Heading 1: Spoil Dad This Father’s Day with a Delicious Afternoon Tea Spread
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious afternoon tea spread? Whether your dad prefers sweet or savoury treats, there’s no denying that an indulgent array of food and drink will make for a truly memorable Father’s Day.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for planning and executing a delicious afternoon tea spread to spoil your dad on his special day.
Heading 2: Start with the Basics
The first step in planning an afternoon tea is to decide on the basics – the sandwich fillings, scones and drinks. You can’t go wrong with classic sandwich fillings such as egg and cress, ham and mustard or cucumber and cream cheese.
For scones, you have a choice between plain or fruit scones. Pair them with clotted cream and jam to make them extra delicious. As for drinks, tea is a non-negotiable. Choose a classic English breakfast tea or if your dad prefers something a little different, try a flavoured tea such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling.
Heading 2: Add Some Sweet Treats
No afternoon tea is complete without a selection of sweet treats. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Chocolate Brownies: Deliciously rich and indulgent, chocolate brownies are always a hit. You can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
2. Mini Lemon Meringue Pies: Light and tangy, lemon meringue pies are the perfect addition to any afternoon tea spread. Make mini versions by using a muffin tin to bake individual pie crusts.
3. Victoria Sponge Cake: A classic British cake, Victoria sponge is a must-have for any afternoon tea. Fill it with whipped cream and strawberry jam for a traditional twist.
4. Macarons: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making some macarons. These delicate French treats are sure to impress your dad and add a touch of elegance to your spread.
Heading 2: Savoury Treats
While sweet treats are a must-have, it’s also important to include some savoury options in your afternoon tea spread. Here are a few ideas:
1. Mini Quiches: Whisk up some eggs, cream and your choice of filling (such as spinach and feta or bacon and mushroom), pour into mini pastry cases and bake in the oven for a delicious savoury treat.
2. Sausage Rolls: A British classic, sausage rolls are always a hit. Make your own by wrapping puff pastry around seasoned sausage meat, brush with egg and bake in the oven.
3. Cheese Board: No afternoon tea is complete without a cheese board. Choose a selection of cheeses (such as cheddar, brie and blue cheese) and serve with crackers, grapes and chutney.
Heading 2: Presentation
Once you’ve decided on your menu, it’s time to think about presentation. After all, we eat with our eyes first. Here are some tips for presenting your Father’s Day afternoon tea spread:
1. Choose a Theme: Whether it’s a traditional English tea or a more modern affair, choose a theme for your spread and stick to it. This will help tie everything together and give your spread a cohesive look.
2. Use Tiered Cake Stands: Tiered cake stands are a great way to add height to your spread and make it look more impressive. Use one for your sandwiches and savoury treats, and another for your sweet treats.
3. Get Creative with Table Decorations: Add some extra touches to your table such as fresh flowers, candles or even a personalised tablecloth.
Heading 2: Serving
When it comes to serving an afternoon tea, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:
1. Time it Right: Afternoon tea traditionally takes place between 3pm and 5pm, so aim to serve your spread during this time.
2. Serve Freshly Brewed Tea: Make sure to brew a fresh pot of tea just before serving. Warm the teapot first with hot water, add your tea leaves and then pour over boiling water. Leave to brew for 3-5 minutes before straining and serving.
3. Serve Everything Room Temperature: Unlike a hot meal, afternoon tea should be served at room temperature. This means you can prepare everything in advance and simply lay it out when it’s time to serve.
Heading 2: Wrapping Up
In conclusion, an afternoon tea spread is the perfect way to spoil your dad this Father’s Day. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a delicious and indulgent spread that he’ll love. Remember to choose a theme, present your food creatively and serve everything at room temperature. Happy Father’s Day!
