Raise a Cup to Dad: Hosting a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea
Introduction
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s an excellent time to show your dad how much you appreciate him. Most people assume that Mother’s Day is the only time when an afternoon tea is an appropriate way to celebrate a parent. However, hosting an afternoon tea for Father’s Day is the perfect way to treat your dad and show you care.
What is an Afternoon Tea?
Before we jump into hosting tips, it’s essential to understand what afternoon tea is. An afternoon tea is a relaxed, casual encounter with a cup of tea and small bites of sweet and savory snacks. Traditional afternoon tea typically includes scones, clotted cream, and jam, as well as delicate sandwiches with cucumber, salmon, cheese, or egg salad. Guests usually get to choose from an extensive selection of tea, hot chocolate, or coffee.
The Guest List and Invitations
Start by deciding whom you would like to invite to your dad’s afternoon tea party. Some people prefer an intimate gathering with family only, while others prefer a larger crowd. The guest list depends on your dad’s preference and your budget.
Once you have the guest list, prepare the invitation. A simple email invite or message will suffice, or you can get creative and have fun with the invitation. For instance, you can create a DIY invite on your computer, or put together a small care package with the invitation enclosed, including tea bags, a scone, and a personalized note.
The Décor and Set-Up
A beautiful afternoon tea will require a little bit of planning and effort. You want to create a welcoming atmosphere that will let your dad and guests know that you went the extra mile. You don’t have to be a professional decorator to create a modern and elegant atmosphere.
Set-up a tea table in the garden, living room, or terrace. Decide on a theme that will make the experience more fun and engaging. You can go for a classic British afternoon tea ambiance, or you can explore different themes like a Hawaiian afternoon tea party or an Alice In Wonderland tea party.
Invest in some good quality table linens and matching napkins. Choose floral arrangements that complement the table setting. Decorate with tea cups, saucers, and teapots, and if you like, you can add some confetti and balloons.
The Menu
Now comes the fun part – choosing the menu for the afternoon tea. Depending on your budget, you can hire a caterer, or you can do it yourself at home. Decide on the three central elements of any afternoon tea: tea (or coffee, or hot chocolate), finger sandwiches, and scones.
There are plenty of recipes for sandwiches and scones that you can try. However, we recommend sticking to classic flavors that everyone will enjoy. Salmon, turkey, or egg salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, and hearty scones are always a good option. For the fillings, consider what your dad loves – perhaps his favorite flavors can inspire your choices.
When it comes to choosing an afternoon tea menu, there are no hard and fast rules. You might want to try out unique flavors in your sandwiches and scones, making the menu different from what you have had before. If you have a specific theme, you can incorporate it into your menu by using unique Moroccan or Indian flavors. Remember, the focus should be on the quality of taste and presentation.
The Tea Selection
The tea selection is by far the most important aspect of an afternoon tea party. Offering a wide selection of teas will ensure that everyone feels pampered and relaxed. Consider which teas are available in your area; you can visit a tea store or online vendor. You should consider the flavors of the tea, such as Roobois, Assam, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Green Tea. If you’re on a budget, you can find good quality teas at affordable prices from local supermarkets without compromising on taste.
Preparation
Once you have your guest list and selected the menu and tea, you must prepare the food and drinks for the afternoon tea party. Make sure that you bake your scones and sandwiches a few hours before the event, so they are fresh and tasty. Chill your drinks, and have ice ready for those who prefer iced tea or cold drinks.
Don’t forget about your dad! Check in with him beforehand to make sure things are okay with his schedule on the day and let him know you’re planning a surprise for him. That way, he’ll arrive expecting the celebration, instead of feeling like he’s walked into it unprepared.
Conclusion
Hosting an afternoon tea for your dad is a commendable way to show him that you care. You don’t have to spend a fortune or hire a professional caterer to organize an unforgettable afternoon tea. Choose a guest list, a theme, menu, tea, and table décor that your dad will appreciate, and get started with the preparations.
Don’t forget to have fun with it, and enjoy the experience along with your dad! A Father’s Day afternoon tea is a perfect way to spend quality time together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
