Celebration of Life

Losing someone you love is hard enough. Finding the right place to honor their memory should not be. MILA By The White Apron, located at One Franklin Street in historic downtown Exeter, NH, offers families a warm, elegant, and fully supported space for celebrations of life and funeral receptions throughout the Seacoast region. With flexible event spaces accommodating up to 200 guests, in-house catering by The White Apron, and a compassionate planning team, MILA handles every detail so your family can focus on what matters most — being together.

Customizable menus, personalized décor, and flexible floorplans ensure every gathering truly reflects your loved one. Accessible from Portsmouth, Hampton, and beyond, and just one hour from Boston and Portland, MILA is the Seacoast’s most trusted choice for meaningful, dignified memorial events.

What We Offer

A funeral reception is not just a gathering — it is the moment families and friends exhale together, share stories, and begin to heal. MILA By The White Apron provides exactly the kind of space and support that makes that possible.

Accommodating groups up to 200, MILA's interiors are warm, modern and elegantly understated — nothing institutional, nothing cold. Natural light fills the main dining room. The lounge invites quiet conversation. The terrace offers fresh air and a moment of stillness. Together, these spaces give guests room to grieve, connect, and remember — naturally and without constraint.

The White Apron has served the Seacoast region since 2004 with one consistent standard: great food, every time. For a funeral reception, that means comfort on a plate. Executive Chef Cameron Heins crafts fresh, seasonal menus that can include your loved one's favorite dishes, family recipes, or cultural specialties. Pastry Chef Devon Loader adds thoughtful, handcrafted desserts that bring a quiet moment of sweetness to a difficult day. Every dish is prepared in-house — no outside caterers, no coordination gaps.

Families searching for funeral reception halls often face the stress of managing multiple vendors across an already painful time. MILA removes that burden entirely. The venue, catering, staffing, audio-visual setup, house linens, and event coordination are all handled in one place, by one experienced team. You make the decisions that matter — MILA handles the rest.

No two families grieve the same way, and no two receptions should look the same either. MILA supports:
- Seated plated dinners for a formal, sit-down gathering
- Buffet or family-style service for a relaxed, open atmosphere
- Cocktail-style receptions for mingling and memory-sharing
- Smaller, intimate gatherings or larger receptions up to 200 guests

Director of Sales Alice Palmer and Co-Owner Liz Curcio approach every funeral reception with sensitivity and genuine care. They listen first. They guide without pressure. They ensure the day runs smoothly so your family can be fully present — not managing logistics.

Situated at One Franklin Street in downtown Exeter, MILA is easily accessible from Portsmouth, Hampton, Newmarket, and across the Seacoast region — and just one hour from Boston, MA and Portland, ME. Free onsite parking and full wheelchair accessibility mean every guest arrives without added stress.

Get In Touch

Let's Create Something Extraordinary

Ready to elevate your next event? Reach out to discuss your vision and let us craft an unforgettable culinary experience.

Phone

603-617-3555

EMAIL

info@thewhiteapron.com

LOCATION

1 Washington Place, Suite 1124, Dover NH 03820.