A Father’s Day Treat: Hosting a Special Afternoon Tea for Dad

Introduction

Father’s Day is a special day that is celebrated all over the world to honor fathers, grandfathers, and father figures. The occasion gives us the opportunity to show our dads how much we love and appreciate them. There are many ways to celebrate Father’s Day, such as giving them gifts, taking them out for dinner or organizing a special event for them. One unique way to celebrate Father’s Day is by hosting a special afternoon tea for your dad. In this article, we will take you through some tips on how to host the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea.

Why an Afternoon Tea?

Traditionally, afternoon tea was a time for relaxation, socializing, and indulging in finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones. This is still true today, but it has evolved to include a wider range of food and beverages.

Hosting an afternoon tea for your dad is a great way to spend time together and show him how much he means to you. You could invite other family members or close friends, or it could be a more intimate affair for just you and your dad. It’s a chance to enjoy some delicious food, try new teas, and create lasting memories.

Planning

The success of any event depends on good planning, and an afternoon tea is no exception. Here are some steps to follow when planning your Father’s Day afternoon tea:

Set the Date and Time

The first step in planning your Father’s Day afternoon tea is deciding on a date and time. Consider factors such as your dad’s schedule, invitees’ availability, and any other commitments you may have. An afternoon tea is typically held between 2 pm and 5 pm, so choose a time that suits everyone.

Guest List

The next step is to create a guest list. Decide whether you want it to be a small and intimate affair or an elaborate event. Consider your dad’s preferences and invite people that he would enjoy having around.

Invitations

Once you have your guest list, it’s time to send out invitations. You could send traditional paper invitations, or even email the invites if you prefer. Be sure to include all the relevant details, including the date, time, and location. You could also include a brief outline of the event, such as the dress code or any specific requests.

Menu

Afternoon tea is all about the food, so you’ll want to create a menu that is both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some ideas for a Father’s Day afternoon tea:

Savoury

• Finger sandwiches – these could include classic favorites like cucumber or egg and cress, or more unusual options like smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Quiches or savory tarts – with flavors like cheese and onion, spinach and feta, or bacon and mushroom
• Mini sausage rolls or pies – always a crowd-pleaser

Sweet

• Scones with jam and clotted cream – a quintessential afternoon tea treat
• Cakes and tarts – choose from a selection of mini fruit tarts, chocolate brownies or other sweet treats that your dad enjoys
• Fruit – serve a fresh fruit platter or fruit skewers for a healthier snack option

Tea selection

Finally, choose a selection of teas to serve. You could go for classic black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast, or try more unusual flavors like rose petal or green tea with mint. You could also serve coffee or hot chocolate for non-tea drinkers.

Decorations and Ambiance

To set the mood for your Father’s Day afternoon tea, pay attention to the decorations and ambiance. Choose a theme that suits your dad’s personality or interests. You could go for a traditional English tea party theme, or a more modern, eco-friendly theme. Decorate the table with simple floral centerpieces or use themed tableware, such as football-themed cups and saucers if your dad is a fan. Play some relaxing background music, and you could even dim the lights to create a cozy atmosphere.

Activities

Afternoon tea doesn’t necessarily require any planned activities, but you could include some simple games or provide photo props to create a fun and memorable experience. You could even create a photo booth and encourage guests to take fun pictures. This provides a great opportunity to create a lasting memory of your Father’s Day celebration.

Conclusion

Hosting a Father’s Day afternoon tea is a unique and memorable way to honor your dad and show him how much you care. By taking the time to plan and prepare a delicious and visually appealing menu, you’ll create an unforgettable experience for your dad. Remember to pay attention to the decorations and ambiance, and don’t forget to enjoy the experience yourself. Happy Father’s Day!