Spoiling Dad with an Afternoon Tea: Ideas and Recipes for a Memorable Father’s Day

As Father’s Day approaches, many of us are looking for meaningful ways to show our dads just how much we appreciate them. If your dad enjoys good food and quality time with loved ones, an afternoon tea might be the perfect way to spoil him. Here are some ideas and recipes for creating a memorable Father’s Day tea experience.

Setting the Scene

The ambiance of your tea party can make all the difference in creating a special experience for your dad. Consider decorating with elements that represent your dad’s interests or hobbies. For example, if he’s a golf enthusiast, you might incorporate golf-themed décor. If he’s a nature lover, you could set up your tea party in a garden or park.

When it comes to serving ware, you can either purchase or rent tea and coffee pots, tea cups and saucers, and tiered serving trays. However, don’t worry if you don’t have these items on hand. You can use everyday dishes and serving platters, or check with your local event rental company to see if they have affordable options.

Tea Selection

Choosing the right tea for your dad can be a thoughtful gesture. If you know his favorite variety, get it. If not, select a tea that complements the flavors of the food you’ll be serving. For example, if you’re serving scones with jam and clotted cream, a classic English Breakfast tea would be a nice pairing. If you’re serving savory bites, consider a bold and earthy Assam tea or a delicate Darjeeling tea.

If your dad prefers coffee, you can still incorporate some tea into the menu. Consider adding a tea-infused cocktail, such as a spiced chai latte with a splash of bourbon or a rosemary-infused tea and gin martini.

Menu Ideas

The menu for your Father’s Day tea party can be as simple or complex as you’d like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Savory Bites

– Finger sandwiches: Use a variety of breads and fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and dill, or chicken salad. Cut the sandwiches into small, bite-size pieces.
– Mini quiches: Make classic quiches with bacon and cheese, or mix it up with vegetarian options like mushroom and spinach or roasted red pepper and feta.
– Cheese and crackers: Set out a selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruit for a DIY cheese board.
– Meat and cheese skewers: Alternate cubes of meat and cheese on small skewers for an easy, protein-packed bite.

Sweet Treats

– Scones with jam and clotted cream: This classic tea-time treat is easy to make and always a hit.
– Mini cupcakes: Bake bite-size cupcakes in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and lemon.
– Fruit tartlets: Use premade mini tart shells and fill them with custard or cream cheese and fresh fruit.
– Chocolate-covered strawberries: Dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate and let them cool on wax paper before serving.

Recipes

Here are some recipes for your Father’s Day tea party that are sure to impress.

Cheddar and Chive Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of sliced bread (white or wheat)
– 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp. chives, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Butter, softened

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chives, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
3. Top half of the bread slices with the other half to make sandwiches.
4. Cut the crusts off each sandwich and cut into small, bite-size pieces.
5. Spread butter on each side of the bite-size sandwiches to prevent them from drying out.

Classic Scones

Ingredients:
– 2 cups flour
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 tbsp. baking powder
– 1/2 tsp. salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 tsp. vanilla extract
– Jam and clotted cream, for serving

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it lightly until it comes together. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
7. Use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut out circles of dough.
8. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
10. Serve with jam and clotted cream.

Lemon Bars

Ingredients:
– 1 cup flour
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp. baking powder
– 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden.
5. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
7. Let the bars cool completely, then cut them into squares.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Conclusion

An afternoon tea party can be a wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day and show your dad how much you care. With these ideas and recipes, you can create a memorable experience that he’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you keep it simple or elaborate, the key is to focus on spending quality time with your dad and showing him how much he means to you.