Celebration of Life and Memorial at MILA

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.

MILA Celebration of Life Services

MILA By The White Apron — located at One Franklin Street in historic downtown Exeter, NH — offers families a warm, dignified space to gather, remember, and honor a loved one’s life. Every element of the venue is designed to reduce your planning burden while elevating the experience for guests.

MILA accommodates intimate family gatherings and larger receptions of up to 120 guests seated or 200 guests cocktail-style. The venue includes a main dining room with natural light, a covered outdoor terrace and patio, and a comfortable lounge — giving families the flexibility to hold multiple activities in distinct, purposeful spaces throughout the event.

Food — provided exclusively by The White Apron — is prepared fresh on-site by Executive Chef Cameron Heins and Pastry Chef Devon Loader. Families choose from plated dinners, family-style service, buffet presentations, or cocktail receptions. Menus are fully customizable, including your loved one's favorite dishes or cultural specialties that carry personal meaning.

Co-Owner Liz Curcio and Director of Sales Alice Palmer guide families through every planning step — without pressure, without confusion. Their team has coordinated countless memorial events and understands that the details matter deeply when time is tender.

MILA supports music selections through its SONOS system, memory and photo displays, cultural and religious traditions, floral and décor customization through trusted vendor partners, and multilingual planning support in English and Spanish. No two celebrations of life look the same here — and that is the point.

MILA sits in the heart of the Seacoast region, easily reachable from Portsmouth, Hampton, Newmarket, and surrounding communities — and just one hour from both Boston, MA and Portland, ME. Wheelchair access is available throughout all spaces, and ample free parking is available on-site and nearby.

Why Choose MILA?

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.

Love Notes & Reviews

"A Hidden Gem of Taste & Hospitality."

"Mila is such a wonderful space. Liz & Jay, their family, and their staff, have put so much thought & heart into making this a warm and welcoming intimate venue in the heart of downtown Exeter. From the thoughtful design and presentation to the incredible flavors of the food and drinks, every detail was intentional and backed by talent and taste. Highly recommend their tasting menu series!

Jessica Rigordaeva via Google Reviews

"Where Every Moment Feels Exceptional"

"Our evening spent at Mila was incredible. The atmosphere and service were beyond stellar but the Food was Exceptional. I hope for an opportunity to return one day and experience it all over again."

Christina Carolan via Google Reviews