Introduction:
Father’s Day is around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the dads in our lives in style. A leisurely afternoon tea is a perfect way to pamper your father. Afternoon tea is a delightful ritual that is enjoyed by many in the UK and around the world, and there’s no reason why it can’t be elevated for the occasion. In this article, we’ll explore some ideas for Father’s Day afternoon tea that will make your gathering extra special.
Heading 1: Traditional Afternoon Tea with Dad
A traditional afternoon tea is a great way to celebrate Father’s Day. The spread typically includes a combination of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, all served with tea or coffee. You can opt for classic fillings such as egg and cress, cucumber and smoked salmon for the sandwiches, and top them off with a selection of miniature cakes and tarts.
You could also personalise the menu by including your dad’s favourite treats. If he loves cheese, you could opt for miniature quiches or savoury tarts filled with different types of cheese. If he has a sweet tooth, you could include a selection of his favourite pastries like croissants or pain au chocolat filled with cream.
When it comes to tea, there are endless options available, from classic English Breakfast to fruity infusions and black teas. You could even include some refreshing iced tea options for a summer-themed twist.
Heading 2: Beer & Snacks Afternoon Tea
If your dad is more of a beer fan, why not switch it up and host a beer and snacks afternoon tea for Father’s Day? This kind of set-up allows you to experiment with a range of different beers and snack options, perfect for those who want to indulge in savoury treats.
When it comes to snacks, you could serve artisanal cheeses and meats that complement the beer of choice. Accompany the meats with mustards and pickles, and serve up slices of rustic bread for the perfect beer accompaniment.
If the weather is warm, you could even fire up the BBQ and make some grilled meats and vegetables that pair perfectly with different beers. This type of tea is a great way to add some fun to the celebratory gathering, and it’s a unique alternative to the traditional, sweet options.
Heading 3: Whiskey and Cheese Afternoon Tea
For the dads who enjoy a good whiskey, why not create a themed afternoon tea with his favourite liquor and cheese pairings? The spread should include three different types of whiskey, paired with five different types of cheese and some crackers and bread. The goal is to have the guests savour each cheese and whiskey combination, and discuss their tastes.
You could opt for aged cheddar and smoked gouda, and pair them with a smoky yet smooth Scotch whiskey or even a smoky bourbon. For milder cheeses like brie, camembert and goats cheese, a lighter whiskey such as an Irish whiskey or a Japanese variety would be perfect. The key is to find cheese and whiskey combinations that complement each other in flavour, texture and depth.
This type of afternoon tea is ideal for fathers who love savoury and smoky notes in their food, and it’s a perfect way to celebrate Father’s day in style.
Heading 4: Movie Themed Afternoon Tea
If your dad is a movie-buff, a movie-themed afternoon tea could be a quirky and fun way to celebrate Father’s day. The tea could be based on his favourite movie or even a series, and the snacks could revolve around themes from the movie.
For example, if your dad loves the classic James Bond films, you could include martini glasses filled with tea-based shaken-not-stirred martinis. You could also create a menu inspired by the different Bond villains, such as a mini quiche filled with salmon, egg and spinach, which would be perfect as a nod to Dr No, or chocolate and hazelnut muffins for a GoldenEye reference.
If your dad is a fan of Star Wars, create a tea time spread fit for an Empire! You could serve some classic British sandwich fillings like coronation chicken or ham and English mustard, pair it with themed snacks like space cookies in the shape of the Millennium Falcon, and garnish the food with Darth Vader salt and pepper shakers.
The ideas are endless, and it’s the perfect afternoon tea theme for the dad who loves creative and playful pop culture references.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Father’s day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our dads and make them feel special, and afternoon tea is an excellent way to do that. Whether your father is a whiskey connoisseur, a beer lover or has a sweet tooth, there is a tea-time theme to suit his taste. Afternoon tea at home is relatively easy to set up, and by adding a bit of creativity with personalised themes and fun food options, you can make this Father’s day get-together truly memorable. So, why not give it a try?
