H1: A Sweet and Savory Treat for Dad: Celebrate Father’s Day with Afternoon Tea
H2: The History of Afternoon Tea
H2: Creating a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Menu
H3: Savory Sandwiches
H3: Scones with Cream and Jam
H3: Sweet Treats
H2: A Guide to Planning a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Party
H3: Set the Scene
H3: Choose the Tea
H3: Invitations and Guests
H3: Table Settings and Decorations
H2: Conclusion
Father’s Day is a special occasion for dads around the world. It’s a day to honor and appreciate all the hard work and love put in by fathers. While there are many ways to celebrate Father’s Day, a timeless tradition is to share a delicious meal together. Afternoon tea is an excellent idea to surprise dad with on Father’s Day. It is a unique and stylish way to celebrate and spoil dad while enjoying a sumptuous spread of savory and sweet delights.
The History of Afternoon Tea
Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, introduced the concept of afternoon tea during the 19th century. She came up with the idea of having tea and light refreshments in the afternoon to stave off the hunger pangs she experienced between lunch and dinner. Anna’s friends were intrigued by the idea, and before long, afternoon tea became a popular social event among the aristocracy. Later, it became a common tradition in England and other parts of the world.
Creating a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Menu
The Father’s Day afternoon tea menu should include a balance of savory and sweet delights. Sandwiches, scones, and other baked treats are some of the most popular foods included in the menu.
Savory Sandwiches
Savory sandwiches are a staple of traditional afternoon tea. Choose fillings dad will love – turkey and mustard, ham and cheese, and egg salad are classic and always a hit. Make the sandwiches bite-sized, crustless, and cut into triangles or squares. Garnishing with fresh herbs and miniature vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices makes them more attractive.
Scones with Cream and Jam
Scones with cream and jam are a quintessential part of any afternoon tea. They are delicious and can serve as a sweet or savory option. Make sure to serve them warm and freshly baked. Scones are often served with clotted cream, which is thick and luxurious and typically available in specialty food stores. Jam can be a simple raspberry or strawberry jam or something more unique like lemon curd or marmalade.
Sweet Treats
Afternoon tea isn’t complete without a selection of sweet treats. There are endless options for sweet treats – but a few classics that dad might appreciate include:
• Macarons – delicate French cookies filled with buttercream or ganache.
• Mini tarts – buttery tart shells filled with a variety of fruit or sweet pastry creams.
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries – have some fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate for a sweet and fruity treat.
A Guide to Planning a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea Party
Set the Scene
The ambiance and setting play an essential role in creating a perfect afternoon tea experience. You don’t need a fancy setting to make it special; even simple and intimate settings look sophisticated. The setting can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the dad’s preferences and weather conditions. Decorate the space with flowers, colorful plates, and tea cups, and arrange them attractively. Use a tablecloth or placemats, add some napkins, and make sure the tea pots look perfect. It’s the small details that make a difference.
Choose the Tea
Choosing the right tea is crucial in creating the perfect afternoon tea party. It’s not just a matter of taste – it’s also about presentation. There are countless varieties of tea flavors, so it can be challenging to know which to choose. Popular tea flavors include English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Green Tea. Black tea is the most common choice for afternoon tea but branching out to herbal or fruit-infused teas might provide options dad might enjoy. Be discerning in tea selection, paying attention to taste, caffeine levels and brewing requirements.
Invitations and Guests
Invitations set the tone for an afternoon tea party. The invitation can be printed, handmade, or an e-card – choose whatever is most convenient. Design the invitations to represent an afternoon tea party and include the date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP info. Make sure to list any food allergies and dietary requirements to ensure everyone is accommodated. The number of guests should consider the capacity and surroundings of the venue, ensuring there’s plenty of space for guests to socialize in comfort.
Table Settings and Decorations
The table setting and decorations should reflect the theme and personality of the party. Emphasize comfort, quality, and visual appeal while choosing table settings and decorations. Table settings should include plates for sandwiches, scones, and sweets, as well as a cup and saucer for tea. Decorate the table with fresh flowers, candles, and consider bunting, balloons, or other decorations to spruce up the space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an afternoon tea party is an excellent way to celebrate Father’s Day and show dad how much he is loved and appreciated. With careful planning, it can be a great way to treat dad and make him feel special. The menu should incorporate sweet and savory delights, and the tea selection should be appropriate for any special preferences. Pay attention to the setting, decorations, and table settings to make the day unforgettable. Celebrate dad this Father’s Day with an afternoon tea; it’s a sweet and savory treat he won’t soon forget.
