Themes Guide
Backyard or Pavilion BBQ Family Reunion
The BBQ reunion is the format that always works. No costume needed, no theme to explain, no decorations beyond a checkered tablecloth. Grill, sides, cold drinks, lawn games, kids running around. Here's how to scale it from 25 people to 100+.
For other theme options, see family reunion themes. For activity ideas to add on top, see games and activities.
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Why a BBQ Format Works
Reunions can over-theme. Decade themes, color themes, costume codes - some families love it, some find it exhausting. The BBQ reunion sidesteps the theme question entirely. Hot food off a grill, cold drinks in a cooler, lawn games on the grass. Universally readable, infinitely scalable, weather-permitting.
Best venues: a state park pavilion, a private backyard, a campground group site, or a rented community center with outdoor access. Pavilions typically rent for $50-200/day.
Grill Logistics
One full-size grill comfortably feeds 30-40. For 50+, you need either:
- Two grills running simultaneously. Borrow a second from a neighbor or family member. One does burgers/dogs, the other does chicken.
- Pre-cook your slow proteins. A smoker (or a slow cooker) handles pulled pork or brisket the day before. The grill on the day of handles only burgers, dogs, and chicken thighs - which cook in 10-15 minutes.
- Designate a grill master. Not the lead organizer - they have other things to do. The grill master's job for 90 minutes is the grill, period. Brief them in advance.
Charcoal vs. propane: Propane scales easier for large groups - hot in 10 minutes, no ash management. Charcoal tastes better but adds 30 minutes of setup and demands a more attentive grill master.
Drink Coolers and the Ice Problem
Plan 4-5 drinks per adult and 3 per kid for an all-day reunion. For 50 people:
- 2 cases of soda (assorted)
- 2 cases of bottled water
- 1 case of beer for adults (more if you know your family)
- 1 large jug of lemonade or iced tea
- 2-3 boxes of juice boxes for kids
- 50-60 lbs of ice - the most underestimated supply
- 2 coolers minimum: one for drinks, one for ice. Don't mix them.
Designate one person in charge of ice runs. Ice always runs out faster than expected - having a designated runner means it's replenished without disrupting the day.
Lawn Games to Set Up
Set up a designated "games zone" 30+ feet from the food zone so traffic doesn't cross. For 50+ people, run 3-4 games simultaneously rather than queuing one at a time.
- Cornhole (essential): Two boards minimum. Rotate teams.
- Horseshoes: A draw for the older crowd who don't want to run.
- Ladder ball / Kan jam: Crosses age groups easily.
- Giant Jenga: Photogenic and works as a passive activity.
- A wiffle-ball or kickball game in the open field for the under-12 crowd.
For deeper kid game ideas, see games for kids. For adult game ideas, see games for adults.
The Kid Table - Separate or No?
Separate, almost always.A dedicated kids' table with kid-friendly food (hot dogs, mac and cheese cups, fruit, juice boxes) accomplishes three things: kids eat what they actually want, parents have a relaxed conversation for once, and the cleanup is contained.
Add a placemat with crayons or a coloring sheet at each kid's spot. The under-7 crowd especially appreciates having their own world. The over-10 crowd often prefers to sit with friends rather than a designated kid table - let them choose.
The BBQ Playlist
Mid-tempo, multi-generational, family-friendly. Build a 4-hour playlist mixing:
- Classic rock (CCR, Eagles, Tom Petty, Springsteen)
- Motown and soul (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin)
- Country crossovers (Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Zac Brown Band)
- 80s-90s pop singalongs (Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, family-friendly Top 40)
- A handful of current hits the kids actually know
Spotify's "Backyard BBQ" or "Cookout Classics" playlists are decent starting points. Customize from there.
Timing the Day
- 11am - Setup begins. Tables, drinks, lawn games. Grill master arrives by 11:30.
- 12pm - Doors open / guests arrive. Drinks and snacks available immediately.
- 12:30 - Grill fires up. Pre-cooked proteins go on warm trays.
- 1:00-2:00 - Eating window. Buffet line opens.
- 2:00 - Group photo. Right after eating, before kids melt down.
- 2:30-5:00 - Lawn games and visiting. The longest, best part of the day.
- 5:00 - Dessert and second-wind snacks.
- 6:00 - Wind down, cleanup begins.
💰 With Reunly
Track your BBQ budget in Reunly
From the grill rental to the side dishes — see your food cost per head in real time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat for 50 people?
12-15 lbs of cooked meat total. 0.5 lbs/adult, 0.25 lbs/kid. Order 10% over - running out is the worst BBQ outcome.
Can one grill feed 50+?
One grill comfortably feeds 30-40. For 50+, run two grills OR pre-cook slow proteins (pulled pork, brisket) and use the grill only for burgers/dogs/chicken.
What sides do I need?
Five core: potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, fresh fruit. Add chips and pickles. Potluck-assign sides by branch and you're done.
How much ice?
20 lbs per 25 people minimum. For 50-person all-day BBQ, plan 50-60 lbs and put one person in charge of ice runs. Two coolers (drinks + ice) keeps things cold longer.
What lawn games work best?
Cornhole (essential), horseshoes for older crowd, ladder ball, kan jam, giant Jenga. Designated games zone separate from food. Run 3-4 simultaneously for 50+ people.
Plan the BBQ Menu and Potluck in One Place
Reunly tracks the headcount, the potluck assignments, and the supply runs - so the food shows up and the ice doesn't run out.