Although most dads are perfectly happy with a simple backyard barbecue of burgers and brats, there’s no reason you can’t pull out all the stops for him on Father’s Day! This year, consider throwing a nautical-themed bash for all the dads in your life.
[the wake-up call]
>> Long before guests arrive, treat him to a captain-worthy breakfast in bed. Pair a traditional bloody mary with smoked salmon or trout and gourmet bagels with all the fixin’s—fresh dill, cream cheese, capers, lemon wedges and thin slices of red onion and radishes
[the menu]
>> Stock the bar for one or two classic cocktails, such as martinis or gin and tonics.
>> Mother’s Day might be all about brunch, but the grill is king on Father’s Day. For appetizers, grill jumbo shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper and wrapped in thin slices of high-quality prosciutto. Serve alongside cheese and crackers and miniature crab cakes. For an extra-luxurious event, offer blinis topped with caviar and crème fraîche.
>> For the main meal, grill premium steaks from The Smokehouse Market at Annie Gunn’s, where you also can purchase rubs, sauces and sides to go along with the meal. Pair with a bright, fresh salad, roasted vegetables and cheesy potatoes.
>> Serve a nightcap of port from a local winery, like Chandler Hill Vineyards and Mount Pleasant Estates.
[the decor]
>> Decorate in crisp navy and white, accented by pops of red.
>> Set a classy, yet whimsical, tablescape. Fill large glass hurricanes with a few inches of white sand topped with white candles. Group silverware together with thick rope. Accessorize with anchors, seashells, compasses and model sailboats.
[the activities]
>> To keep young kids occupied, have them decorate nautical-shaped sugar cooki es. A large variety of themed cookie cutters can be found online and are available locally at Cornucopia in Kirkwood and Sur la Table in Plaza Frontenac. No young kids around? Consider purchasing beautifully decorated cookies from The Cakery.
[the gifts]
>> If you want Dad’s gift to match the nautical theme of the party, promise him a weekend getaway at Lake of the Ozarks, complete with a sailboat rental from Ozark Yacht Club.
>> Perhaps he’s meticulous about keeping his beard or mustache trimmed, or maybe he prides himself on the clean-shaven look. Either way, treat him to a premium shaving kit from The Art of Shaving.
>> And what dad wouldn’t enjoy an evening of whiskey or scotch tasting? The Wine and Cheese Place on Forsyth regularly hosts tasting events.
