Funeral receptions have an array of food platters available for guests to choose what’s best for themselves in that moment.
Some people can fine it quite difficult to eat, and may need some time until they’re ready to have something to eat.
It’s best to have a few different foods available for guests including sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, and dessert.
Funeral food platters are typically individually portioned so each item is on the small size.
Sandwiches are cut into 3-4 portions, and desserts are served in miniature form.
Select an appropriate menu for a funeral reception based on the time of day you’ll be serving your food platters.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches for funeral reception are small tea sandwiches that are served cold, following a funeral ceremony.
Preparing sandwiches for funeral reception should be done in the morning of the day of the funeral, so that they can stay as fresh as possible. The bread will become soggy if sandwiches are prepared the day before.
You can pick 3-4 different types of sandwiches so you’ll have a variety for guests to choose from.
It’s best to prepare 1 sandwich per person attending.
Each sandwich you prepare can be cut into 4 triangles, 3 rectangles, or 2 circles so they are individually portioned and small in size.
Therefore, guests can pick and choose a few different types of sandwiches to enjoy.
Sandwiches can be prepared on sour dough, French bread, croissants, pumpernickel, multigrain, whole wheat, rye, or white bread.
- ham and cheese
- cucumber and cream cheese
- roast beef and horseradish
- veggie
- egg salad
- chicken salad
- smoked salmon
Fruit
Fruit platters are a welcomed addition to a the array of food available at a funeral reception.
Fruit is a sweet, refreshing food guests can enjoy along with their dessert.
Fruit trays can be made with a variety of choices including:
- strawberries
- grapes
- watermelon
- cantaloupe
- pineapple
- kiwi slices
- blueberries
- raspberries
You can also make up fruit cups or bowls with a selection of fruit choices.
Vegetables
Vegetable platters are typically served along with the “mains” at a funeral reception. If you’re having sandwiches or finger food, a vegetable platter can be included on this table.
Vegetable platters can be prepared with an assortment of vegetables and dipping sauces including:
- carrot sticks
- celery sticks
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber slices
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- snap peas
- red peppers
- hummus
- ranch dip
Desserts
Funeral receptions typically have a desserts table full of miniature sized desserts for guests to choose from.
It’s best to plan for an array of desserts, 4-5 different types to give a variety of choices to guests.
Each person will likely have 2-4 desserts, therefore you can adjust your numbers accordingly when making your mini desserts.
- nanaimo bars
- brownies
- cheesecake squares
- sugar cookies
- macarons
- shortbread cookies
- scones
- cupcakes
- lemon bars
- tarts
Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are made with a variety of meats, cheeses, condiments, and crackers.
Meats are rolled or fanned out to create a textured look to the charcuterie board.
Soft and hard cheeses can be paired with meats, mustard, pickles, honey, or spreads (jelly’s, jam), layered on top of crostini’s, crackers, or slices of baguette.
You can include extra foods like grapes, arugula, hummus, dried fruits, and nuts for a complete charcuterie board for a funeral reception.
Pinwheels
Pinwheels are small circular appetizers that have savory fillings inside of them.
Pinwheels are made by using a tortilla, and spreading the filling over the tortilla in a thin layer.
The pinwheel is made by rolling up the tortilla, and then slicing it into 1/2-3/4″ rounds.
Meat Balls
Meat balls are a bite sized appetizer that are packed full of savory flavor and sweet sauce.
Sweet and Tangy Asian meat balls are covered in teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
Garnish the meat balls with fresh parsley and sesame seeds.
You can place a toothpick into each meat ball for an easy serving finger food appetizer.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a savory appetizer to serve, and are a good sized portion for guests.
Deviled eggs are made by boiling eggs until they are hard boiled, and then letting them cool down until you’re able to cut them in half.
The center portion of the egg is scooped out, and placed in a bowl. The cooked egg yolk is mixed together with mayo, diced dill pickles, mustard, pepper and paprika.
The filling is piped back into the white portion of the egg, and garnished with a bit more paprika.
Crostini’s
You can serve crostini’s with a variety of toppings so guests can pick and choose their favorites to try.
Crostini’s can be topped with:
- cheese and prosciutto with arugula and balsamic reduction
- fresh pesto mixed with diced tomatoes, topped with grated parmesan cheese
- ricotta, sliced pears or apples, walnuts, drizzled with honey
- mashed avocado topped with grilled garlic shrimp
- watermelon bruschetta topped with balsamic reduction
- goat cheese, apricot preserves, sprinkled with pistachios and mint leaves
- garlic and dill cream cheese, slices of cucumber and radishes, topped with smoked salmon