I am planning a 10-year reunion for a very small class. I don't expect more than 30 people to attend, including spouses. Some guests will also bring their young children (3 years and under).
What can I do to motivate people to come? I think we will be doing it at the High School we attended, as it was recently renovated and it would be interesting to see the changes. But what then? Any suggestions will help. Thanks.
If it is a small group of classmates, it ought to be fun! Perhaps a picnic-like affair ? Here in the south we use any excuse for a "covered-dish" type thing too.
Ask your friends, and former classmates to help plan the menu. This will help get others involved. Folks will be more likely to attend something that isn't too "fancy" and isn't expensive. And if they can bring their children along, that is often a plus too.
Do you have a Park near-by? Many parks have those covered shelters that can be reserved for a group use. So if its too hot, or even if its raining, you'll be under-roof. There are usually large picnic tables and benches too. That solves your seating problem. Most parks have swings and other playground equipment for the children. If each family gave a few dollars, that would cover the cost for table coverings, paper goods, and such.
Perhaps someone would bring a large cooler of ice for the drinks. We sometimes use an old washtub for ice and soft drinks. The least expensive way to have drinks is either lemonade, or iced tea ( both sweetened and unsweet) The most expensive is bottled water !!
Classmates might enjoy seeing the renovations that have been done to the school since y'all graduated. There is always much fun of telling and re-telling the funny stories that happened, or who did what, and so on.Children enjoy hearing about things that their parents did way-back-when. especially if it is something naughty or mischievous! :)
For such a small class, food should be simple, but feel fancy. For example, you could buy blocks of cheeses (mozzarella, colby, cheddar) and use those deli-style toothpicks to skewer them. You could also spread cream cheese on small rounds of rye or whatever. There, you have quick and easy hor d'oeuvres. Baby gherkins and dill spears would add a little tang.
Drinks are pretty easy. Water, of course, and things like unsweetened tea (so the guests can sweeten to taste,) coffee... or perhaps a local store might be willing to either donate or discount the drinks. You can also make a simple punch with a lemon-lime soda and sherbet. It'll seem fancy without the expense. For those who want to feel really fancy, there's a good array of "sparkling" juices.
If you planned a "sit-down" dinner, there's another area that can be jazzed up without breaking the bank. Depending whether your class includes vegetarians, vegans or folks with other dietary limitations, you could do a meat tray and a crock of soup, or something like pot roast and bread, or good old spaghetti and garlic bread, with salad and dessert. Of course, if at least one or two of your classmates still live nearby, you could ask them to help with the planning at least, and maybe with food and drinks.
Sorry if I seem to ramble; I just added things as they came to me. Best to you, enjoy! Jo Cordell aka JustPlainJo
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
