Aside from holidays and special occasions, you might not get to spend a lot of time with your extended family. One way to make sure you get together at least once a year is by planning a family reunion. This is a fun time when you and enjoy good food, good company and games. Hold the event at a different place each year so that everyone gets various views of the city or the state.
Plan Ahead
It’s best to start making plans for a reunion about six months in advance. Decide on a location, and book the location as soon as possible. Send any deposits so that the venue doesn’t get rented by anyone else. Set up any catering services or rental services that you might need for tables and chairs. Make a list of the people you want to invite, and get the invitations in the mail as soon as possible.
Games and Activities
Who wants to just sit around and talk at a family reunion, especially if children will be there? Decide on a few games that all ages can play. Offer prizes for the winner and a few for those who come in second and third. Board games are an option if you are holding the event at someone’s home. A tug-of-war match or a three-legged-race is ideal for an outdoor event.
Food
A catering service is probably the best option if there will be a lot of people. If it’s a small gathering, ask that everyone bring a favorite dish, setting up all of the food on a long table. Use plastic dishes and utensils to make it easier to clean after the event. A heating bucket can be used to keep items warm from the time you take food to the reunion until it’s time to serve the meal. Some companies, like Powerblanket, know that having consistent, even heat for your food is the best way to keep it warm. Besides, everyone wants a nice hot meal.
Decorating
The day before the event, you want to go to the venue to clean and to set up the tables and chairs. Add balloons on the walls, and decorate the tables in a fun design with tablecloths and centerpieces. Include pictures of family members when they were younger and as they are now. An idea is to make a tree on a wall with the grandparents at the top and each family member on a branch.
Your family reunion can be a success if you plan ahead. Make sure there’s enough food for everyone, and keep family busy with games. Decorate ahead of time so that you can enjoy spending time with those you don’t see through the year.