A local invention that has become a worldwide sensation may be one of your restaurant's selling points. If you already display life-size replicas of the invention or if you sell memorabilia that pertains to it, adding some other items to your venue can further educate your customers or intrigue them to make a purchase. Use vintage patent greeting cards to create table coverings or placemats and sell some packages of the cards.

Create Table Coverings Or Placemats

Solid-colored wood or plastic tables that your customers dine at can be embellished with pictures or diagrams of the invention. Purchase several vintage card types that pertain to the item that you would like to feature. Separate the cards so that you have one batch that will be used to adorn the tables and another batch that will be placed with the other retail merchandise that you are selling.

Cut out the pictures and wording that you are using for the coverings. Purchase a roll of self-adhesive laminate. This material is translucent and flexible and can be adhered to flat, firm surfaces. After cleaning and drying the top of each table, lay the patent pictures and descriptions across the surface of each table.

Cut a piece of laminate to cover each display. The laminate should be large enough to cover the top of a table. Secure the sticky side of laminate across the display. Press down on the non-adhesive side of the laminate. If you want to use a less subtle decorating approach, use laminate to secure pictures and descriptions to plain placemats. 

Sell Vintage Cards

The cards that are going to be added to your inventory can be sold as a lot or individually. If you have a turn style rack or shelving in the restaurant's lobby, which is used to display other items that are for sale, use the storage item to display the cards that are for sale. Use a sign or individual pricetags to mark the packages or the holders that the cards are displayed in.

People who have traveled to the area, to learn more about the culture or history of the place, may purchase some of the greeting cards. The cards will make unique souvenirs and they can also be used as an addition to a stationery set. Since many people may enjoy writing to their pen pals or loved ones, they may be interested in using the cards as writing materials for their next heartfelt message to someone that they know.