The new season of Bridgerton has begun on Netflix, and I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the show.
It has the most beautiful houses, architecture, gardens, clothes, and food and it’s just a real delight for the senses. I really enjoy watching it.
So, I thought I would do something fun and show you how you can live more like a Bridgerton.
From creating the perfect afternoon tea at home to some advice about manners and etiquette, I’ll also show you how to create your flower arrangement.
Then give you some tips to improve your conversation skills so that you can work the room like a duke or duchess at your next party.
Whether you’ve seen the show or not, I think this is something fun and enjoyable for us all that we can learn something from too.
So let’s get started.
Elegant Finger Sandwiches
The key to an elegant finger sandwich is preparation.
Cucumber sandwiches are a traditional favorite and a refreshing snack that goes well with tea.
First, peel the cucumber, then cut it into very thin slices. Layer these slices onto crustless bread. To cut the bread into fingers, use a serrated knife and gently saw back and forth for a clean cut and elegant finish.
Next, I’m making a ham sandwich with mustard. This bread still has its crusts, so we’ll need to remove them. You don’t have to waste the crusts. I like to freeze them and then use them for croutons in my soups.
Flower Arrangements
One of the things I enjoy about watching the show is the beautiful interiors and sets, and in them, you always see these gorgeous flower arrangements. I’m going to show you how to create a very simple one for yourself at home.
Get a large container, and fill it with chicken wire. This is a much better alternative to floral foam, which is generally bad for the environment. Cut the wire into small sections and form a ball, then place it into the container and fill it with water.
To get the best out of your flowers, cut them at an angle so they can absorb more water. Place alstroemeria around the outer edges of the container as the leaves will fill a lot of space and be our base.
Next, add white roses, place one upright in the container, and then randomly wherever you feel is best. Now I’m adding in some pink roses to provide a contrast.
These soft pastel colors are very typical of the ones used in Bridgerton. To finish, add in some more of the alstroemeria throughout the center to fill any gaps.
Etiquette Tips for Afternoon Tea
People often ask me for etiquette tips for afternoon tea.
While I’m not the kind of person who gets too hung up about rules, I think they make parties dull and make other people feel nervous.
There are a few things you can do to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and do things the proper way.
Serving Tea
I always have two pots on my table: a silver teapot with very hot water to keep it hot and a teapot to serve from. With traditional tea, you usually have loose-leaf tea.
The general rule is to add one teaspoon of tea to the pot and one for each guest. For example, if you have three people for afternoon tea, you would have four teaspoons of tea in your pot.
It’s a good tip to warm the teapot before you serve your tea. To do this, pour a little boiling water into the pot, give it a little swash around, and then tip it out.
This warms the pot nicely to prepare for your tea. After adding the tea to your pot, you can add in your boiling water and let it sit for about three minutes before serving.
When hosting, it’s polite to pour the other person’s tea first. With loose-leaf tea, you will need a strainer. Either pop it on the teacup or hold it over the teacup and pour the tea.
If you are a guest and want your tea refilled, it is best to offer the person who’s serving the whole cup and saucer rather than just handing them the cup.
Stirring Tea
If you are having milk or sugar, there is a polite way to stir your tea.
Instead of stirring it round and round, which can be impolite and noisy, move the spoon backward and forward between the twelve and six o’clock positions on the cup.
This is a more delicate way to stir your tea.
Serving Food
We usually have a tiered tray with our afternoon tea, with sandwiches and savories on the bottom tier, scones in the middle, and little cakes and pastries on the top.
It’s best to just take the sandwich onto the plate and eat it with your fingers; no cutlery is needed.
For scones, if they are baked correctly, you should be able to just break them with your hands rather than cutting them with a knife. Serve scones with jam and cream, if you like, and enjoy.
Conversational Tips for Parties
Now I wanted to give you a few tips so that you can work the room like a duke or a duchess when you attend your next party or gathering.
It can be daunting to go to a party with lots of people you’ve never met, but these tips will help ease that situation.
Starting Conversations
When meeting someone for the first time at a party, it is important to make a good first impression and think of something to say that will build a rapport and entice conversation.
One way to start is by commenting on their drink. For example, “Wow, that drink looks so good. Would you recommend it?”
This will prompt a response and open the conversation. Another great conversation starter is asking the person how they know the host. This gives you something in common to discuss and builds rapport quickly.
Paying Compliments
If you’ve met someone once or twice before, paying them a genuine and specific compliment is a great way to start a conversation.
Instead of just saying they look nice, pick something specific, like their shoes, and compliment that.
Showing Interest
Make the other person feel like they are the most fascinating person in the room.
Genuinely listen to what they are saying and ask follow-up questions. This shows that you value their input and are interested in their stories.
Staying Informed
Keeping up with current affairs and the news, even if it’s not always pleasant, is important.
It ensures you have something to say if the topic comes up at a party, preventing any awkward or embarrassing moments.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found these tips fun and useful.
By incorporating some Bridgerton-inspired elegance into your life, from hosting the perfect afternoon tea to mastering the art of conversation, you can bring a touch of Regency charm to your everyday life.
Until next time, take care and watch out for Lady Whistledown!