As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to show the man in your life just how much you appreciate him. One way to do this is by hosting a special Father’s Day afternoon tea that he won’t forget.
Afternoon tea is a British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. Typically, it includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and sweet treats like cakes and pastries. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxed afternoon with friends and family, while enjoying delicious food and conversation. And what better time to do it than on Father’s Day?
Here’s how to plan a special Father’s Day afternoon tea that your dad will love.
Choose the Perfect Location
The first step in planning your Father’s Day afternoon tea is to choose the perfect location. You can have it at home, in your garden, or in a special venue. If you’re having it at home, make sure you have enough space for your guests and that the area is clean and tidy. If you’re hosting it in your garden, set up a table and chairs, and add some decorations to create a festive atmosphere. If you’re planning to book a venue, make sure to do it well in advance, so you have enough time to make any necessary arrangements.
Plan Your Menu
Next, it’s time to plan your menu. Start with a selection of finger sandwiches, including classic fillings like egg and cress, cucumber and cream cheese, and smoked salmon. You can also add some more unusual fillings, like roast beef and horseradish, or brie and cranberry.
Scones are a staple of any afternoon tea, so make sure to include them on your menu. Serve them with jam and clotted cream, and don’t forget to warm them up before serving.
Sweet treats are also an essential part of an afternoon tea. You can choose from a variety of sweet treats, including cakes, pastries, and biscuits. For Father’s Day, consider baking a cake or some biscuits yourself, or ordering some special treats from a local bakery.
You can also serve some savoury treats, like mini quiches or sausage rolls, to balance out the sweet treats.
Choose Your Drinks
No afternoon tea is complete without a selection of drinks. Tea is the most traditional choice, and you can offer a variety of blends, including black teas, green teas, and herbal teas. Don’t forget to serve the tea with milk and sugar, and offer lemon slices as an optional extra.
For something a little stronger, consider serving some cocktails or mocktails. You could try a classic gin and tonic, or a refreshing mojito. If you’re opting for mocktails, try a citrusy lemon and lime spritz or a fruity strawberry and basil take.
Create a Theme
To make your Father’s Day afternoon tea even more special, consider creating a theme. You could go for a vintage theme, with vintage tea cups and saucers, bunting, and old-fashioned music playing in the background. You could also go for a sports theme, with decorations and sweet treats inspired by your dad’s favourite team.
Get Creative With the Decorations
The decorations are an important part of any afternoon tea, and there are many ways to get creative with them. You can use flowers, bunting, and tablecloths to create a pretty and festive atmosphere. Try adding some themed decorations, like football or golf-themed decorations or a personalised banner for your dad.
Personalize Your Gift Giving
Every dad loves a thoughtful gift, and Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your dad how much you care. Alongside the afternoon tea, why not plan in some personalised presents for him? A photo album filled with your favourite memories together or vouchers for his favourite activities can make for much more meaningful gifts. Or, if you want to keep it simple, homemade cards or personalized items, such as a mug with his name engraved on it, can be the perfect way to show your dad some extra love.
Make Time for Memories
Finally, remember that the most important part of any Father’s Day celebration is spending time with the people you love. Make sure to set aside some time for memories; chatting, laughter, and time with family members you may not have seen in a while. It’s those moments that will make for the most special memories for your dad long after Father’s Day is over.
In conclusion, hosting a special Father’s Day afternoon tea is a wonderful way to show your dad how much you love and appreciate him. From choosing the perfect location and planning the menu to getting creative with the decorations and personalised gifts, there are many ways to make your Father’s Day afternoon tea unique and special. Most important, it’s the time spent together, and the memories you create, that will make your Father’s Day celebration unforgettable.
