I'm changing the subject from the food to etiquette after funerals in
general. Thankfully I'm not asking for any specific moment in the near
future, but this is something I've been wondering about. Is there any
way NOT to have a bunch of people over after a funeral? My parents
(both in pretty good health but still in their 80s) are well-known and
well-loved in their community. They have LOTS of friends. I'm far more
private and better in small groups. I'm capable of engaging in small
talk and handling big parties, but I don't love it. So I can imagine
this scene: After the funeral, all of my parents' friends decide to
come back over to the house to comfort me. They all mean well and
politely bring food. Except I don't want them there! I don't see how
to keep people away from the funeral of their old friend, but I don't
see why I should have to be social and displaying public grief at
exactly the moment I don't want to. Insight and advice from people who
have been there, please.


--Lia