Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity to make your dad feel loved and appreciated. Whether your father is a tea enthusiast or simply enjoys the finer things in life, an elegant afternoon tea spread is a great way to celebrate the occasion.
In this article, we’ll help you create a memorable and delicious Father’s Day spread that your dad will love. From sandwiches and scones to tea and desserts, we’ve got everything covered.
The Essentials for an Afternoon Tea Spread
Before we dive into the specifics of what you can serve, let’s take a look at the essential elements of an afternoon tea spread:
1. Tea: The star of the show, of course, is tea. You can opt for classic black teas or introduce your dad to something new like green or herbal tea.
2. Sandwiches: Traditional tea sandwiches are crustless and cut into small, bite-sized portions. Choose from classic options like cucumber and cream cheese or get creative with roast beef or smoked salmon.
3. Scones: A tea spread wouldn’t be complete without scones. Serve them plain or with jam and clotted cream.
4. Desserts: From mini cakes to macarons, choose sweet treats that complement your tea selections.
With these four essentials in mind, let’s start planning your Father’s Day tea party!
The Tea
The tea you serve will set the tone for the entire event. Consider your dad’s tastes and try to choose a tea that he’ll enjoy. You can even introduce him to something new. Some popular options for an afternoon tea include Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Assam, Darjeeling, and green tea.
If you want to go the extra mile, invest in some loose-leaf tea and serve it in a traditional teapot. Make sure to include extra hot water, lemon, and milk on the side.
The Sandwiches
When it comes to sandwiches for a tea party, less is more. Stick to classic, simple flavors that highlight the bread and filling. Here are some classic sandwich recipes that are perfect for Father’s Day:
1. Cucumber and cream cheese: Thinly sliced cucumber and herbed cream cheese on white bread.
2. Egg salad: Chopped hard-boiled eggs mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and salt and pepper.
3. Ham and cheese: Thinly sliced ham and swiss cheese on a buttered baguette.
4. Roast beef and horseradish: Rare roast beef, horseradish sauce, and arugula on a crusty roll.
5. Smoked salmon and cream cheese: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers on a toasted bagel.
Make sure to cut the sandwiches into bite-sized pieces. You can even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
The Scones
Scones are a must-have for any tea party. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your dad’s favorite flavors. Here’s a classic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
6. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes or until the dough comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick round and cut into 8 wedges.
8. Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
The Desserts
When it comes to desserts for Father’s Day tea party, it’s all about mini portions and dainty presentation. Here are some classic desserts to consider:
1. Mini cupcakes: Choose your dad’s favorite flavor and decorate with buttercream frosting and sprinkles.
2. Petit fours: These bite-sized cakes are perfect for a tea party. Choose a variety of flavors and colors to make them visually appealing.
3. Macarons: These delicate French cookies are a great way to add some elegance to your tea spread.
4. Chocolate-covered strawberries: Simple, elegant, and delicious. Dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate and let cool on wax paper before serving.
Final Thoughts
An elegant Father’s Day tea party is a great way to celebrate the occasion while enjoying delicious food and quality time with your dad. Whether you take the traditional route or get creative with your menu, make sure to focus on the essential elements of an afternoon tea spread: tea, sandwiches, scones, and desserts. With some planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience that your dad will cherish for years to come.
