How to Prepare the Home for a Family Reunion

Family reunions are always fun and riotous, especially when several generations of seldom-seen relatives come together to celebrate. It can also be a major challenge for the host of the affair. Whether you have a small get-together or an elaborate gathering, some basic preparations around the house are essential to help make the reunion an event to cherish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A plan
• Party paraphernalia
• Time

1. Plan ahead. It's never too early to plan for a family gathering. Give yourself time to deliberate on what you need to prepare and what timeframe to follow.

2. Determine how many guests are coming and how many are sleeping over so that you can take the necessary steps to address seating at the dining table, sleeping arrangements, linen requirements and toiletry supplies.

3. Give the house a good cleaning. Hire a professional if you have to, but be sure your home's cleanliness and tidiness will pass the scrutiny of the elders. They will love you for going out of your way to tidy up for them.

4. Decorate with your relatives in mind. If there will be more children than adults, childproof your home and emphasize a play area or game room.

5. Prep the house for your family's favorite pastime. If you enjoy movies, set up a home theater environment with clustered seating and side tables for snacks and popcorn. If your family loves tabletop games, arrange some gaming tables. If you enjoy sipping wine or enjoying coffee or tea, provide for such amenities. If the reunion is for mostly adults who appreciate good music and casual conversation, set a homey atmosphere to enjoy your favorite tunes.

6. Consider everyone's food preferences and special needs. Remember to check if someone in the family has developed new allergies, is taking medication or has specific diet restrictions. Also, knowing that someone has special needs helps you make arrangements ahead of time.

7. Stock up on the standard party paraphernalia: napkins, paper towels, unbreakable dishes and toys for the children, trash bags and food containers for divvying up party leftovers.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring out the photo albums and scrapbooks. Browsing old photos is always a blast at reunions.
• Be ready to take a lot of pictures. Others will bring their own cameras, but you will want to have your own set of photos of your affair. Have extra batteries and memory cards on hand. A tripod would be very useful for the "everybody" shot. Designating a family portrait location ahead of time would avoid having to move furniture at the last minute.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Something unexpected always happens at family reunions. Keep an open mind and an adaptable home for family surprises.
• You don't have to do the preparations (or the cleanup) alone. Engage the help of other family members.

Resources

• FamilyReunion.com
• Better Homes and Gardens: Reunions