Provide the Extras
This goes especially for serving plates, plastic cutlery, even board games. Someone is sure to forget something.
Have Plenty of Help
Why should you have to miss out on all the action? Enlist family members ahead of time to handle certain tasks: Planning the menu; manning the grill; organizing the activities; handling the clean-up.
Record the Moment
Capture the pictures and share! Create a digital scrapbook to e-mail to attendees, or share them on a social network to help keep in touch between reunions.