Some families choose to serve easy funeral foods while others offer a complex funeral buffet menu; yours can be unique to your event. Taking care of the funeral reception food may provide a welcome distraction, but you still need to take care of your personal needs. 5. As you start to plan your menu consider the following: Baked pasta is always a crowd pleaser. The food, usually served buffet-style at a reception during visitation and/or after the service, is typically the purview of the bereaved's friends and extended family. What you choose depends on many factors, like your region, budget, culture, and the wishes of the deceased. Ask guests to bring songs that remind them of their loved one on CD or iPod and play them throughout the luncheon. We provide a variety of catering menus to fit your number of guests, location, and budget. Is there seating? This is a great way to allow guests to interact with the items and create a more personal connection to the deceased. With a memorial website, you can notify subscribers of any upcoming events, post memories and condolences, share the timeline of your loved ones life, and much more. Having a potluck is a supercost-effective way to providefood for a crowd, and in theory, everyone should have plenty to munch on and leave fully satisfied. Our chefs are experienced and talented at providing delicious funeral food using our state-of-the-art in-house kitchen for funeral receptions for any family. Chicken or Egg salad on a crescent roll. Maggie's Waterfront Cafe. These can include photos of the deceased throughout their life, as well as any family photos that put a smile on your face. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, These sandwiches are slider-sized, so they're the best potluck food because people can just grab them and eat them without making a mess. 08 of 46 Pear Salad Southern Living Recipe: Pear Salad Nice concept, but where did it come from? Pineapple Smoothie. I make cabbage rolls when my family is looking for comfort. This is an integral part of the grieving process in many cultures and religions. Potluck Hazards: This can be a highly personal choice, especially if youre holding a larger funeral or youre inviting many guests. Though you can go as simple as youd like, this is a lovely way to add something special to your post-funeral meal. And with only 4 ingredients, this is one of the easiest potato casseroles around. Luncheons that follow provide a space for even more healing. Cakes are fine but you will need to provide plates and cutlery. Directly after the funeral service and luncheon, a balloon release is a beautiful way to celebrate the deceaseds life. It encourages the guest to take the time, whenever they feel ready, to plant the flowers and foster new life from the memories of their loved one. 3. Pancakes and waffles Fresh fruit salad Oatmeal Yogurt parfaits Pastries, bagels, donuts Eggs, omelets, frittatas Bacon, sausage, ham Juice, tea, coffee A brunch menu or breakfast menu is also an easy way to stay budget friendly, since these foods are typically on the less expensive end of the spectrum. You should try to avoid overextending yourself both physically and financially when doing your planning. While the casseroles and deli salads above are more substantial, desserts are very comforting too! How long will each of these events last? You can also offer a "make-it-yourself" option to save even more time. Potato casseroles have a long tradition as a comfort food. You can get separate flowers just for the repast, or you can reuse funeral flowers and save money. Plan something comforting to give mourners. Our highly-trained and professional staff will treat you with the utmost respect and compassion throughout your event-planning process and on the day of your funeral luncheon. If you are invited to bring a dish to a potluck funeral luncheon, make sure to ask the host about a theme or any dietary restrictions. The reality of the situation, however, is that food has a way of offering comfort, and it's the least the rest of us can do to help take care of our friends and family during the first few days of a passing. (Error Code: 100013) Egg salad sandwiches If they dont have any or youd like to broaden your options, you can do a quick online search for caterers in your area. Barbacoa Beef Tacos Image credit: Venturists Hot Roast Beef & Gravy. Test Kitchen Recipe This family favorite casserole is comforting as a funeral food, and it is also perfect for any other occasion. Chances are you have a family recipe for a favorite potato dish that would be perfect as a funeral reception food. Coffee Smoothie - This quick pick-me-up is a delicious addition to any meal! For even more recipes that are great to share, check out these. Mason Jar Centerpieces (free to $1 each, depending on if you already have them) Coffee Filter Flowers (pennies each, plus vases) Rustic Wood Paint Stick Baskets (about $3 each) Tissue Box Centerpieces (under $1 each) 6 Lovely DIY Memorial Candle Projects 13. View our lunch buffet menu and discover our selection of exciting buffets for your special occasion. 4. Chicken wings, taquitos, soft pretzel bites, pigs in a blanket, dumplings, and tiny quiches all work for this (and can be kept warm in a 200 degree oven until it's time to plate). Pineapple Smoothie - Pineapple lovers will enjoy this one obviously! Please try again later. Pasta is a great option for a low-budget served meal. Those attending the post-funeral reception are not expecting a gala extravaganza. Menus. Provide a cheese-and-cracker plate with assorted cheeses and crackers in various shapes that will appeal to young guests. Click here for the recipe! Americans adapted this tradition around the late 19th century and the concept of people each bringing a prepared dish to share took hold. Here are some sandwiches you can serve at a funeral reception: An Italian buffet is a great idea if youre having a funeral dinner, as there tends to be more food involved than some of the other items weve mentioned. Because the focus should be on remembering and honoring the deceased, make the menu simple, yet delicious. Regardless of what you decide to serve, it is important to remember that the purpose of the funeral reception is to give those who have come to pay their respects the opportunity to gather together to support each other and to share their memories of the deceased. Picture a nice breakfast spread after a morning funeral service, or a full pork tenderloin meal for an evening memorial. Find caskets, urns and more at a fraction of funeral home prices. If so, we're pretty sure these comforting casseroles could do the job. Click here for the recipe! Your funeral home may be able to refer you to a local caterer who is familiar with preparing funeral food or you can consult with your favorite restaurant. They are also a good choice when children will be attending. Remember to include kid-friendly items such as macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. From a simple garden salad to a more complicated seasonal specialty, salads can be a perfect compliment to the buffet. If youre looking for help with catering a funeral, you can easily post this to the How to Help section of your memorial website that will alert visitors on the best ways they can help. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This is a great way to create a personal and touching tribute. One of the best ways to help after a loss is to offer foods that will keep. Though better suited for smaller groups, its easy to customize this menu to fit larger crowds. Are you sure you would like to report this comment? Allows family and friends to gather in one place after the funeral service, Gives people an opportunity to visit and share memories, Allows people to support one another during this difficult time. This pizza casserole recipe can be customized to include your favorite pizza toppings or you can follow it as is for a fool-proof casserole recipe everyone will drool over. The casseroles below are handpicked favorites of ours, because of their ability to put a smile on our faces and our is it possible for a stomach to smile? Salads can be quickly prepared in all sorts of varieties. LinkedIn. Our Valentina Ballroom can hold up to 340 guests. Both cheesy and crunchy, they include an irresistible combination of flavors. For information about opting out, click here. Half Sheet Cake / serves 48. Keep reading for more information on what to do when a veteran dies, how you can apply, Closing out accounts is one of the many tasks that one needs to take care of after a loved one dies. For a more formal approach, try boneless chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf and several different vegetable side dishes like corn or green beans. Here are more drinks your guests might enjoy: Mango Smoothie - This easy drink is delicious and nutritious! . How to Freeze Food Properly and Other Food Freezing Tips All Rights Reserved. Create an attractive platter full of deli meats and cheeses. This option is one of our favorites. This is a table dedicated to the deceased, showcasing different mementos and photos from their life. We have catered events large and small in rented venues, in family dining rooms and in church reception halls. This is a great way to allow everyone to participate in the tribute. A photo display is a classic way to celebrate the life of the deceased at a funeral luncheon. The answer is, its up to you. Offer mourners a couple options for each: Classic dinner menus look great plated and mourners will appreciate the familiar foods. It's the perfect comfort dessert. advice. This is what store-bought fruit, veggie, and cookie trays were invented for. With so many ideas for a funeral reception to choose from, many opt for a funeral luncheon to comfort the bereaved family when they need it the most. **. Large families often get together with funeral foods that allow them to spend time together with their loved ones, making funeral foods that are easy to eat the best option! If you want to make the luncheon more personal, consider serving foods and drinks that were favorites of the deceased. When thinking of what to serve, here are some questions to keep in mind: If youre hosting a funeral reception or repast, all of these options can work, depending on your preferences. For example, suppose there is a family recipe that was your late loved ones all-time favorite dish. My go to comfort food is potato salad. February 27, 2023 . There are many reasons why you may want to have a funeral reception luncheon. Get free recipes, exclusive partner offers, and more. If you dont see what you are looking for, we are always willing to discuss what it would take to reach your ideal menu. It's practically a rule. So if youve ever enjoyed a heaping spoonful of funeral potatoes, read on to learn more about these special creations. No potluck is complete without a pan of funeral potatoes. Planning a funeral reception with a served meal means you can pick messier and more complicated dishes since you won't be making or serving it yourself. Other ways you can personalize the funeral reception include: Serving food that was a favorite of the deceased. Full Sheet Cake / serves 96. We can't say enough good things about casseroles! A simple, but affordable choice is to host a potluck in lieu of hiring an expensive catering service. Search for some delicious funeral food ideas on Pinterest or a food website like the Food Network. cheese ball and crackers. Click here for the recipe! If everyone raved about grandma's pot pie and apple turnovers, that would make a perfect party menu. Formal funeral luncheons are more common when the deceased is an elderly person or when the death was expected. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For more shareable recipes, try ourEasy Potluck Recipes: 14 Potluck Ideas For Sides, Desserts and More Free eCookbook. Each token is a reminder that their legacy lives on. Hawaiian Meatball Kebabs Chinese Chicken Salad Almond Cookies. Golf. Check out this recipe for Salad for a Crowd! Check out the articles below for lots of great tips for freezing meals. Here is a classy salad which incorporates grilled seafood. They're easy to make, easy to share, and comforting to eat. Let's take a look at the history of this tradition. It began back in the Middle Ages as a term used to describe an impromptu meal one would serve to travelers or unexpected guests. Add a second platter with sandwich toppings like tomatoes, sliced lettuce, pickles and olives. They can often be frozen ahead of time and function well as leftovers. Check out this recipe for Salad for a Crowd! Prepare a vegetable platter with fresh and colorful vegetables, perfect for dipping in a ranch vegetable dip. Test Kitchen RecipeIf you're looking for a comforting recipe that will feed a crowd, look no further than these Sympathy Sandwiches. Accept, How to Choose What to Serve at a Funeral Luncheon, is when guests gather for an informal meal. A served meal is a good option if you have a large budget, all ready served finger foods at the wake, or want a more formal reception in honor of your loved one. These baked ham and cheese sliders are also sometimes called "funeral sandwiches," but you can just call them delicious. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Make sure to keep dietary restrictions in mind. We have two different room options to accommodate your group. Today, potlucks are held for all sorts of reasons. We've all probably been to a few in our day. 07 of 46 Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler Iain Bagwell Recipe: Ham-and-Vegetable Cobbler We have to serve up salty, cubed ham somehow. Make like Martha and serve the tuna salad on thinly sliced, toasted (or not!) These are ideal if youre trying to cut down on cost. Aside from the fact that everything will be taken care of for you, a caterer can offer you advice on what food is appropriate and how much you should buy. Wraps buffet Easier to eat than sandwiches, wraps make for great lunch fare. The main ingredients (buttermilk, sour cream, and oil) keep the cake moist and fluffy. For starters, a variety of cold finger foods such as deviled eggs, a cheese platter, and . They can often be frozen ahead of time and function well as leftovers. From setting up the venue to catering the perfect meal, we will work with you to ensure that your funeral luncheon is a beautiful and memorable tribute to your loved one. If you prefer to remove your comment, you can delete it. Instead of bringing these to the deceased's home, they can also be taken directly to the funeral reception. Consider making a big batch of hearty macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, or lasagna.