5 Tips For Planning the Best Homecoming For a Loved One

Introduction

Plan an extraordinary welcome to let your loved one know how much he has been missed during the days, weeks, months or years of absence. Whether the time has been due to a relocation, military service or other reasons, letting the person know how much he's been missed is only the first step. Creating new memories is also important to bond with your loved one for the future. The homecoming party may be a grand affair or a simple family gathering. 

Step 1

Set a festive tone with decorations for the homecoming. You don't need to spend a lot of money to create a fun and attractive atmosphere. A simple banner that says "Welcome Home" and a few colorful balloons is all that is really necessary. In fact, if you are having the party at home, those items take up little space and leave more room for people to mingle. In a larger venue and with a larger budget, include themed tabletop decorations, paper plates, napkins and streamers. If you know your loved one likes a particular type of flower, you may also include a welcoming floral arrangement.

Step 2

Food for the homecoming may be as simple as a few trays of party snacks and a selection of beverages. If the party includes mostly family and close personal friends, a popular way of handling the food is to have a potluck meal. Each guest brings a favorite dish to share. You may supplement the potluck food by making a large salad, providing several types of bread and spreads or making a large casserole. Make sure you have a party cake decorated with welcoming words and embellishments.

Step 3

Invite guests to join in a heartwarming welcome for your loved one. Old school friends and neighbors can help make the individual feel right at home in the community again. Grandparents, cousins and other relatives are usually very happy to join in the family homecoming festivities. The combination of friends and family can bring back old memories and help establish new memories that your loved one will cherish through the years. Take care that you don't invite people who bring back bad memories or who may cause awkward moments during the homecoming.

Step 4

Put a time limit on the homecoming party. Your loved one probably had to travel quite a distance and may be worn out after the trip. Let all the guests know that they should head out after a few hours, leaving your loved one to rest and relax after all the excitement. The best way to do this is to inform the guests in advance that there is a set time when they are welcome to party and a specific time when you expect them to politely leave.

Step 5

Set a budget for the homecoming party so that you don't regret the expenditures after the fact. It is easy to spend a lot of money because you are so happy the loved one is coming home. Instead of spending so much on a few short hours of party time, save the money to do something very personal with your loved one later. Perhaps the individual would like to share a meal out at a fancy restaurant, get a spa treatment or enjoy time with you at a ball game. Include those prices in your budget so that you don't get surprised by how much these homecoming events cost.

Tips

Make sure that you have a camera handy to record the fun and activities of the homecoming party. Ask one or two other people to take pictures, too. That way you will have pictures for yourself and to share with your loved one.

Comments