Celebrate Dad with a Modern Twist on Afternoon Tea

Father’s Day is coming up soon, and it is time to show your dad how much you love him. Traditional gifts like ties and socks are great, but this year, why not treat him to a special afternoon tea in style?

Afternoon tea has been a cherished English tradition for centuries. It typically includes a cup of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes served on a three-tier platter. The food is usually dainty and delicate, but you can put a modern twist on it and make it more substantial for the man in your life. Here are some ideas to help you create a perfect afternoon tea experience that will make your dad feel like royalty.

Choose a Theme

Create a theme around your dad’s personality, likes, and interest to make the afternoon tea more personal and memorable. If he is a golf enthusiast, decorate your table with little flags and use golf clubs to hold the sandwiches. If he loves sports, use a scoreboard to keep track of the scores, and serve snacks that are commonly eaten while watching games, like chicken wings and nachos.

If he enjoys reading, use a book as the centerpiece and serve sandwiches with literary names like “The Great Gatsby” (smoked salmon and cream cheese), “The Catcher in the Rye” (cheddar cheese and tomato), and “Alice in Wonderland” (lettuce, cucumber, and avocado).

Choose the Right Venue

You can host the afternoon tea at home or at a fancy hotel or restaurant. A private garden or terrace is an excellent option for outdoor lovers, while an art gallery or museum is perfect for a more cultural and sophisticated experience. If you prefer a homely atmosphere, set up a cozy tea table in the living room or even the backyard.

You can also hire a catering service to provide the food, drinks, and decorations for an extraordinary experience that your dad will never forget. Just make sure to reserve the spot in advance, especially during peak holidays.

Select the Best Food and Drinks

Afternoon tea is all about the food, so make sure to choose a variety of tasty treats that your dad will love and that suit the theme you have chosen. You can get as creative as you like and add a modern twist to the classic afternoon tea staples. Here are some ideas for savory and sweet treats to include in your menu:

Savory

• Mini quiches (spinach and feta, bacon and mushroom, etc.)
• Puff pastry bites (cheese and ham, sun-dried tomato and garlic, etc.)
• Cold cuts platter (prosciutto, salami, ham, etc.)
• Warm dips (spinach and artichoke, crab and cream cheese, etc.) served with veggies and crackers
• Sliders (beef, chicken, salmon, or veggie) with gourmet toppings and sauces

Sweet

• Scones (plain, blueberry, raisin, or chocolate) with clotted cream and jam
• Petit fours (bite-sized cakes and tarts with various flavors and decorations)
• Cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, shortbread, etc.) with a twist (bacon and chocolate, lavender and honey, etc.)
• Fruit salad with a Greek yogurt dressing
• Ice cream sundaes with all the toppings (hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, etc.)

For drinks, you can serve tea, coffee, or hot chocolate with various flavors and blends. You can also offer sparkling wine or cider for a festive touch. Make sure to have plenty of water available, especially on hot days.

Set the Scene with the Right Decorations

The decorations are also crucial in creating the perfect ambiance for the afternoon tea. You can use colors, textures, and patterns that reflect your dad’s personality, likes, and interests, like his favorite sports team’s colors or his hobby’s symbols.

Here are some decoration ideas for a modern twist on afternoon tea:

• Use a tablecloth or runner that matches your theme
• Use classy tableware, including teacups, saucers, plates, and silverware
• Use fresh flowers, plants, or herbs for a natural and fragrant touch
• Use candles or lanterns for a cozy and intimate atmosphere
• Use frames or pictures to showcase your family photos and memories
• Use menu cards or labels that describe the dishes and drinks for a professional look

Capture the Moment with Photos

Don’t forget to capture the moment with photos! Take pictures of the table setting, the food and drinks, the decorations, and most importantly, the people. You can hire a professional photographer or use your smartphone camera to take high-quality shots.

You can also create a photo album or a scrapbook to preserve the memories of this special Father’s Day celebration. Add some captions or quotes that express your love and gratitude for your dad and his presence in your life.

Conclusion

Afternoon tea is a lovely way to celebrate Father’s Day with your dad. You can put a modern twist on it by choosing a theme, a venue, the right food and drinks, the right decorations, and taking photos to capture the moment. Make it special and personal, and your dad will feel loved, cherished, and honored.

Remember that the most important thing is to spend quality time with your dad, to express your appreciation and gratitude, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!