H1: CUP OF LOVE: CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY WITH AN AFTERNOON TEA
H2: THE ORIGINS OF AFTERNOON TEA
H2: WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN AFTERNOON TEA
H2: CREATING THE PERFECT FATHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA
H3: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEA
H3: MENU PLANNING
H3: TABLE SETTINGS
H3: PERSONAL TOUCHES
H2: FINAL THOUGHTS
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we all want to make sure that the special men in our lives are celebrated and appreciated for all they do. Of course, there’s more than one way to celebrate Father’s Day. If the men in your life appreciate a touch of elegance, consider throwing them an afternoon tea. An afternoon tea may seem more suited for Mother’s Day, but the tradition has expanded and is now a popular way to celebrate any special occasion.
THE ORIGINS OF AFTERNOON TEA
Afternoon tea has its roots in England, where it was created as a way to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner. The custom was started in the 1840s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She decided to have a light meal in the mid-afternoon to combat the “sinking feeling” she experienced during the long gap between lunch and dinner. Invitees to the duchess’s afternoon tea parties included the socialite, who then spread the custom amongst their own high society circles.
The original afternoon tea was served with tea, sandwiches, and cakes. It was a time for society women to gossip and catch up with each other, as well as to show off their best tableware and clothes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AN AFTERNOON TEA
An afternoon tea experience is all about spending quality time with your loved ones while sipping on a cup of tea and enjoying delectable bites. A typical afternoon tea offering includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, a variety of sweet pastries, and of course, tea. A high tea may offer a few more savory items to balance out the sweetness of the desserts.
Traditionally, it was served in a formal setting, with guests dressed in their best attire and sitting around a beautifully laid out table with a linen tablecloth, fine china, and silverware. But, nowadays, afternoon tea can be enjoyed in a more relaxed atmosphere, such as a garden party or a picnic. The setting can be as formal or informal as you want to make it.
CREATING THE PERFECT FATHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA
Now that you understand the basics of an afternoon tea, you can begin planning the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea. The key is to focus on creating an atmosphere that is relaxing, enjoyable, and comfortable for both you and your guests.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEA
The choice of tea is the most crucial aspect of an afternoon tea. Tea comes in different hues, aromas, and flavors to match every guest’s taste buds. If your father is a tea enthusiast, do your research to find the perfect blend for him. The best options for an afternoon tea include black teas such as Earl Grey, Assam, and Darjeeling. However, if your dad isn’t a big tea fan, you can always offer him some coffee or other non-alcoholic beverages.
MENU PLANNING
When it comes to menu planning, the traditional finger sandwiches are a must. Think cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, and egg mayo. Include some heartier options too such as ham and cheese or roast beef and horseradish to balance out the sweetness.
For dessert, opt for bite-sized treats such as macarons, shortbread, tiny cupcakes or mini éclairs. Make sure to include scones as they are an essential part of any afternoon tea spread. You can’t go wrong with traditional plain scones served with jam and cream.
TABLE SETTINGS
Table settings play a significant role in creating a memorable occasion. Treat your Father’s Day afternoon tea as a special event and focus on decorating the table with seasonal flowers, candles or lanterns to create a cozy and warm atmosphere. For an afternoon tea, it’s best to use cloth napkins and tablecloths. If you don’t own a tablecloth, the pale pink or cream-colored linen will work well.
PERSONAL TOUCHES
The simplest way to personalize your Father’s Day afternoon tea is to add in some thoughtful touches. For example, a homemade card, a tray of his favorite sweets, a special teacup or china plate for him to use could all work well. Ask the kids to contribute their handmade cards or crafts.
FINAL THOUGHTS
An afternoon tea is a timeless tradition that provides a stylish setting to spend quality time with your loved ones. Hosting a Father’s Day afternoon tea is a perfect way to show them how much you appreciate them. Make the occasion as comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable as possible by providing quality tea, delicious food, and a personalized touch. Most importantly, have fun and cherish the moments spent together. Happy Father’s Day!
In conclusion, planning a Father’s Day afternoon tea can be a lot of fun. It’s an elegant yet straightforward way to enjoy delicious food and quality time with family while celebrating Dad. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a warm and welcoming venue for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and make it a day to remember!
