Planning a reception after a memorial service is a thoughtful and important gesture. It provides a warm, informal space for friends and family to gather, share stories, and support one another in their grief. But for the family who is hosting, the thought of planning a menu and serving food can feel like an overwhelming burden during an already incredibly difficult time.
The key to a successful reception is to keep the food simple, comforting, and easy to manage. This is not the time for a complex, multi-course meal. The goal is to provide nourishment that allows people to connect without adding to your stress. As more families choose simpler, more personalized services like cremation, the gathering that follows often reflects that same desire for warmth and simplicity over formality.
The last thing you need is more to worry about. Here are six easy food ideas that can help you create a beautiful and stress-free reception to honor your loved one.
1. The Classic Sandwich Platter
There is a reason this is the go-to option for receptions: it’s simple, it requires no on-site cooking, and it caters to a wide variety of tastes. You can easily order platters from a local grocery store deli or a favorite sandwich shop, taking the entire burden of food preparation off your shoulders. Consider a selection of assorted finger sandwiches or wraps, cut in half for easy handling. Classic fillings like turkey, ham, and cheese, and a simple veggie option are always a good choice.
2. A Hearty Soup or Chili Bar
In times of grief, people are naturally drawn to warm, comforting foods. A large batch of chili or a simple soup like chicken noodle can be made the day before and easily kept warm in a slow cooker. Set up a simple “toppings bar” next to the slow cooker with bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, oyster crackers, and chopped onions so guests can customize their own bowl. It’s a wonderfully welcoming and low-maintenance option.
3. A Baked Pasta Dish
A warm, hearty casserole is the culinary equivalent of a hug. A baked pasta dish like a lasagna, a baked ziti, or a creamy chicken noodle casserole is a perfect choice for feeding a crowd. These are ideal make-ahead dishes. They can be fully assembled the day before and simply need to be baked just before the guests arrive.
4. A Simple Dessert and Coffee Social
A full meal is not always necessary, especially if the reception is taking place in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. A simple and elegant alternative is to host a dessert and coffee social. A beautiful spread of easy-to-eat sweets is a lovely way to encourage guests to stay and talk. Consider a variety of cookies, brownies, and a simple sheet cake that is easy to cut and serve. A fresh fruit platter is also a wonderful and welcome addition. Be sure to have plenty of good coffee (both regular and decaf), hot water with a selection of tea bags, and some cold drinks available.
5. A Grazing Board
For an option that requires absolutely no cooking, a large charcuterie or grazing board can be a beautiful and modern choice. On a large wooden board or platter, arrange a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers and bread, fruits and nuts, and dips and spreads. This creates a beautiful, abundant display that guests can graze from at their leisure.
6. A Community Potluck
When you are grieving, your friends and family will inevitably ask, “What can I do to help?” One of the most sincere and helpful things they can do is to bring a dish. Do not be afraid to accept these offers. Bringing food to a grieving family is a time-honored tradition and a tangible way for people to show their love and support. You can even gently guide the process, asking one friend to bring a salad, another to bring a dessert, and so on.
Remember, the purpose of the reception is to be together. The food is simply the backdrop for the much more important work of sharing memories, offering comfort, and beginning the healing process.