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Hosting a Family Reunion

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-401 -- More Projects »
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Pass out awards at a reunion in categories such as family member who traveled the farthest to attend, oldest and youngest relatives, and the couple with the most children.
Entertaining expert Dana Christine provides tips on hosting a family reunion.
  • Form a family reunion committee to help you plan. It never hurts to have some extra help. Pick a location that both children and adults will enjoy.

  • Make a checklist of what needs to be accomplished, the order in which things need to be done, and a deadline list to keep things on track.

  • Set a date or dates right away. If relatives will be traveling a long distance to attend, plan multiple days of activities.

  • Invitations should include a return envelope. This makes it easy for relatives to respond. Be sure to include a phone number on the invitation in case anyone has any questions.

  • Plan to play a family trivia game at the reunion. Send along a couple of index cards with each invitation so family members can write questions and answers on them, then compile all of the cards at the reunion. Not only will this game bring back memories, but it may also the first time some family members have heard these stories. It is a great way to share some family history.

  • Pass out awards in categories such as the oldest and youngest relatives, the relatives who have traveled the farthest, and the couple with the most children. Hand out comical awards as well.

  • Ask each person to bring along a couple of inexpensive regional gifts from his or her hometown. The items can be wrapped and handed out as prizes.

  • Have each relative sign a guest book, complete with his or her address, e-mail address and telephone number. Make a family directory afterward and send it to everyone after the reunion.

  • Have T-shirts printed with numbers on the back. The numbers refer to the number in which each person entered the family, such as grandpa No. 1 and grandma No. 2. Have a different colored T-shirt for the various branches of the tree.

  • Have everyone wear nametages and include their hometowns on them.

  • Make a family tree chart and have everyone fill in their names.
Guests
Dana Christine
Entertaining Expert
Grand Rapids, MN
Phone: 612-819-6611
E-mail: Danaholzinger@yahoo.com
Also in this Episode
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-401
•Hosting a Family Reunion
•Lawn-Mower Maintenance
•Hair Conditioner Uses
•Tip of the Day
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