Family reunions can be beautiful messes—where heartwarming moments meet wild family dynamics. Between juggling long-lost cousins, accommodating picky eaters, and mediating the infamous debate over who makes the best casserole, planning a family gathering can feel overwhelming. Here are some simple tips to make your family reunion a stress-free event that everyone will look forward to.
Find a Large Enough Venue
Comfort is key, and ensuring enough room for everyone is the best way to achieve that. For smaller families, hosting at home might work perfectly—think a cozy backyard hangout or an indoor buffet setup. For larger extended families, renting a larger space such as a park pavilion or community hall could save you serious headaches. These venues typically provide built-in amenities such as grills, tables, and restrooms, saving both setup time and cleanup headaches.
Make Sure There Are Fun Things To Do
Don’t let your family reunion turn into a phone-scrolling party. Set up games or activities that will get everyone moving and socializing. Lawn games such as cornhole are great fun for the whole family, no matter the age. If you want to have a few games available, there are plenty of outdoor games that pair well with cornhole. These games will ensure that everyone in your family has a great time!
If you want to do something more creative, create a family trivia game to test everyone’s knowledge of Grandma’s wild stories. For something more low-key, a crafting or photo station can keep guests entertained while they make adorable keepsakes for later. Karaoke is always a solid choice because where else can your uncle belt out his signature Rolling Stones song?
Plan Conversational Topics That Don’t Stir the Pot
Planning a few crowd-pleasing topics before the party begins is the best way to keep your family reunion stress-free. Instead of engaging in heated debates, make a calculated effort to focus on shared experiences, current hobbies, and fun, noncontroversial pop culture moments—think travel stories, Netflix recommendations, and favorite restaurants. Doing this is a difference-maker at family reunions that’ll help keep things light and fun.
Learn When To Separate Others (or Yourself)
Let’s face it: some family dynamics are more complex than others. If family members are starting to get heated with one another, guiding them toward separate activities is okay. Graciously assign them to unrelated tasks, such as rearranging the snack table and playing with younger cousins who need attention.
Also, make sure to take care of yourself. Even if you’re not the source of the issue, removing yourself from a tense situation will keep you sane when everyone is losing it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with your family, taking a step away for a few minutes is okay. Take a deep breath of fresh air and remember why you love these people in the first place.
