by Jeannette Rodgers

Created on: February 16, 2010

A great way to celebrate family and enjoy fellowship in the summer months is with a family reunion cookout. Planning a family reunion cookout should be as much fun as the reunion itself. For the individual who enjoys event planning, cookouts and family gatherings a family reunion cookout is a great opportunity to put your gifts to work. Consider the date and time of the event, family members who will be invited, how many will attend, the theme (if any), the food, the gathering place or location such as a park, lake or campground, the decorations, the activities, and the clean up committee. This is a time that should be enjoyable and should involve those in the family that enjoy peacefully coming together to make it happen.  

Planning always helps ensure things will run more smoothly than if not planned. Family members are likely to travel in from out of town to attend so it is essential to have things in order by planning, organizing and executing.

Plan the day of the reunion and also have a back up plan or a rain date should weather not cooperate. Make a list of all the family members that will be invited and those who will actually attend by sending out invitations with a RSVP date. Don't be afraid to follow up on the invitations if you do not receive the response from a family member. Do whatever needs to be done to limit the stress of the event planning. Make an attempt to get a ball park of how many will attend but don't stress too much there is usually an abundance of food at any cookout as I am sure this will be the case for yours.

Decide where the family reunion will take place.Think of a neutral location that will accommodate the majority of family members and attempt to visit the campground, park or lake ahead of time so that you can visualize where and if that particular location is feasible and practical for the reunion.  If possible reserve that location to avoid any mishaps or confusion.

Decide if there will be a theme such as Hawaiian, Jamaican, Italian, a nickname for the family or simply "The Family Reunion". Its a great idea to have T-shirts made for everyone and if funds are in question ask the family to pitch in for the cause.

 Make up a diversified menu and decide who will make what for the cookout. Be sure to list name with dish so you will know who is bringing what off of the menu.  Also, contact family member that you know like to cook and get involved first. They are usually

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