Photography: Felicity Cook
Ordinarily we’d be celebrating Father’s Day together with my family but this year is obviously a little bit different. Being in lockdown in Sydney means we’ll be at home, just the four of us, but it doesn’t mean we can’t make the day special for Luke. He still deserves to be celebrated after all! The thing with being at home means having to get creative with our celebrations as we can’t go out or have people over. If you’re in the same boat, here are some ideas for elevating your Father’s Day festivities at home.
Bring the restaurant experience to you
The thing about being in lockdown has meant that home cooked meals happen every day of the week, multiple times a day so sometimes you just need to taste someone else’s cooking! The great thing is there are so many great options for restaurant quality home delivered meals right now. You could try a service like Providoor if you’re in Sydney or Melbourne if you want a gourmet three course meal that’s pretty much ready to go, or something I love is ordering things like oysters and champagne (my go-to is East 33) to add a luxe touch to a meal.
Have an indoor picnic
An indoor picnic is a great thing to have the kids help out with. Set up a cosy spot indoors complete with picnic rug and picnic basket and pack a meal that can be enjoyed indoors, but still feels a little novel.
Embrace a favourite things day
What does Dad love doing? Whether it’s watching his fave show or sitting back for an afternoon of sport or wine tasting, try and make the day about letting Dad enjoy a series of his favourite activities. Alternatively (or even in tandem with) you could arrange for his favourite things to be delivered to your home, whether it’s his fave baked treat, a particular meal he loves or his favourite beverage.
Virtual catch up
If you would usually be spending the day with family you could still do it— just virtually of course. Try and coordinate a time where you could sit down for Father’s Day lunch, dial everyone in and enjoy each other’s company with the help of technology.
DIY spa day
A pampering session is always a great thing and it’s something that can be done at home. Run a bath complete with bubbles or offer to do a massage or a facial (use luxe products if you can, to make it extra special).
Breakfast in bed
It’s an oldie but a goodie—who doesn’t love being treated to breakfast in bed? Have the kids help out with preparing breakfast and watch them proudly present dad with brekkie.
Set up a game afternoon
Enjoy some good ol’ fashioned fun with board games or card games. Bring out classics like Monopoly or Cluedo and sit down as a family together to help celebrate dad.
Family movie night
Who doesn’t love movie night? It’s a great way to spend time together and also give dad some time to relax and kick up his feet—win-win. Pop on a great movie complete with popcorn and other snacks and enjoy some much needed time to escape reality (and lockdown) for a bit.