How to Plan a Menu for a Family Reunion

Hosting a family reunion is one of the best ways to get everyone back together again to see one another, share stories, meet new family members and just stay close. Each year, millions of Americans attend some form of a family reunion. However, having to plan the menu for the reunion can be a challenge. Some family members might not like certain foods, and some may simply insist that mom's apple pie be there. With some forethought, however, you can have a terrific menu when everyone arrives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Plan a Menu for a Family Reunion

1. Consider first the dietary concerns of your family. For example, if there are vegetarians who will be attending, then it's a good idea to have at least one vegetarian dish at the table. People with certain medical conditions may also have dietary restrictions, so bear that in mind as well.
2. Have at least one appetizer, possibly two. Salad is always a great choice, as is a soup of some kind. Other great appetizers include finger foods like pita and spinach-artichoke dip or garlic bread.
3. Show some variety in your main courses. Since people have very different tastes, it may be nice to have both fish and meat dishes to bring some variety to your dinner table.
4. Plan a menu with the help of the other family members coming to the reunion. When you work in a group, you'll be able to plan and fix a delicious dinner faster and easier. This may also dramatically reduce the cost any one person has to absorb to host the reunion.
5. Have a selection of drinks to choose from, including simple soft drinks and alcohol for cocktails. You may also want to offer bottled water, fruit juice and wines or champagnes to round out the selection.
6. Have desserts that are themed around the reunion. For example, you could have a custom cake made that is decorated with little caricatures of all of the people in attendance. You could also have a tray of cookies decorated with letters spelling out your family name.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the reunion catered, especially for larger reunions. It could be difficult to prepare all of the food required by yourself, and a caterer can actually provide table service for everyone who attends.
• Be sure to label your foods if you know that members of your family are allergic to certain ingredients.

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