Heading 1: Spoil Dad with an Afternoon Tea Feast This Father’s Day
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with an afternoon tea feast? After all, dads deserve a special treat and a break from their regular routine. With the pandemic forcing us to stay indoors more than ever, it’s the perfect time to create an indulgent afternoon tea feast for your dad in the comfort of your home. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare and host an unforgettable afternoon tea for your dad on Father’s Day.
Heading 2: Choose the Right Menu
The first step to planning an afternoon tea feast is choosing the right menu. Consider your dad’s tastes and preferences while planning the menu. It’s essential to create a perfect balance of savory items, sweet treats, and beverages. Here are a few menu ideas to get you started:
Savory items:
– Finger sandwiches (ham and cheese, cucumber, chicken salad or egg salad)
– Cheese and crackers
– Scones with butter and jam
– Mini quiches
– Crudités with dips
Sweet items:
– Assorted mini cakes (carrot cake, chocolate cake, red velvet cake)
– Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam
– Macarons
– Chocolate truffles
– Fruit tarts
Beverages:
– Traditional English tea
– Herbal teas
– Coffee
– Champagne or prosecco
Heading 2: Prepare the Food
Preparing the food for an afternoon tea feast can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Begin by baking or buying the sweet treats and savory items a day or two before Father’s Day. You can also make sandwiches in the morning and keep them in the fridge until the afternoon.
If you plan on making scones, start by making the dough a day before, so it has enough time to rest overnight. On the day of the event, cut out the scones, brush them with some egg wash, and bake them fresh. Make sure you have all the ingredients for the dips and sauces ready beforehand, so you can quickly assemble them at the last minute.
Heading 3: Presentation is Key
Presentation is key when it comes to an afternoon tea feast. It’s essential to create an aesthetically pleasing layout that’s both elegant and appetizing. Begin by setting up a table in a bright and airy location with a beautiful tablecloth, and if possible, a vase of fresh flowers. Arrange the savory items on the bottom tier of a three-tiered cake stand and the sweet treats on the top tier. The sandwich fillings should be visible, and the bread should be evenly cut and perfectly shaped. Add some cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and apple slices to create a colorful and vibrant feel.
Always serve scones warm, and make sure the clotted cream and strawberry jam are served separately. Arrange the coffee and tea cups, saucers, and teaspoons neatly beside the plates. Make sure to use fine china tea cups and saucers to add an elegant touch to the occasion. Finally, place a bottle of champagne or prosecco in a chiller, so it’s ready to be popped open when the occasion calls for it.
Heading 3: Don’t Forget the Little Details
Apart from the food and presentation, the little details can make all the difference. A few things to keep in mind include:
– Have a playlist of calming music ready to play in the background.
– Use fresh linen napkins, and make sure they match the tablecloth.
– Keep the ambiance relaxed and cordial to help your dad feel relaxed and comfortable.
– Use fresh flowers for the centerpiece, and make sure they complement the table setting.
– Have small place cards that indicate what each item is to make it easy for guests to locate and serve themselves.
– Have a variety of tea options with teabags or loose teas in tea infusers for those who prefer them.
– Ensure there is enough cutlery, crockery and glassware for the people attending.
Heading 4: Invite the Right People
Inviting the right people is crucial for a successful afternoon tea feast. Make sure to invite your dad’s close family members, friends, or colleagues who he gets along with well. If you have any family members who live far away, a surprise video call during the event would be an excellent way to include them. Alternatively, you can send them a sweet treat hamper to enjoy so that they, too, can participate.
Heading 5: Be Safe
While hosting an afternoon tea feast for your dad, it’s crucial to prioritize everyone’s safety, particularly in times of pandemic. Ensure that you limit those attending to comply with government restrictions. Wear a mask when not consuming food or drink and make sure to sanitise your hands and surfaces frequently.
Conclusion
An afternoon tea feast is the perfect way to celebrate your dad on Father’s Day, and with a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable event that he will cherish for years to come. Pay attention to the little details, invite the right guests, and prioritize everyone’s safety during the event. Lastly, don’t forget to take lots of pictures, so you have memories that you can look back on for years to come. Happy Father’s Day!
