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Step 1
FORM COMMITTEES AND ASSIGN TASKS
Don't think because you are the host that you must do it all yourself. Form small committees within the family and delegate tasks for them to complete for the party. Even out of state family members can participate. For example:
-Have one group create and photocopy the invitations, directions, and maps. (This is a task that can be assigned for family that lives out of state)
-Have one group prepare the house or party site
-Have one group organize and buy the food,and collect money from guests if appropriate.
-Have one group prepare, heat, and serve the food
-Have one group select and organize the games, activities, and entertainment
-Have another group organize cleanup and trash removal -
Step 2
CHOOSE A THEME OR STYLE
The style/theme will influence the planning. You may want to go with picnic, potluck, or bbq.
Some themes you could do are: "Memories", "Reacquaintances","New Members", "Whats New?", "Predictions", or a general theme like a Gone with the Wind party, a Texas Style BBQ, or Murder Mystery party. -
Step 3
INVITATION IDEAS
Photocopy pictures of members of the family and send them as invitations with the details on the back
Make a family tree out of construction paper and write the party details in green.
OR, simply create flyers with the details to mail out. You will also want to send emails, as most people check their emails constantly these days. -
Step 4
DECORATIONS
Make a large family tree from construction paper, and hang it on the wall. Cut out colorful leaves, and write the names off all the family members on them. As your guests arrive, have them add their leaves to the tree.
Photocopy pictures of family members and laminate them to use as place mats.
Hang a large sheet of paper on the wall for guests to sign at their leisure. This will make a great momento later. -
Step 5
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
Most of the time will be spent with the kids running off to play and the adults catching up with one another, but having a few organized activites is fun for everyone. Here are some ideas:
Collect little-known facts about each member before the party or discreetly at the party. Write these down on pieces of paper and then gather everyone to read aloud the facts and then guess who it relates to.
Ask family members to bring along home movies to share. These can be playing constantly at the party for anyone to enjoy or have the family gather to watch while eating dessert.
Video tape each family member while at the party and ask them to share a funny or heartwarming story about the family or family member.
Good old fasion games such as a family game of baseball, soccer, kick the can, badminton, kite flying, or even crafting will always be a socializing hit. -
Step 6
FOOD AND DRINKS
A potluck buffet is the easiest, and most fun to do. Make a list of food categories and ask each guest to bring a dish from an assigned category. You may want to create a mass email with a checklist in each category for guests to check off so you aren't stuck with 50 deserts and 2 main courses.
You could order a long deli sandwhich (up to 6 feet) from a deli.
Have a pasta feast. Lots of pasta and lots of different sauces.
Chili feast. Cook up a big pot of chili and serve with corn bread or cinnamon rolls. -
Step 7
PRIZES AND GIFTS
Guests love party prizes and gifts! Here are some suggestions:
PRIZES
-Disposable cameras for taking pics of the party
-Awards for categories such as "Traveled the Furthest" "Changed the Most" "Best Dessert"
-Coupon for family portrait
GIFTS
-Have reunion t-shirts made and have all guests sign the back with a small tip permanent marker
-Have a group picture taken and then send out copies to everyone after the party is over. At the next reunion you can enlarge it and use it as a decoration
Comments
karmawolf said
on 9/13/2009 great tips.
mooretira said
on 4/29/2009 Great Content.