Family Reunions

More and more families are searching for their “roots” and as a result, family reunions are becoming increasingly important as people turn towards their family for a sense of belonging.

With improved communication and transportation, families are in closer contact with the more distant members of the clan. These days, a reunion might involve at least 50 people from thousands of miles apart. The host family doesn’t live in the same village as in days of old. The large multi-generation farm or house is long gone and Grandma and Grandpa are unable to put everybody up for a week

Bed and breakfasts make fantastic locales for family reunions. One of the beauties being that family groups can be accommodated in one homey place and if the reunion has larger, multiple family groupings they can be accommodated at nearby inns. Some inns have wonderful spaces designed for all sorts of gatherings where the group activities can take place. In other communities, local community centers, church halls and other rentable spaces can be used for larger events with favorite family activities held in the evenings at the inn or inns. Hearts or checkers anyone?

My family holds an annual reunion in semi rural Indiana that takes place in bed and breakfasts, family members homes and at a nearby state park and lodge. The event culminates with baseball, a potluck (with traditional family dishes of course) and a hilarious white elephant gift exchange.


Where a family reunion is held depends on a number of factors. Many families want to return to the area that they consider the family home. While other families prefer a destination where they won’t be interrupted or bothered by outside distractions. What works best for you? The first phase of planning is up to you. Only you know the guest list and where everyone in your clan will be able to enjoy some time together.

Each family is unique, and as various options are discussed there will probably be a marvelous mixing of ideas or perhaps an obvious and mutually agreed upon proposition on which to follow up. You want your reunion memories to be good, so take the time to plan a great one.

Pamela




You can print this check list by clicking the print button at the end of the list

18 Months Before
Appoint a chairperson.
Explore various family reunion ideas.
Start to prepare an invitation list.
Start a list of things that will need to be paid for and payment options.

12 Months Before
Select a date.
Create a budget.
Send out the invitations.
Make tentative reservations at the reunion site.
Collect family memorabilia and create a family tree or history

Nine Months Before
Finish compiling your guest list.
Assign duties.
Start building your reunion itinerary
Send out a newsletter.
Make final reservations.
Ask for family memorabilia to display.
Come up with a reunion souvenir (T-shirts, a collection of recipes or copies of the family tree).
Plan activities, games, and entertainment.

Three Months Before
Send out another newsletter, updating the guest list and what's in store for this event. Also break down the budget and provide everyone with expected costs.
together maps and directions for out-of-town guests.
Order the souvenirs.
Decide on meals.
Create a shopping list.
Next newsletter should include information about what food to bring.

One Month Before
Confirm your reservations.
Send next newsletter with updates.
In case of bad weather, come up with some alternatives.

Three Weeks Before
Create signs to place along highways directing family members to the reunion site.
Committee should discuss any unpaid bills

Two Weeks Before
Make sure that the souvenirs are almost completed.
Purchase all food items that won’t spoil.
Purchase all supplies (for example, paper plates, utensils, etc.).

One Week Before/Week of Reunion
Organize the reunion site.
Buy all perishable food items.
Pick up the souvenirs.
Verify your reservations one last time.

At the Reunion
Make sure camera is loaded.
Get acquainted activities..
Collect updated information from family members before they leave.
Poll the family about what they’d like to do for next year’s event.
Call for volunteers.

Post Reunion
Send updated newsletter with tales about the reunion.
Discuss any outstanding bills with committee.
Send thank you notes to those who helped with the reunion.
Take a deep breath and start planning next year’s reunion.

Lighten Up Your Bedroom - Inn style

With summer just around the corner, why not lighten up the bedroom? A decorating trend I have noticed in many bed and breakfast inns is one you can easily try at home – the seasonal freshening of linens. Simply switch out heavy draperies for light and airy chintz curtains that billow in the breeze, opening your bedroom to outdoor possibilities. A light and airy bedroom is achieved using white and beige. Ditto for your bedding: pack away that heavy comforter and bring in a light matelasse bedspread or perhaps a flowery new duvet cover. Sometimes I make my own by sewing two flat sheets (sized to the bed) at the open end together on three sides with the outward side facing; then tacking ribbons at one-foot intervals, putting a summer weight quilt inside and tying the open ends together. To evoke a crisp, light summertime look in any room, at any time, use a lot of white.

This pure color is a great idea for lightening up you home. White has two contradictory characteristics. On one hand it is a traditional color that has always been used. On the other hand its use is seen in all of today’s magazines, showrooms and decorating exhibitions, proving that white is back on top in color related trends.
Let in the light with all white.

One of the most appreciated features of white is its versatility. This is a tone that can be combined with any type of decoration. The defenders of this color wildcard define it as an escape route for the imagination when it comes time to decorate your home because it leaves open the possibility of creating very different spaces in your home without being afraid that the walls will not match everything else.

There are many reasons to make white your best friend. Its intrinsic brightness is the most effective weapon against shadowy spaces. When you bet on white, you are saying yes to renewed clarity in the living areas. White adds light and helps you think about your home as a true paradise where you can really enjoy yourself.

Many classical and cutting-edge decorators have favored this color because it suggests peace, tranquility and relaxation. The visual components become an accomplice of beauty in the environment by making the ceilings higher and the walls wider. There are no rules regarding furniture, accessories and complements that play a part in this clean space.

It often takes just a few minutes or perhaps a few hours on a Sunday afternoon to enliven your décor, bringing it from wintertime cozy to summertime breezy. Give it a try!

Best,
Pamela

The Guest Bedroom

I’ve always loved houseguesting, whether with a friend, a family member or a cozy B&B. There’s just something about being a guest that offers a time of true respite. After all, when you’re in someone else’s domain, they’re in charge of all the little details that make it work, bills, deliveries, and the myriad and one others.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what makes a guestroom, whether in a country inn, a bed and breakfast, or your own home work.
Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms.

Speaking of the home guestroom, if you’re like me and so many others, guestroom is also synonymous with home office. And even the word, office, is enough to scotch any restful feelings. So if your guestroom is also your home office, please be mindful of arranging it in such a way that the office aspects (computer, desk, and all) can be whisked away, locked behind doors, or otherwise disguised so that your honored guest isn’t reminded of their own bills not so patiently waiting back home. The bed in a guestroom is usually determined by the size of the room in its use. Even a room that can afford the luxury of a queen-sized bed often finds itself pressed into service as a project layout space, vacation packing central, etc. Modern day sofa beds have been much improved from the torturous racks of years gone by and can be a good choice. I personally think the queen size is a much better bed than the double for a guestroom which would usually accommodate two because the inner frame of a sofa bed takes up a considerable amount of space from the mattress sleeping area.


By all means, do your guests the favor of sleeping a night yourself in the guestroom, which will immediately open your eyes to just what’s needed. Some basic prerequisites include a bedside table amply sized to hold a lamp, book, clock, phone, and a glass of water, minimum; plenty of flexible bedding, and by flexible, Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms. I mean layered so that guests may add and subtract to suit their own temperature needs; and window shades, blinds, or curtains that effectively shut out the light since so much travel these days involves jetlag, sleeping in a truly dark room can make a real difference.

Choose a bedside table you don’t have to worry about. Be sure to design your room to be as low maintenance as possible, so guests don’t have to feel like they have to fuss around trying not to leave rings on the table, etc. make certain note that the bedside lamp is adequate to read by, and add a night light too, just in case. I prefer wall lights and table lamps to glaring overhead lamps, and I like lamps on dimmers so that one can easily control the mood of the room. I have a small radio alarm CD player I picked up for a song for the guestroom, and before my guests arrived I tuned it in to some jazz. No, I don’t provide a TV. My motto is, “pay attention to me, not the TV.” Instead, I always provide a lot of books and magazines, especially the ones with a focus on the local area. Another important feature in the guestroom is to have another comfortable place to sit besides the bed. If space allows, place a small table next to the chair as well and position a wall sconce above and behind. Other basic necessities include tissues, a large glass for water, and plenty of pillows. A luggage rack, which can be folded away, or a small bench is very handy for accessing suitcases. I find most people really don’t unpack any more, but will hang certain items, so do make sure that there are sufficient hangers in the closet.


A lovely scent in the air is always welcoming. Of course, “if I knew you were coming, I’d bake a cake,” is a truism as everyone loves the scent of freshly baked anything. But if you can’t arrange that, light a scented candle. A warm welcoming fragrance is a subliminal invitation to come in. Very simply, you can mull some spices in simmering water on the stove, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, mint, all smell wonderful when they release their essential oils into the air.

In the final analysis though, the single most important aspect of any guest stay in a home or a bed and breakfast is the host’s own attitude and personality. So don’t forget the golden rule and lay the hospitality on thick.

Best,
Pamela

Combination family summer vacations

With summer already scratching at our doors, many families are beginning to think of ways to manage their next vacation. It seems that the major issues that surface during these times concern both time and financial constraints. A valuable way to address these concerns, I’ve found, is to combine a vacation with other family projects.a small blue bird Some of the best trips I’ve ever taken with my family have been themed around separate, unrelated things that we had been wanting or needing to do and we simply took the opportunity to turn these things into a full-on adventure. Contact www.familytravelguides.com to find some wonderful family orientated places to stay on your way.

Oftentimes, visits to family and friends can easily become part of a larger trip. You can also take advantage of journeys to areas of academic or work interest to see what they would be like to live in and to take a few days to explore the surrounding areas. While planning a vacation, you don’t always have to search for faraway, exotic destinations. Sometimes, those more local (or at least nearby) attractions, like sites of cultural interest and natural beauty, make for the perfect affordable family travel vacation and are usually the attractions that you had always set aside, just waiting for the time when you couldn’t think of anything better to do, but why not make them the main attraction!
a scenic panorama of the ozark mountains and valleys


I can think of one special family travel vacation to the Ozarks in Missouri that didn’t sound all that thrilling initially. All it took was a little bit of research on www.familytravelguides.com and we discovered an exciting world filled with Native American history, incredible mineral caves, lakes, springs, and crafts and cultural festivals; all within a few hours drive from home! Not surprisingly, this family travel vacation became one of our best ever. a beautiful waterfall nestled within the ozarksIt was a road trip that involved lots of careful packing, a big picnic basket, and many stops along the way. For example, we pulled off the highway to hit features such as the ancient site of Cahokia Mounds, many quaint villages (think Mark Twain), and the Missouri State University campus in Springfield Missouri (thinking ahead of those tweens in the car and college coming up). While in Springfield, we just couldn’t resist a stop at the Bass outlet store. Eureka! Lots of wonderful fishing gear for our lake adventures to come. Finally, we ended with a long week at a cabin very near Lake of the Ozarks, which not only turned out to be quite economical but also a whole lot of fun.

Pamela

Yummy Breakfast B&B Style - Fast!

I’m constantly hearing from our readers how much they enjoy those sumptuous wonderful breakfasts they are served at the inns. Of course, everyday mornings don’t allow for a sumptuous breakfast…but a yummy breakfast? But of course! A table set for a sumptuous breafkast Taking a few tips from the B&B’s, there’s several ways to achieve a fantastic start to you and your family’s day without getting up predawn. I often spend Saturday mornings puttering around the kitchen, listening to my favorite cooking shows on TV, and preparing a few veggies in advance and some baked goods for the week to come. I must say, I really enjoy this time and I’ve also used it as a great chance to teach my kids some easy recipes in a relaxed way.

Some of the best ideas for make-ahead goodies come from the inns. Here are a few that I love and use all the time.

Make a batch of quick bread, something fruity and healthy, and freeze the small loaves. Take them out the night before and serve at breakfast with cream cheese or cottage cheese and a quick fruit bowl. Great nutrition and great taste! These quick breads also make a great grab-and-go homemade goodie to take to a potluck.
Slices of Pumpkin bread yumm



* Cranberry Bread Recipe
* Zucchini Pineapple Bread Recipe
* Pear Walnut Bread Recipe

I love to make granola and it keeps very well in a tightly covered container, so I’ll often whip up a batch. And because it’s so easy, it’s a great place to experiment with different favorite ingredients. My friend Judy’s favorite recipe lends itself well to other dried fruit and nut combinations. Skinny it down by using less oil than called for, but you still have to use some to get the crispy quality. Granola, fresh fruit, and a dollop of yogurt make a stellar breakfast. The same granola also makes a perfect topping for quickie breakfast muffins and for make-ahead batter you keep in the fridge till you need it; it couldn’t be easier. If you really want to wow everybody, try some of our innkeepers’ wonderful recipes for make-ahead breakfast casseroles.
Oats and berries

* Bark Eater Granola Recipe
* Fourteener's Granola Recipe
* Apple Cranberry Granola Recipe

Quiches are also a great make-ahead, as they can be cooked in advance and just briefly heated in the morning. Of course having a coffeemaker filled and preset so you can wake up to an invigorating cup-of-joe is something most inns do, and I do too. Somehow I just seem to have more enthusiasm for breakfast if it doesn’t loom so large and I can get it done beforehand. Be sure to check out all the wonderful breakfast recipes, including those that take just a little more time, like pancakes, waffles, and specialty egg dishes!

* Oat & Green Apple Griddle Cakes Recipe
* Apple-Sausage Puff Pancakes Recipe
* Nested Eggs with Mushrooms Recipe
* Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata Recipe

Pamela

April Get Away Time!

April is the best time for that quick family getaway. Why? Because the earth is alive, spring has burst into bloom, and almost everyone is near someplace in the countryside that’s just beautiful. Lots of family Bed and Breakfast’s and Inns are offering specials this spring to entice travelers with one or more nights to spend. To find just the right one for you, enter the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. With school vacations and service days coming up, you might just want to try for a three-day weekend!
I always think water is just the magic ingredient when children are involved, whether they splash in it, or swim in it, or just look at it. It provides endless entertainment and a chance for adults to relax and observe. Some of my favorite Midwestern resorts have indoor swimming and recreational facilities that can handily bridge the sometimes tricky April weather. However, if it looks like rain is inevitable; another dandy option is an in-town getaway. Simply segue downtown and stay at a lovely inn or Bed and Breakfast near some fun attractions. Planetariums, aquariums, plays, IMAX theaters, and more all beckon family travelers and are budget friendly during this spring season as well. If you have some favorite spring travel ideas, please let us know!

Last Minute Family Deals

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sk yourself this question....Does being cooped up inside for so many long hours in the winter because of the rain or snow make you and your children feel like going stir crazy like the mad hares in March? We have the antidote, a quick weekend getaway!

Many hotels and resorts are running fantastic specials this winter with occupancy down and the need to fill rooms ever present; they are offering some terrific deals which can be snatched up at bargain prices. Here are some great ideas: why not visit an upscale hotel that normally caters to businessmen during the week and at the weekend you might find their glorious indoor-pools all to yourself. Alternatively, why not visit a cultural hotspot such as Monterey, CA featuring the world-famous Sea Aquarium where you might not be able to get a room at the price you can afford during the high season and take in those galleries, theatre performances, and some much needed therapy shopping for an ultra sophisticated and also educational getaway. Perhaps city living has got you down? Head for the hills and rediscover the fun of a cozy fire in a country inn while sipping hot drinks and toasting marshmallows with the children (such as the Poconos in Pennsylvania). Feeling the need to exercise and get your family outdoors,, then why not check out a new winter sport, such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or even ice fishing (check out the Forest Suites Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA, a wonderful family getaway with specials for longer stays from 15% off 2 nights, 20% off 3 nights, or 25% off 4 nights). For some summer weather in the middle of winter head to Florida for a seaside family vacation. The Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach is a wonderful day’s activity for your family and available in winter months!

Many inns and bed and breakfasts cater specifically to sports aficionados and you can easily find the one just right for you by entering the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. The best antidote to feeling homebound is a quick mid-winter getaway. Maximize your time by perhaps packing on Friday, getting up early on Saturday and getting on the road to make the most of the next two days, catch dinner on the way home Sunday and then fall exhausted, but happy, in your bed feeling like you’ve had a real vacation and escaped those dreary winter blues while the price is right!