Themes & Ideas for Planning a Family Reunion

A theme can make any family reunion all the more enjoyable, and also assist you when it comes to planning decorations, activities and food. Here are some ideas for theme reunions -- use one of these, or get creative and think up your own special theme!

Anniversary

A wedding anniversary can be a great excuse to hold a family reunion -- especially if it's a special milestone a couple is reaching like a 25th or 50th anniversary. A ballroom or reception hall is a perfect location for an anniversary themed reunion. Decorate with balloons, streamers and photos of the couple together throughout the years. Request that everyone bring a special gift for the couple. You can go formal with dinner, dancing, and of course a toast to the couple! Or go casual and have a buffet style meal. Champagne for adults is a must, but for small children and non-drinkers, try sparkling cider. Give disposable cameras to each attendant so everyone can remember the special occasion!

Birthday

A birthday is also a great reason to gather your clan together. When planning this kind of family reunion, simply send out invites like you would for any party but specify that the gathering will be a reunion as well as a birthday celebration. These types of reunions are normally casual, held at either a residence or somewhere like a park. Serve traditional birthday fare, like pizza, potato chips, and of course, cake and ice cream!

Fiesta

A fiesta is a fun family reunion theme as well. If you know that your family enjoys Mexican food, then this can really be a good theme. Have a taco bar where everyone can assemble their own tacos, complete with meat, cheese, vegetables and garnish like hot sauce and sour cream. And don't forget the pinata -- a crucial part of any good fiesta! Decorate with bright colors like red, green, orange, and yellow. Hand out colorful sombreros for your relatives to wear.

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is also a good excuse to hold a reunion. The decorations? Red, white and blue, of course! The meal? Traditional grilled fare! Hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks, chicken and corn on the cob are all good choices. For dessert, serve something light like a red, white and blue gelatin or a fluffy cheesecake garnished with blueberries and strawberries. To conclude the reunion, why not watch a fireworks display?

Tropical Luau

Bring the fun and luxury of Hawaii to your family reunion. The attire? Hawaiian shirts and flip flops, of course! Set up a limbo pole and play tropical music. For the menu, try a pork roast and lots of fresh pineapple. Hand out leis to relatives as they arrive. Serve drinks in half coconuts, with fancy umbrellas and twisty straws.

These are just a few theme ideas that can make your family reunion extra special. With a little creative thought, you can come up with a theme that the whole family will love!