In today’s technologically advanced world, keeping in touch with many family members through phone calls, chats, messaging, and the internet and social media sites is easy. However, this lifestyle has replaced physical contact for most people, as viewing your loved one’s posts or images online gives the illusion of connectedness.
But we all know you can’t substitute social and physical interactions. They are vital to everyone’s needs; your family is no exception. Why not be the one who initiates this noble event for your family? Here are some suggestions for getting your home ready for it.
Plan Early
Family reunions, like many other interactive social events, are very complex. Depending on the size of your family and the condition of your house, you should commence preparations months ahead.
Also, sufficient time is important so you and your family can match your calendars for necessary travel arrangements and schedule time off work.
Get Everyone Involved
Reaching out to your family gives you a good estimate of how many people will attend the reunion for better planning. Moreover, it’ll be a chance to get different ideas or a theme. It’ll also allow you to listen to their expectations, so you can plan for what to avail to meet them and pleasantly surprise them. You could decide if you’d like to make it a holiday affair.
Select a Date
Whereas the reunion can be just a one-day affair, depending on the size of your family, the size of your house, or the availability of your family members, you can make the reunion a whole weekend or go all out and make it an entire week.
Summer months are great since they offer more options for outdoor recreational activities, and if you have a small house, people don’t have to feel cramped in there as they can sit, cook, eat, and play outside. Also, summer breaks for schools will free up more kids to travel and attend.
Work Out a Budget
A budget is very critical. Without a clear breakdown, your event may become a less-than-satisfactory experience. The budget will depend on your family members’ lifestyle, the targeted activities, the number of days the event will last, and if you foot the bill alone or everyone will chip in.
In case of a stringent budget, research for discounts on things you’ll need and try as much as you can to utilize what you already have in your home. Use spreadsheet applications to keep your records so you can easily track your money, list things, and progress without losing anything or being overwhelmed.
Do Some Fixing Up
Your house not only needs to be presentable but safe as well. Check door hinges and knobs, tighten curtain rods, sort out potential electric hazards, drill in broken wooden steps, and so on. If you are decorating your patio, make sure it’s fixed, and if you don’t have a patio but will need one for the event, consider constructing one.
A patio addition project can add 8% to 10% to your home’s value, according to Space Wise. So, why not take this opportunity to add value to your home, and while at it, declutter and thoroughly clean your house and all spaces for a good, homely ambiance?
Plan for the Menu
Food is the main thing in a family reunion. You want to make sure there’s lots of it in great variety to cater to everyone’s palate, lifestyle, and allergies, and most importantly, uphold your family’s culture and heritage with unique family recipes. If specific family members are renowned for their ability to whip up a particular recipe, encourage a potluck, especially for those who live not too far away. This is an ingenious way to share costs on food expenses, and should everyone vote to eat out and be adventurous with menus, research, and check reviews and recommendations. This is critical since, according to Upserve, El Paso, TX, has almost 700,000 people, with 92% of diners reading restaurant reviews. So, you’re in great company here!
After implementing everything, don’t get bogged down by the specifics of the actual day. Instead, try as much as possible to relax and make everyone comfortable. Remember, the main purpose of the reunion is to enjoy each other’s company and make beautiful memories.
Leave a Reply