening on December 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th. Make your reservation by calling 303-794-5666. Please let me know how you liked it!