A family tree becomes a show-stopping decoration for a family reunion. It may be a bit sappy (pun totally intended), but it gives you a way to celebrate your family history and create lots of conversation starters for your guests.

Construct your tree any way you like: Use wood or cardboard for the trunk and branches, and cut greaseproof paper or paper bags from the market into leaves. Write each relative’s name on a branch or hang up their photos to make your tree extra special. You can create a more upscale version by buying a decorative potted tree and hanging photos of your relatives from the branches.

Honour your cultural heritage by decorating with flags, flowers and any symbols that remind you of that country or group.

If you’re planning a big reunion for extended family that you may not know very well, put together a committee of reliable relatives to help you organize the event. Splitting up the duties not only lightens the load on yourself, it helps you plan a party that will appeal to your entire family and take their needs into consideration.

Assign specific tasks to each committee member, such as finding a venue, buying food and drink, planning activities, buying decorations, acting as treasurer, and tracking down lost relatives. Regular check-ins with the committee prevents last-minute frenzies for easily overlooked but important party needs like ice and Great Aunt Suzie.

Take family, add some get-to-know-you games, and hilarity is bound to ensue. Granted, games like these fill some people with terror, but hey, even that becomes a bonding experience to bring your guests closer together.

Some games to play:
• Name Game—Ask each guest to tell how they got their name. This works especially well at a family reunion where guests can add on to the story.

• Interview Game—Pair up each guest with the person they know the least. Give each person a list of personal questions, such as favourite holiday spot, worst job and most embarrassing nickname. Have each person interview the other for five minutes, then talk about their partner to the group.

• Family Trivia—Before the party, ask guests to tell you a little-known fact about themselves. At the party, have someone read out the facts and have guests guess who the mystery person is.

Personalize your family reunion feast by asking guests to bring favourite family dishes. Or if you plan to cook yourself, ask them to send you their recipes beforehand. Then you can make mashed potatoes like Grandma used to make and compile the recipes into a family recipe book to give your guests as a keepsake.

Keep things easy on yourself by having a big buffet where guests can nibble, rather than a formal sit-down meal. The buffet can be a collection of sandwiches and snacks on a simple table or a more lavish feast set out on tables topped with silver candlesticks and floral centerpieces.

Set a low table for young kids with bite-size treats just for them, like pretzel sticks, grapes, sandwiches cut in half and assorted cookies for dessert.

Down Home Punch  •  1 part Jack Daniel's® Tennessee whiskey •  1 part peach schnapps •  1 part sweet and sour mix •  2 parts orange juice •  1 part lemon-lime soda •  1 splash grenadine syrup Pour ingredients into a pitcher; add ice and stir. Pour into glasses.

1.	Family Affair / Sly and the Family Stone
2.	We Are Family / Sisters Sledge
3.	Blood Is Thicker than Water / Black 47
4.	Celebration / Kool and the Gang
5.	Family Reunion / O’Jays
6.	Everyday (Family Reunion) / Chaka Khan
7.	Those Were the Days / Dolly Parton
8.	Home Sweet Home / Motley Crue
9.	Homeward Bound / Simon & Garfunkel
10.	Our House / Madness

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