Planning a Family Reunion, Southern Style

Family reunions are popular around the globe in one form or another, but Southerners will argue they do it best. Good food and Southern hospitality go hand in hand as families are finally getting to celebrate responsibly outdoors with people they haven’t been able to visit and spend time with in over a year. During this time, babies have been born, family members may have passed and new members through marriage have emerged. So whether you have a small family get-together in your backyard or a larger gathering at the park or lake, there is always plenty of food, drinks and fun when it comes to entertaining Southern style. Keep reading for helpful tips on planning a family reunion in the South.

Where to Host

Usually the reunion is held at the “home base,” meaning where everyone grew up. But, for a change or to accommodate family members who live out of town, why not venture to someplace new this year? You can find a central location that is easily accessible to most and plan a mini vacation. Hotels are still not up to full operation and have limited amenities, service and restaurants but are still very comfortable and clean. If you prefer a beach location, renting a large home with multiple bedrooms for family members who are double vaccinated would not be too much of a stretch. For those who don’t plan to get the vaccine, leave it up to each family to find their own conversation and comfort level.

Activities

Rent bikes, go on hikes, swim and play a mean game of corn hole. The inner child comes out when you are competing with siblings, cousins and special family members. Sack races and balloon toss are still tried and true favorites. Everyone can personalize their own sack so there is no chance of cross-contamination of germs. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer, paper towels, hand wipes and cleaning products. Keep these handy throughout the day if you are at the park and not close to soap and running water. Even public parks have restrooms but the toilet paper and soap may be missing or not to your liking.

Make an Agenda

It’s important to let everyone know what they can expect—especially if your celebration will take place over several days. When planning a family reunion, someone has to be in charge of food, games, activities, special transportation needs and creating a concise agenda. It will allow family members to plan their time and select what they can and don’t want to miss. Not everyone will have the entire day free and others will have small children who need naps. Encourage people to pick and choose and let them know it’s not necessary to be present the entire day if you are spreading out the reunion over several days.

Offer Plenty of Food and Drink

In the South, a family reunion isn’t complete without a mouthwatering brisket, chicken casserole and a fresh peach cobbler. If you haven’t been introduced to Fiesta Brisket Rub, a pantry staple in my house, you are missing out. Brisket is really so simple to make: rubbing the seasoning on the brisket and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Bake covered for 6 hours at 225 degrees or barbecue over low fire for 8 to 12 hours until tender. Serve with your favorite style of beans, potato salad, watermelon and arugula with feta, and other favorite side dishes. Don’t forget the basics like hamburgers, hot dogs and lots of fun appetizers. Have each family bring a favorite childhood dessert. And then everyone can tell the story of what it reminds them of from their past. Have plenty of bottled water available alongside the soda and alcoholic beverages. Enjoy!

Designate a Family Photographer

Select one or two people to take pictures of the family with the highlights of the event getting sent out to everyone after the reunion. Use one of the group photos for the thank you note after the event is over.

For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Outdoor Entertaining Etiquette Tips. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.