Entertaining

How to Plan the Best Ever Family Reunion

Katie Bandurski

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

It’s time to gather up the entire gang.

A family reunion is a beautiful thing. It’s a chance for relatives of all ages, generations and locations to come together and celebrate. Make the most of your time together with these expert tips for organizing a reunion. We’ll help you plan, set a menu and keep everyone entertained.

Plan in Advance

Organizing a family reunion takes a lot of work. You’ll want to start planning months—or if your family is particularly large—even a year in advance.

Get started by picking a date. Communicate with other family members to determine a good day or weekend. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll find a date that works for everyone, try to accommodate as many people as possible.
You’ll also want to decide if the reunion will be a single-day affair or a longer event. If most of your family is local, one day should work fine. But if many family members have to travel, consider a full weekend.
Then, determine a location. If a family member offers up his or her home—great! Otherwise, stick to a public space such as a park or lodge. Try to pick a central location that minimizes travel for as many family members as possible. And if you’re stuck, check out the best family reunion spots in every state!
Once you have the basics covered, send out invitations with all of the info. You could also create a Facebook group or event that makes it easy for people to ask questions and post updates.
Ask everyone to RSVP. Having a head count will make it easier to plan for the correct amount of food, chairs, etc.

Stick to Simple Meals

When it comes to feeding your family, stick to the basics. Easy comfort food and fresh summertime fare are guaranteed to please. These are the family reunion recipes people will look forward to all year:

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Crispy Fried Chicken

Crispy Fried Chicken

If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

Get Recipe Get tips for how to plan the best-ever family reunion.

Bacon Pea Salad

Bacon Pea Salad

My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Best Deviled Eggs

Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor, making these the best deviled eggs you can make!—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry Cake

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My husband loved his Mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Three Bean Baked Beans

Three-Bean Baked Beans

I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my "special" beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio

Summer Orzo

I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Aunt Marion's Fruit Salad Dessert

Aunt Marion's Fruit Salad Dessert

Aunt Marion, my namesake, is like a grandma to me. She gave me this luscious salad recipe, which goes to all our family reunions, hunt club suppers and snowmobile club picnics...and I go home with no leftovers! —Marion LaTourette, Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama

Summer Macaroni Salad

Summer Macaroni Salad

When we grill, my mother asks me to make this summer pasta salad. To make it extra creamy, I like to keep a small amount of dressing separate and stir it in just before serving. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry Bars

Whip up a pan of these festive bars in just 20 minutes with staple ingredients and cherry pie filling. Between the easy preparation and pretty color, they're destined to become a holiday classic. —Jane Kamp, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Melon-Berry Salad

Melon-Berry Salad

The best way to cool down on a warm day is a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad, otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Maryland Corn Pops

Maryland Corn Pops

Fresh-picked sweet corn is a big thing in Maryland. Here’s my homespun version of Mexican street corn. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland

Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs

Peach-Chipotle Baby Back Ribs

My son and I collaborated in the kitchen one day to put our own unique twist on classic baby back ribs. We added a sweet peachy glaze and a little heat with chipotle peppers. It was a great bonding experience, and now we have a keeper recipe for fall-off-the-bone ribs. —Rebecca Suaso, Weaverville, North Carolina

Bacon Avocado Salad

Bacon Avocado Salad

Everyone in my family loves this bacon avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

Zucchini Panzanella Salad

Zucchini Panzanella Salad

I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri

Pina Colada ZucchiniBread

Pina Colada Zucchini Bread

At my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and won first place! I think you'll love the cake-like texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania

Aunt Frances Lemonade

Aunt Frances' Lemonade

My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in the refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad

Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad

This creamy cucumber salad, a Norwegian favorite, was a staple at all of our family holidays. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan

Picnic fried chicken

Picnic Fried Chicken

For our family, it's not a picnic unless there's fried chicken! Chicken, deviled eggs and potato salad are all musts for a picnic as far as my husband is concerned. This is a "Golden Oldie" recipe for me—I've used it any number of times. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Iced Raspberry Tea

Iced Raspberry Tea

Frozen raspberries lend fruity flavor and lovely color to this pretty iced tea that's good year-round. The recipe calls for just a few common ingredients and offers make-ahead convenience. —Lois McGrady, Hillsville, Virginia

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

I love peanut butter and chocolate, so I combined recipes to blend the two. This chocolate peanut butter cake is heavenly served plain or topped with ice cream. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Peachy Jalapeno Guacamole

Peachy Jalapeno Guacamole

Fresh jalapenos and summer-ripe peaches give this creamy guacamole so much flavor. It's got a little kick, but I love that it's not so spicy it burns off my taste buds! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Pickled Green Beans with Smoked Salmon Dip

Pickled Green Beans with Smoked Salmon Dip

I came up with this appetizer for my son, who's big on delicious but healthy food. The lighter beans-and-dip combo has won over even finicky eaters. —Dinah Halterman, Harmony, North Carolina

Minty Watermelon Salad

Minty Watermelon Salad

My four year old twin grandchildren love to cook and create in the kitchen with me. Last summer, the three of us were experimenting with watermelon and cheese and that's where this recipe began. It's ideal for neighborhood gatherings and picnics, or as a healthy snack on a hot summer day. —Gwendolyn Vetter, Rogers, Minnesota

Glorified Hash Browns

Glorified Hash Browns

You'll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to put together this dressed-up potato casserole! When a friend made it for a church supper, I had to have the recipe. It's great for parties, potlucks and family reunions. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Cape Cod Blueberry Pie

Cape Cod Blueberry Pie

We Northeasterners have been baking this pie since the 18th century. Settlers would’ve used little wild blueberries and topped it with cream. I do, too. —Nancy O'Connell, Biddeford, Maine

Scalloped Pineapple Casserole

Scalloped Pineapple Casserole

My family can't get enough of this sweet and satisfying side dish. This casserole disappears quickly whenever I prepare it.—Judy Howle, Columbus, Mississippi

Broccoli Slaw with Lemon Dressing

Broccoli Slaw with Lemon Dressing

Our family absolutely loves broccoli, so I'm so happy there's finally a slaw mix in stores that uses broccoli stems. I like this slaw best after 20 minutes or so to allow the flavors to meld. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill

My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They're a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

Favorite Barbecued Chicken

Favorite Barbecued Chicken

What better place to find a fantastic barbecue chicken than Texas, and that’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We’ve served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia

Crunchy Ramen Salad

Crunchy Ramen Salad

For potlucks and picnics, this ramen cabbage salad is a knockout. I tote the veggies in a bowl, dressing in a jar and noodles in a bag. Then I shake them up together when it's time to eat. —LJ Porter, Bauxite, Arkansas

Honey-Orange Broccoli Slaw

Honey-Orange Broccoli Slaw

When you need coleslaw quickly, here's a great choice. Hints of honey and citrus make it special. —Debbie Cassar, Rockford, Michigan

Orange Lemonade

Orange Lemonade

This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario

Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole

Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole

This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the buttery flavor of these "comfort veggies!" —Jennifer Wallace, Canal Winchester, Ohio

Jalapeno mac and cheese

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

A friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe many years ago after I had had knee surgery. Over the years, I fiddled with the recipe. Most recently, adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! —Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland

Mango and Jicama Salad

Mango and Jicama Salad

This pretty salad has become part of my regular summertime rotation because of its freshness and versatility—it's great with everything from grilled chicken to seafood! Try it with coconut-flavored vinegar for a fun tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Patchwork Quilt Cake

Patchwork Quilt Cake

This cake has a great homemade flavor and tender crumb. Be sure to pile on the buttery frosting, which adds a burst of vanilla. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Colorful Cornbread Salad

Colorful Cornbread Salad

When my garden comes in, I harvest the veggies for potluck dishes. I live in the South, and we think bacon and cornbread make everything better, even salad! —Rebecca Clark, Warrior, Alabama

Sweet and Tangy Ranch Beans

Sweet and Tangy Ranch Beans

This sweet and tangy side dish uses lots of convenient canned goods, so it’s a snap to throw together. The recipe was sent to me by a friend and it’s nice to serve at a group picnic. —Barbara Gordon, Roswell, Georgia

Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

Honey-Mustard Potato Salad

Whenever there is a picnic or cookout, I am asked to bring my potato salad. It’s tangy and a little different. —Alicia Quadrozzi, Escondido, California

Layered BLT Dip

Layered BLT Dip

When I throw a party for friends, I whip up this addictive layered three-cheese dip. Somehow, it’s always gone within the first 20 minutes. —Jade Bennett, Kingwood, Texas

Apple Walnut Slaw

Apple Walnut Slaw

A co-worker shared this slaw recipe with me. Now it's a favorite at my house, too. Apples, walnuts and raisins are a fun way to dress up coleslaw. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread

Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread

A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana

Roasted Tomato Salsa

Roasted Tomato Salsa

Our family's all-time favorite salsa, this recipe is the reason we grow a huge garden every summer. We make gallons of it and share with our neighbors. You might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah

Balsamic Three-Bean Salad

Balsamic Three-Bean Salad

Here's my little girl's favorite salad. She eats it just about as fast as I can make it. Make it ahead so the flavors have plenty of time to get to know each other. —Stacey Feather, Jay, Oklahoma

Brandy Slush

This slush with a hint of citrus keeps you cool on hot summer days. Even if you're not a tea lover, you'll likely find the mix of flavors pleasing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs

Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs

For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous ribs recipe a secret, much to the chagrin of my husband, Dennis. When he finally came around to sharing it, we loved it so much we just had to pass it along. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado

Grandmother's Corn Pudding

Grandmother's Corn Pudding

My grandmother always served this pudding for holidays and family reunions. Everyone loves it. Corn pudding is a popular side dish on Maryland's Eastern Shore. —Susan Brown Langenstein, Salisbury, Maryland

Ruby Raspberry Slaw

Ruby Raspberry Slaw

Give ordinary coleslaw a "berry" tangy twist. It's sure to get raves at your next picnic or potluck. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska

Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this grilled salad that comes with its own fireworks. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia

Party Franks

These tiny, tangy appetizers have such broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead, then just reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon

Aunt Murna's Jam Cake

Aunt Murna's Jam Cake

I remember Aunt Murna telling me that she created her jam cake recipe as a young girl. She made improvements over the years, such as soaking the raisins in crushed pineapple. This cake is a favorite at our annual family reunions. —Mrs. Eddie Robinson, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad

My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad

Strawberry, Cucumber & Honeydew Salad

Strawberries and cucumbers together—I just love this combination! We used to eat a lot of cucumbers growing up in upstate New York. We'd get them, along with strawberries and melons, from fruit and veggie stands to make this sweet and tangy salad. —Melissa Mccabe, Long Beach, California

Creamy Pineapple Pie

Creamy Pineapple Pie

Creamy Pineapple Pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina

Blueberry Cream Pops

Blueberry Cream Pops

Blueberries and cream are such a fun after-school snack. Make it in the morning so the pops are ready to go when the kids come in the door. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Mom's Tangy Potato Salad

Mom's Tangy Potato Salad

This chunky potato salad is a great dish for a family picnic or on a night when you're grilling out. The homemade dressing makes it extra delicious. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip

Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip

Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia

Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad

Jalapeno Popper Corn Salad

I created this recipe for a wedding I was catering, and it's a good thing I made buckets of it, because I couldn't stop eating it! This chilled creamy salad combines all the best flavors of jalapeno poppers with the delicate sweetness of fresh corn. —Amanda Miller, Hutchinson, Kansas

Rhubarb Citrus Punch

Rhubarb Citrus Punch

Rhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario

Almond Cherry Cobbler

Almond Cherry Cobbler

This bubbling cherry cobbler is one of my favorite dishes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. —Melissa Wagner, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Dr Pepper Drumsticks

Dr Pepper Drumsticks

If you love Dr Pepper as much as I do, try it in my barbecue sauce for grilled chicken. It adds zip to the ketchup, bourbon and barbecue seasoning. —Shannon Holle-Funk, Venedy, Illinois

Lemon Rice Salad

Lemon Rice Salad

This salad makes a refreshing side dish for a special occasion meal. I take it to holiday potluck suppers and other family gatherings. People enjoy the combination of flavors, and I like that it can be made ahead. —Margery Richmond, Lacombe, Alberta

Spicy Crab Salad

Spicy Crab Salad

My creamy crab salad gets a boost of heat from Sriracha and a tangy touch from lime. It’s ready fast, leaving me more time with guests. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida

Layered Garden Bean Salad

Layered Garden Bean Salad

For easy entertaining, cover and refrigerate the salad a few hours before guests arrive so you don't have to bother with last-minute assembly. Turn it into a light lunch by adding sliced rotisserie chicken, salmon or tuna. —Melissa Wharton, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lime Angel Food Cake

Lime Angel Food Cake

For my husband's family reunion, I took a store-bought angel food cake and turned it into this special dessert with a lovely lime cream frosting topped with toasted coconut. It went over big! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Berry White Ice Pops

Kids and adults will love these ice pops speckled with colorful mixed berries for a nice cold treat. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut

Strawberry-Lime Bars

Strawberry-Lime Bars

Our family loves fresh strawberries. I look for ways to use them, like this tempting, yummy dessert with sweet strawberries, tart lime, pretzels and cream cheese. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia

Potato-Bean Salad with Herb Dressing

Potato-Bean Salad with Herb Dressing

My veggie garden inspired this creamy combo of beans, potatoes and fresh herbs. I toss them with a ranch-style dressing sparked up with Creole mustard. —Chris Cummer, Bayonne, New Jersey

Fruit Salad Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Fruit Salad Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Salsa with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines makes a refreshing side dish. We scoop it up using tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Candy Bar Apple Salad

Candy Bar Apple Salad

This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews…and always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Company Fruit Salad

Company Fruit Salad

We first tried a cream cheese fruit salad like this at a local deli. Since I couldn't get that recipe, I started mixing up different dressings until I hit on this one. Now I make this refreshing delightful salad for every picnic and get-to-gether. It can be a snack, side dish or dessert. —Connie Osterhout, Napoleon, Ohio

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Vegetables that are in season make great additions to this orzo salad. It's the perfect side dish for a picnic, it can easily be doubled for a crowd, or you can add grilled chicken to make it a filling entree. —Danielle Miller, Westfield, Indiana

Kansas City-Style Ribs

Kansas City-Style Ribs

Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Tangy Watermelon Salad

Tangy Watermelon Salad

The refreshing blend of watermelon, red onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a chance to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. —Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Crisp, garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple cucumber salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities, too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois

Mom's Italian Beef Sandwiches

Mom's Italian Beef Sandwiches

My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina

Creamy Red Potato Salad

Creamy Red Potato Salad

We love red potatoes for color and shape in a perfect combo with radishes, green onions and a touch of vinegar. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Cajun Boil on the Grill

Cajun Boil on the Grill

I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado

Summertime Slaw

Summertime Slaw

As a change from mayonnaise-laden slaw, I created this refreshing alternative. It uses many of the garden vegetables I grow, so it's also economical. I serve it at our family reunion each Fourth of July, and it's always a big hit at church socials. —Sharon Payne, Mayfield, Kentucky

Broccoli and Apple Salad

Broccoli and Apple Salad

Even my picky daughter loves this one! My yogurt dressing on crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona

Blueberry Cornmeal Cobbler

Blueberry Cornmeal Cobbler

Cornbread, blueberries and maple syrup give this special dessert a flavor that’s different from any cobbler you’ve had before. I came across the recipe many years ago. —Judy Watson, Tipton, Indiana

Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble

Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble

I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don't always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This slow-cooker dessert (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Tangy Baked Seven Beans

Tangy Baked Seven Beans

Everyone needs a go-to side dish for school events, picnics and potlucks. Here's mine. Freeze leftovers for future outings. —Rod Lundwall, Tooele, Utah

All-American Sheet Cake

All-American Sheet Cake

My sweet and tangy sheet cake piled with fresh whipped cream and juicy fruit is so good, you might just want to eat it for breakfast. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Matt's Jerk Chicken

Matt's Jerk Chicken

Get ready for a trip to the Islands. You may think jerk chicken is complicated, but really, all it takes is time. Throw on some tunes, grab an icy drink and prepare to be transported. Have a smoker? You can smoke the chicken first and finish it on the grill. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

It takes a little time to make, but this tart is absolutely marvelous, especially in summer when fresh fruit is in abundance. —Claire Darby, New Castle, Delaware

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island

Barbecued Beef Ribs

Barbecued Beef Ribs

These tender, slow-cooked ribs with a tangy sauce are a cinch to make. They’re great for picnics and parties. —Erin Glass, White Hall, Maryland

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio

Best Ever Fresh Strawberry Pie

Best Ever Fresh Strawberry Pie

Next time you get a pint or two of perfectly ripe strawberries, make my favorite pie. It combines fresh berries and a lemony cream cheese layer. If you’re in a hurry, use a pre-made pie shell. —Janet Leach, Granger, Washington

Seasoned Turkey Sandwiches

Seasoned Turkey Sandwiches

This savory turkey tucked in homemade buns steals the show at any potluck or family reunion. It’s been a huge hit at football dinners, graduation parties and more. I like to add tomato and lettuce for crunch and color!—LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota

Vermicelli Pasta Salad

Vermicelli Pasta Salad

I started making this salad because it's loaded with peppers, my husband's favorite. Don't be surprised when there are no leftovers to take home after the family reunion, picnic or church potluck. —Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas

Tropical Carrot Cake

Tropical Carrot Cake

I look forward to August because our family reunion means fun and great food, like this classic cake with the special flair it gets from pineapple. My great-aunt gave me this recipe, and I always make it for the reunion. —Victoria Casey, Enterprise, Oregon

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

These rich, gooey bars are my most requested treats. They're popular at school functions, family barbecues and picnics. We like them alone or topped off with a scoop of ice cream. —Betty Hagerty, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fruit Salad with Apricot Dressing

Fruit Salad with Apricot Dressing

When I serve this lovely refreshing salad for picnics and holidays, the bowl empties fast. —Carol Lambert, El Dorado, Arkansas

Cottage Potatoes

Cottage Potatoes

I often make this crunchy and colorful potato dish for our family reunions. It's my cousin's recipe, and we always know we'll never have any leftovers. —Mary C. Sholtis, Ashtabula, Ohio

Summer Harvest Tart

Summer Harvest Tart

One of my favorite bakeries makes this scrumptious tart that uses fall and summer fruit, so I created my own version. I like to serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream and with a cup of coffee on a cool autumn night. —Sarah Knoblock, Hyde Park, Indiana

First determine what meal(s) you plan to serve for the reunion. One big meal—like a lunch or dinner—is definitely the easiest, but you can serve as many as you’d like.
Don’t try to plan the entire meal by yourself. Trying to provide all of the food for the family is both expensive and stressful. Instead, ask each of your relatives to bring a dish to pass (like one of these tasty family reunion recipes!). We recommend providing the main dish, then having other family members supplement with sides, salads, desserts and beverages.
Buy in bulk. When planning a reunion, save time (and money!) by heading to your local warehouse store. Costco or Sam’s Club are great for stocking up on bulk-sized quantities of snacks, drinks, paper products, etc.
Does grandma make an amazing potato salad? Or is there a cookie recipe that’s been passed down for generations? The reunion is the perfect time to prepare your favorite family recipes. We’re particularly partial to these retro dishes.
In addition to food, you’ll also want plenty of beverages on hand. Keep a giant cooler stocked with water, soda, juice and our favorite lemonade recipes. For the adults, consider getting a keg or two.

Make a Plan for Food Safety

The last thing you want is anyone at the reunion getting sick—so make sure you have a plan to keep foods safe.

Shutterstock/Halfpoint

Set up in the shade. If possible, keep your buffet in a cool area—like a garage or under a big tree. Get more tips for keeping food cold here.
Have plenty of ice to pack around dishes, chill meat and more. Not only will food taste better when it’s properly chilled, but you won’t have to worry about foodborne illness.
Monitor any hot dishes or grilled meats as well. They need to be refrigerated within one or two hours, depending on the temperature, to stay safe. An insulated casserole carrier (like some of these picks) can help.
Designate a meal time—and stick to it. Set aside two hours for the meal and only serve hot and cold foods during that time. Afterwards, put leftovers in the fridge or pack ‘em up in well-iced coolers.

Ask for Help

Ensuring the reunion goes off without a hitch is not a job for one person. Spread out responsibilities between guests of all ages. Here are some areas you should ask for help:

Check-In Table: Depending on the reunion style, you may want a table for relatives to check-in before the bash and grab name tags, T-shirts, etc.
Kitchen Prep: Chopping vegetables and slicing brat buns is not a job for one person. Grab a cousin and catch up.
Beverage Station: Assign someone to tap the kegs, keep an eye on the ice bucket and re-stock drinks as needed.
Clean Up: Since it’s arguably the least-fun part of a party, you should not be expected to clean up by yourself. Enlist a group of helpers to break down tables, take out the trash and more.

Keep Everyone Entertained

Sure, it’s fun to sit around and chat. But there are other ways to bond, too!

There’s nothing more fun than some friendly competition. Set up a bunch of backyard games like corn hole, tug of war or capture the flag and let the family rivalries begin!
Lots of children coming to the reunion? Set up a kid-friendly zone. This could be a sandbox, blankets set out in the backyard or some other kids-only space. Stock the area with toys and designate a few older kids to keep an eye on the extra-little ones.
Set up a bubble station for the kids (and adults!). Fill a kiddie pool with water and stir in a few cups of gentle dish soap. Let everyone take turns dipping in their bubble wands and chase the bubbles! For a neater trick, place a hula hoop in the pool and let someone stand in the middle while everyone else slowly pulls the hula hoop up around them—they’ll be surrounded in one giant bubble! Better make sure someone has their camera ready!

Gather Up the Family

Make your family reunion one to remember!

Once everyone has arrived, take a group picture. It’s an easy way to commemorate the occasion.
Honor your family’s history by passing around old photo albums, sharing family recipes (these are our favorite ways) or displaying a family tree.
Foster a feeling of togetherness by making family reunion T-shirts or hats that everyone can wear.
If this is an annual tradition, gear up for another family reunion by announcing next year’s date and location. This will give everyone a chance to mark the date in their calendars way in advance.

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