Tea-riffic Time with Dad: Creating Memorable Moments on Father’s Day Afternoon Tea
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how to make your dad feel special. Rather than going with the usual gifts of a tie or a toolkit, why not celebrate Father’s Day in style? Create a memorable afternoon tea experience that your dad will cherish for years to come. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect Father’s Day afternoon tea.
Why Choose Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is an elegant and sophisticated way to celebrate Father’s Day. This British tradition has been around for over 150 years and consists of a pot of tea and an assortment of sandwiches, scones, and cakes. It’s a perfect way to bond with your dad over a cup of tea and some delicious treats.
Choosing a Venue
Choosing the right venue is crucial in creating a memorable Father’s Day experience. If you’re planning to hold it at home, make sure you set the right ambiance with some soft music and candles. If you’re opting to go out, there are several options to choose from.
Hotels and restaurants often offer a Father’s Day afternoon tea service. Do some research and find out which one offers a package that fits your budget. Some venues may offer a champagne option to celebrate the occasion, or you could even add an extra touch by requesting for live music.
Don’t forget to book early! Afternoon tea is a popular choice, especially on Father’s Day, so book your venue months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Selecting the Right Tea
There are countless varieties of tea to choose from, but some teas are better paired with specific food items. Here are some of our favourite tea and food pairings:
Earl Grey with Lemon Cake: Earl Grey has a delicate flavour, which pairs perfectly with the light and refreshing taste of lemon cake.
English Breakfast with Scones: This classic tea blend complements the flavour of warm scones. Add a generous dollop of clotted cream and strawberry jam to make it a heavenly combination.
Green Tea with Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwiches: Green tea has a light and delicate flavour, which goes well with smoked salmon. Add in a crunchy cucumber slice to make it a wholesome combo.
Chamomile Tea with Chocolate Cake: Chamomile tea’s floral taste pairs perfectly with the rich and decadent flavour of chocolate cake. This combination is perfect for dads with a sweet tooth.
If you’re unsure, consult with your tea provider or ask the staff at the venue. They’ll be happy to offer suggestions and help you find the perfect blend for your afternoon tea.
Food Selection
The food selection is a crucial element to a successful afternoon tea. It’s important to keep in mind your dad’s taste and preferences. Here are some classic tea items to include:
Sandwiches: Finger sandwiches are a staple of afternoon tea. Try out classics like smoked salmon and cucumber, egg and cress or ham and mustard.
Scones: No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones. Serve them warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a traditional touch.
Pastries: Offer an array of miniature pastries and cakes like macarons, lemon tarts and chocolate éclairs for a sweet treat.
Cheese and crackers: If your dad is not one with a sweet tooth, a platter of mixed cheeses with crackers will make for an excellent alternative.
Presentation: Presentation is everything, so make sure you pay close attention to how your food is arranged. Use a variety of tiered cake stands and platters to display your food items. This not only makes it pleasing to the eye but also adds an elegant touch to your Father’s Day afternoon tea.
Personal Touch
Add a personal touch to your Father’s Day afternoon tea by including special items that your dad loves. For example, if he loves golf, try to incorporate golf-themed decorations into your set up or serve some golf-inspired cookies. Or if he’s got a favourite film or book, create a themed table setting. Adding something special will make it a memorable experience.
Games and Activities
Afternoon tea is a perfect time to catch up with your dad and have some quality time together. You can make it more interactive by adding some games or activities.
Trivia: Prepare a list of trivia questions related to your dad’s favourite things or your family history for him to answer.
Two truths and a lie: Ask your dad to come up with two truth statements and a false statement. Have everyone else try to guess which statement is fictional.
Board games: Bring out some classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble to play with your dad.
Photobooth: Set up a DIY photo booth at your tea party with fun props to capture the memories.
Creating Memories
The most important element of your Father’s Day afternoon tea is creating memories that will last a lifetime. The tea party should be a moment to bond with your dad and show him how much you appreciate him. Take plenty of photos and keep mementoes such as the menu or the tea bags to create a scrapbook page together. Don’t forget to enjoy the tea and treats too!
In summary, a Father’s Day afternoon tea is a great way to celebrate and create memories. Selecting the right venue, tea, and food is important to make sure your dad has an unforgettable experience. Adding a personal touch and some activities will make it even more special. Remember, don’t stress over the details – the most important thing is enjoying the tea-riffic time with your dad.
