Tips for Spoiling Dad This Father’s Day

OK, so it’s time to focus on the man in your life this weekend. With Father’s Day upon us, why not make this dad-to-be feel like the attention is all on him today. After all this time next year there’ll be a toddler in your midst. 

We know most of you will still be social distancing big time – so let’s get creative and make this Father’s Day special without leaving you feeling vulnerable. And of course, our five top-tips for spoiling dads-to-be on Father’s Day, will work just as well if you’d like to thank your same sex partner or chosen friend for supporting you right now! 

Breakfast in Bed

Let’s start with breakfast in bed. In these days of equality this simple indulgence should no longer be reserved for women and come on, you know it, there’s no better way to spoil dads on Father’s Day! It’ll depend on what you’ve got in the fridge, but you can’t go wrong with a full English, or how about pancakes and strawberries? If you really want to spoil him you could rustle up something a little more upmarket, like this smashed avocado and smoked salmon on toast.

Olive has 13 quick and easy avocado recipes, as well as tips on how to prepare them and which breads are best to toast. If you want to spice up your partner's day – try out this recipe with a mint, chilli, lemon and tomato dressing!

Once breakfast is done you can leave the happy dad-to-be languishing in bed, content with is feed, whilst you wash up and then prepare for the next treat of the day!

Father’s Day Hike

How about planning a Father’s Day Hike? We all know how important exercise is during lockdown, so why not get out for a hike and explore some of the beautiful English countryside you haven’t been to before.

You might prefer to head out at lunchtime when it will probably be quieter – you could even take a small picnic. Whilst your other half is sipping on a cold beer you could treat yourself to a tasty little mocktail – you’ll find loads of recipes in our past blog. If you’re not up to going out now that open spaces are getting busier, you could always plan a game of mini-golf in the garden or how about hiding a sneaky little father’s day present somewhere and setting a series of clues for him to find it.

A Virtual Afternoon at Home

We know a trip to a local museum or art gallery will be out of the question, but many attractions are offering virtual tours right now. You could try out a tour further afield – you probably won’t have time to be so indulgent once your baby is born.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite virtual tours.

1. Experience Shakespeare’s Globe in London

2. Tour Sara Barker’s exhibition in Leeds: All Clouds are Clocks, All Clocks are Clouds 

3. Travel to Le Louvre in Paris
   There’s a whole host of virtual tours at Le Louvre in Paris – ranging from a look at the ancient Egyptians, a VR experience of the Mona Lisa to our current favourite: Founding Myths: from Hercules to Darth Vader

4. Or head over to Amsterdam to marvel at Van Gough’s creations made during his short 10-year career. 

5. If you’re really feeling like a change of scene then we’d recommend an Indigenous Art Tour at the NGV, in Victoria Australia.

Romantic Meal for Two

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – so what better way to spend this evening than sitting down to a romantic meal for two. Of course, after running around after your other half all day you’re bound to be tired so we’ve picked out this quick and easy recipe  from Delish. You can’t go wrong with Spaghetti Carbonara, and you should have most of the ingredients in the cupboard already.

• 12 oz. spaghetti
• Kosher salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan
• 8 slices bacon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil (optional), for garnish
• Flaky sea salt (optional), for garnish
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

 DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and Parmesan until combined. 
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Reserve fat in skillet and transfer slices to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. 
4. To the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes. Add cooked spaghetti and toss until fully coated in bacon fat. Remove from heat. Pour over egg and cheese mixture and stir vigorously until creamy (be careful not to scramble eggs). Add pasta water a couple tablespoons a time to loosen sauce if necessary. 
5. Season generously with salt and pepper and stir in cooked bacon.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with flaky sea salt, Parmesan, and parsley before serving. 

Time to put your feet up

You’ll be needing a well-earned rest after spoiling the father-to-be in your life, all day long! We can’t think of anything better than to cosy up on the sofa and watching your favourite movie.  Let’s hope you get this spoilt next March on Mothers’ Day.