If you are planning to prepare a sympathy meal for a friend or a loved one after a funeral or cremation service, we've got some tips to keep in mind. Read on! When preparing a sympathy meal for a friend or loved one after a loss, there are some important things that youll want to keep in mind. Preparing a sympathy meal is a great way for people to express their condolences and also show their support for the bereaved as well. Typically, when people are going through grief, simple things, and tasks, such as eating, can often be neglected, so cooking a sympathy meal is a great way to show that you truly care! Come learn more about why our cremation services in Isle of Wight County, VA are so talked about and sought after! We are always happy to assist in any way that we can. Dietary Restrictions Before getting ready to cook your sympathy meal youll want to learn about any and all dietary restrictions of the family. If you are concerned about bothering them while they are mourning, we suggest reaching out to a close friend or family member to ask about any food allergies or things to avoid. Making sure of any foods to avoid ahead of time can save you a lot of time in the future as we dont want to have to recook an entire meal because weve incorporated a forbidden item or ingredient in the dish. Reheating/Cold We recommend opting for dishes that can either be reheated with ease or are able to be served cold. Doing so will make it easier for the family to feed themselves in the least inconvenient way possible. While it could be fun and exciting to cook an in-depth and fancy meal, if the reheating instructions require too much work or effort, it is likely that the family will neglect it as they are busy grieving. So, we suggest playing it safe with simple, nutritious, and filling dishes that the family can prepare for themselves without any hassle. Some examples of things you could offer for a large family include pasta dishes, sandwiches, vegetable or fruit platters, and meats and cheeses. Child-Friendly Items Including child-friendly items in your sympathy meals is a good idea because it shows that you have not overlooked any member of the family who may also be grieving or struggling. Additionally, it should never be assumed that all adults like or enjoy the same foods. Sometimes including child-friendly items can work for everyone, especially people who classify themselves as picky eaters. Some food items you could consider including can be things like mac n cheese, chicken tenders, spaghetti, pizza, and others. Brings Basics Chances are very likely that you will not be the only one planning on cooking a meal for the bereaved family. If you know that others are planning on whipping up a big meal, then bringing basics along such as pantry items like chips, granola bars, cereals, bagels, muffins, chips, and crackers are all good things to consider. Communicate With the Family Its always a good idea to let the family know ahead of time that you plan on stopping by to drop off some things. While it could be a nice idea to surprise them, it is very unlikely that theyll be up for any type of surprise anyway. Call us to learn more about our cremation services in Isle of Wight County, VA!