Where to Host the Family Gathering This Holiday

You have other options than your family home

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

 

Perhaps your family has grown to a size where hosting a celebration around your table won’t work anymore. Or maybe it’s stressful to have the bustle of all the grandchildren in your home at once. Whatever the reason, you could host your family gathering elsewhere.

 

Adult children’s home

Ask one of your adult kids to host this year. You can still be involved in the planning, but it takes some of the burden off you. You could offer to pay for a professional cleaner or assist yourself and spring for catering. Perhaps you could set up a potluck.

 

Your house of worship

“Churches are definitely a great resource,” said Yve Irish, owner of Organizing by Yve Irish in Pittsford.

Most have a fellowship hall and full kitchen and are otherwise set up for entertaining large groups. Some have a gym or other area for children that could help them expend some energy. Best of all, this space will already be decorated. Be sure to reserve the fellowship hall well in advance.

 

Public parks and golf courses

Popular public spaces for private parties include the Powder Mills Park in Pittsford and some other parks, which include heated lodges year-round.

“They’re very popular,” said Pattie Taylor Brown, owner of All Occasions Catering & Events Planning in Rochester. “You can go online to your county’s parks and recreation site and reserve one. During COVID-19, many were renovated so they’re modern and clean.”

Most have a full kitchen, including a stove and other amenities. Plus, they may be near an area suitable for sledding, snowshoeing or other winter activities.

“That’s a good budget-oriented way of holding the party,” Brown said.

Golf courses would charge more, but you could have your get-together catered.

 

Museums

An elegant option, museums often have a room that one can rent for private parties. However, it pays to know their guidelines in advance.

“They have rules that may not make sense for your family like you can’t bring in your own food but have to have it catered,” Brown said.

 

Libraries

Most public libraries have rooms for rent to the public. However, a full kitchen may not be available. But Brown doesn’t see this as an impediment for some families.

“It is nice to go someplace and not focus on food,” she said. “Definitely you could serve a veggie crudité and a bit of hot chocolate. Something simple gives everyone a rest.”

 

Zoos and farms

“The larger zoos downtown have actual rooms that can be private and have a little outdoor space with them,” Brown said.

If you have many young grandchildren or young-at-heart, this could be a fun option. Brown added that many farms also provide rented space in barns for private parties. However, you should ask about how they’re heated. A farm space may offer areas for sledding and snowshoeing.

Renting these alternative spaces comes with the caveat of additional planning, unlike going to a restaurant. However, you can put more of your personal touches on the event to make it feel more like a classic family celebration.