Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I decided that my husband and I would host the reception after my Grandma's funeral on Satuday. Has anyone ever done this? How do you know how much food to get?

My mom is telling people in the family when she calls but I don't know how to gage how much food we will need, We don't have a large family but we also want to invite each and every person who comes to the funeral including friends and family.

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

thats a really nice thing for you to do and im so very sorry about your grandma. i can fully empathize what you are going throuygh

how about getting it catered

id do half trays of hot things - 1 chicken franchaise, 1 eggplant rollentine, 1 of shrimp parmigana and 1 full tray of penna ala vodka and a full tray of cesar salad

you can keep the hot things in the oven warm and just put them out
most peple will have alot of pasta and a littel of chicken shrimp or eggplant.

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I am sooo sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family…….

I agree with the pp, you could also do a cold cut patter with ham, turkey, chesses etc and rolls/bread on the side so people can make sandwiches.
We did this when my grandfather died and it worked out perfectly. We also had cold salads – cole slaw, macaroni & potatoe salad.
I think that with a few half trays of hot food/pasta and a salad is fine

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I would serve cold stuff so you can just pull it out of the fridge when you get back to the house...order some deli platters with macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit salad, rolls, breads, etc. Keep it as simple as possible for yourself.

I am not sure about how much - maybe enough for 25-30ish people. You can always pack it up and save it for later and give some of it to other family members.

I am sorry for your loss.

Message edited 7/8/2008 1:12:16 PM.

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

i'm so sorry to hear about your loss

i agree with the others- make it easy on yourself and get it catered with trays of stuff from a deli or italian restaurant. as far as how much to make, my experience at funerals has been that really only the close family and friends go to the meal afterwards. alot of people just stop by to give their condolences and leave. so maybe i would just estimate how many close family and any close friends you think might come, and just get a little extra for anybody else that might decide to stay...

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I don't have a suggestion, but I wanted to tell you I'm sorry for your loss!

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I don't have suggestions either but wanted to tell you I'm so sorry for your loss.

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I'm very sorry for your loss. When my grandmother passed away my mother ordered sandwiches from bens, they can probably help you with the estimate of how many to order. People will also send dishes so you won't need as much food as you think. HTH

Re: Having a reception after a funeral...how much food?

I am so sorry for your loss Kathleen I know what you are going through all too well

I would see if you could get some hero's catered in, this way they are quick & easy. You can either have them delivered or pick them up on your way home. Also get some salads & maybe make a garden salad. For me, this is the easiest way to go especially since it will be directly following the funeral. I think that 2 6 foot heros (american & Italian) should be sufficient enough

if you need help, let me know, I will be around on Saturday