Key Takeaways:
- Cookies are a good option to serve at the funeral home because they are affordable, portable, and everyone likes them.
- Chips are a common comfort food that can be used to improve the mood at a funeral and keep people at the reception longer.
- It is customary to bring food to a grieving family, and a good rule of thumb is to bring something simple that can be easily reheated.
- The gathering after a funeral often has light food known as a repast, which is served to provide something for mourners to eat.
If you are having a funeral for a loved one at funeral homes in New Providence, NJ, and are worried about what you will serve as refreshments at the funeral home or the reception, you have a lot of options. Many people prefer to serve some type of refreshment at the service because it is a good way to show your appreciation for your family and friends who showed up to pay their respects. Certain foods are easier and better to serve than others. If you are looking for some options, be sure to consider these suggestions.
Cookies
Cookies are a good option to serve at the funeral home because everyone likes them, they are affordable and portable. You can order cookies from a bakery, buy them from the grocery store, or even bake them the night before the service. Just toss them in an airtight container and they are good to go. You can keep them in the container until you want to place them on a tray at the funeral home or reception. You can find a good assortment of cookies so you can offer something that everyone likes.
Relish Plates
Sometimes people just want something salty and savory to snack on while they are at a reception and funeral. You don’t need to prepare a large and heavy meal, just some snacks that everyone can enjoy as the service progresses. Relish trays are a nice savory option because they are easy to serve and you can arrange them to look nice. You can put them together yourself or you can order them from a caterer or the deli department of your local grocery store. You can include things like pickles, olives, and vegetables with dips.
Chips
Chips are common comfort food and a good snack. Many people find food comforting so offering it at a funeral where people are emotional can be a good way to improve the mood and even get people to stay at the reception longer. When it comes to serving chips, you can just bring them in the bag and bring a few bowls to add to the table. Adding the chips with the other items will give people different options for snacks that they want to eat. You can also save the bags so you can easily take the leftover chips back home with you.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what to serve at a funeral reception. The food should reflect the life of the celebrated individual and the event’s tone. A more elaborate menu might be appropriate if the deceased were known for their love of good food. A more straightforward spread may be best if the event is more low-key.
Traditional Funeral Foods
- Finger sandwiches: These are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time, which is helpful when hosting a large gathering.
- Cheese and crackers: Another simple option that can be prepped in advance.
- Vegetables and dip: A healthy option that will please a crowd.
- Fruit: A light and refreshing choice.
- Cake: Funeral receptions often end with cake, as it is a tradition to share a meal before saying goodbye.
When deciding what to serve at a funeral reception, it is essential to consider the event’s tone. If the gathering is more lighthearted, then heartier fare may be appropriate.
When deciding what to serve at a funeral reception, it is vital to consider the event’s tone. If the gathering is more lighthearted, then heartier fare may be appropriate. If the event is more low-key, then lighter options may be better. Whichever route you choose, ensure enough food to feed everyone who attends.
Popular Funeral Reception Foods
- Hors d’oeuvres: These can be passed around or served buffet style. Popular options include finger sandwiches, mini quiches, and vegetable platters.
- Soups: A warm soup can be comforting during a difficult time. Serve a variety of soups, so there is something for everyone.
- Main course: A funeral reception is not the time for a sit-down meal, but you should still have a main course option. Popular choices include cold cuts, pasta dishes, and casseroles.
- Dessert: No funeral reception is complete without dessert. Serve a variety of sweets, such as cookies, cakes, and fruit.
Why serve food at a funeral reception?
Food is essential to any funeral reception because it provides comfort and nourishment to grieving people. It can also be a way to honor the life your loved one had shared with others by serving food they enjoyed, which will make this event more memorable than most other funerals in town!
What is it called when you eat after a funeral?
The gathering after the funeral usually has food known as a repast. Repast food is a type of food that is often served at funerals. It is typically light and simple, such as sandwiches and finger foods. The idea behind repast food is to provide something for mourners to eat after the funeral service, so they do not have to go home and cook a meal. Repast food can be served buffet style or plated, and it is typically served with coffee or tea. While repast food is not required at a funeral, it can be a nice gesture for those planning the funeral to provide this type of food for mourners.
What food do you bring to a grieving family?
When attending a funeral or wake, it is customary to bring food to the grieving family. But with so much on their plate already, you may wonder what kind of food is appropriate. A good rule of thumb is to bring something simple that can be easily reheated. Casseroles, soup, and chili are all great options. You should also avoid anything that requires a lot of preparation, as the family will likely not have the time or energy to deal with it. And while you may be tempted to bring a dessert, it’s best to stick with savory dishes. In this challenging time, the family’s last need is one more sweet reminder of their loss.
It’s common to have some type of snacks available to guests at funeral homes in New Providence, NJ. If you are wondering what kind of food you should buy or prepare, don’t stress about it. You don’t need to provide an entire meal, just something to get people through the service without feeling hungry and to give them something to snack on while they talk and catch up with friends and loved ones. The above options are just a few suggestions to keep in mind. You can also come up with other foods that you enjoy and assume others will enjoy too. If you are ready to plan a funeral service, be sure to reach out to Bradley & Son Funeral Homes, LLC. We are happy to help with all your funeral planning needs.
