If you’ve ever walked the aisles of the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and wondered how those dreamy, perfectly styled booths come together—here’s a peek behind the curtain. This year was my very first time as a vendor, and while I’ve done markets before, nothing truly prepares you for the scale, the energy, and the sheer logistics of Canada’s most iconic artisan show.
And let me tell you: lighting can make or break your booth.
The Vision: Turning a Blank Wooden Hut Into a World of Pattern
Walking into the show floor on setup day is both exhilarating and mildly terrifying. You’re handed your empty 10x10 space—plain walls, concrete floors, industrial ceilings—and suddenly it’s up to you to create a tiny world that reflects your brand. I was lucky enough to be part of the first ever Christmas Market section this year which included a pre-built wooden hut from EZ Block and that was a game-changer!
For Palettes, I knew we'd be lining our booth walls entirely in wrapping paper: rows and rows of bold florals, classic holiday toile, romantic winter windows, nostalgic prints, and playful patterns. I took the inspiration from my home studio - see that space in another post!
It was my goal to make the booth feel immersive—almost like stepping into a print studio.
But pattern alone isn’t enough. The magic only happens when light hits paper just right.
The Reality Check: Convention Centre Lighting Is… Dark.
Here’s something I didn’t fully realize until setup day: the overhead lighting in a convention centre is designed for a cozy Christmas GUEST experience.
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It’s dimly lit.
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It casts uneven shadows on products.
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It flattens colour.
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And for a product-based business—especially one selling paper—this was a challenge.
I remember stepping back after hanging the first row of sheets and thinking, “Wait, why do these look dull? This is not what they look like in the studio.”
Spoiler: it wasn’t the paper. It was the light.
The Fix: Why Lighting Became the Hero of Our Setup
After a few mild moments of panic, we pulled out the lighting plan. (Yes—if you're a first-time vendor, always have a backup!) My dad purchased these lights for his garage from Amazon a few months ago - LED hex lights that snap together. I argued these are better for cars than art but bought them as a backup anyways since I didn't know what to expect. It was a $150 investment that has easily paid itself off in the first hour of the show.
Here’s what made all the difference:
1. We Pop!
We hung the lights from fishing wire and gold hooks which added so much brightness to the space. Patterns came alive instantly—reds looked richer, greens looked deeper, and metallic accents started to glisten. Clearly, I was wrong and Dad was right.
2. Flooring made a big difference with lighting!
As vendors in the Christmas huts we weren't required to bring floors. However, at 36 I know my back didn't want me standing on concrete for 11 days straight so I bought some gym floor mats that connect together like puzzle pieces. I bought them in a light wood look/ tone and even without the lighting this brightened the space up! Not to mention it's extremely comfortable for me and the guests!
3. Highlighting “hero” patterns
Every booth needs focal points.
Lighting helped direct customers’ eyes exactly where we wanted them—toward the statement patterns, the seasonal designs, and gorgeous prints we stocked up on!
The Moment It All Came Together
There’s this instant during setup—the moment when the lights are finally on, the products are arranged, and the booth no longer looks like a workspace but a storefront.
For me, it happened when we lit the wall of fully lined wrapping paper and stepped back. Suddenly the prints had life, warmth, movement. People walking by slowed down, then stopped, then came inside.
That’s when I understood:
Lighting doesn’t just illuminate your booth. It tells your story.
Advice for Other First-Time Vendors
If you're preparing for your first large-scale show, especially one as high-traffic and high-stakes as OOAK, here’s what I wish someone had told me:
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Bring more lighting than you think you need.
- Bring items that reflect the light - bright floors and sparkly wreaths did the festive trick!
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Lighting is not an add-on—it’s part of your branding.
- Listen to Dad, he might just be right!
Final Thoughts
Setting up for the One of a Kind Show as a first-time vendor is equal parts chaotic and magical. But once those lights switch on and the booth transforms into a living gallery of your work, every moment of planning feels worth it.
If you’re heading to the show, come say hi—you can’t miss the wall of patterns glowing from across the aisle.
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