Family Reunion Barbecue

Organization is the key to a successful family reunion. Ask for help, whether it's preparing food, organizing games or taking pictures. A variety of activities will ensure that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, has a terrific time. Follow the traditional reunion food menu, the Make It Special ideas and the preparation guide, and you're on your way to having the permanent assignment of organizing your family reunion!

Party Guide

Getting Family Together

Confer with family members months before to set a date and location. If the reunion isn't being held at someone's house, call the park board or a private site to arrange for a picnic site with a shelter in case of inclement weather. Gather grills if not available at home or the park.

Send out reminders, along with a schedule of events, to all families attending. If you're sharing the food preparation, enclose the recipe(s) you want them to prepare and a list of any extras to bring, such as paper and plastic products and condiments.

Family Fun

Ask family members to coordinate activities, such as sporting events, talent show, scavenger hunt, watermelon-seed-spitting contest and bingo. Have them assemble prizes, for example, candy or other nonperishable food items, notepads, gift certificates to nationwide chain ice-cream shops or movie theaters.

Put a white paper tablecloth on each table (secure with spring-type clothespins if windy). Have each family attending create with crayons a "family crest" on the tablecloths, representing what makes their family special.

Give partygoers 10 recipe cards each. Have them write the name of a not-immediate family member at the top of each card, followed by one or two memories of that person. Collect the cards and place them in a basket for guests to read at leisure during the party.

Remember with Photos

Have each family bring a recent photo album or other special items. Place them all on a table (away from the food) for everyone to enjoy at their leisure.

Give a disposable camera to each family, and ask them to take and later share photos of the event.

Table Decorations

Gather wildflowers (or purchase flowers), and place them in canning or other jars; tie at the rim with ribbon or raffia. Or use potted flowers on each table as centerpieces, and raffle them off at the end of the reunion.

Make name tags from copies of current or old photos.