Dear Gentle Readers,
Welcome to The Duchess Diaries where I share all things Bridgerton and Regency era. From fashion style and recipe inspiration to home decor, holiday fun, and family ideas, you’ll find it all here. And today, I’ve got something really special planned.
The buzz is all about Bridgerton Season three, and Lady Whistledown is back with more tantalizing tales.
So, I thought, what better way to celebrate than with a delightful tea party featuring some delicious treats and a refreshing blueberry lemonade?
All inspired by Bridgerton. Of course!
Join me as I prepare for the Bridgerton season premiere with a spread fit for royalty!
Starting with Desserts
When it comes to a tea party, variety is key.
I love those little tiered trays with all sorts of options. So, I decided to make a few different things in smaller portions to avoid leftovers.
First up, desserts! I always start with desserts so they have plenty of time to set. Today, we’re making Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites and two kinds of hand pies – strawberry honey and gooseberry, the Duke’s favorite.
Instant Pot Cheesecake Bites
For these cheesecake bites, you can use honey oat granola bars for the crust, blending them up just like you would graham crackers.
A key tip is to really press down on the crust to ensure it’s firm. I used the back of my whisk to do this.
The filling is super simple. Just mix all the ingredients at room temperature so they meld together nicely. I added the egg last and beat it lightly, a tip I found online.
These cook in the Instant Pot for seven minutes with a natural release. Don’t forget to add a cup of water to the Instant Pot! After cooking, let them cool on the counter for 30 minutes and refrigerate for four hours.
Decorate with chocolate and fresh fruit dipped in edible glitter for a touch of elegance.
Hand Pies
Hand pies are incredibly simple. Use pre-made pie crust, put some jam in the middle, seal the edges, and bake until golden at 325 to 350 degrees.
For the filling, I used strawberry honey jam from a previous Outlander episode and gooseberry jam, inspired by the Duke of Hastings’ favorite pie. Gooseberry was new to me, but it was a fun and tasty addition.
These hand pies are great for kids too. My daughter loved them growing up because they were like homemade pop-tarts without all the added sugar. Just a healthier, homemade version of her favorite treat.
Savory Dishes
With the desserts done, it’s time for some savory treats.
We’re making spinach artichoke puffs, mini omelets, mini tea sandwiches, and ham and cheese rolls.
Lady Danberry’s Spinach Artichoke Puffs
This spinach artichoke dip is a family favorite, based on my mom’s recipe with a few adaptations. It’s great with crackers, bread, or as a filling for chicken or steak.
For the puffs, You can cook the dip in a pan instead of the oven. The key ingredients are cream cheese, mayonnaise, spinach, artichokes, green chilies, an egg, and a mix of Parmesan and Colby Jack cheese.
The green chilies are a must. They enhance the flavor without being overpowering.
Once the dip is ready, spoon a teaspoon onto each puff pastry square and bake. A little melted butter brushed on top would take these over the moon!
Queen Quiches
For the quiches, You can use puff pastry dough and a four-inch cookie cutter to make little pie fillings.
Whip up two eggs, a tablespoon of heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and set aside. Fill the quiches with your choice of toppings.
I love ham and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until the pastry is golden and puffed. These make a great breakfast option too!
Featherington House Ham Hors d’Oeuvres
These ham and cheese rolls are so simple but so tasty. Just spread Laughing Cow Swiss cheese on slices of ham, roll them up, and cut them into bites.
This was a favorite from my childhood, courtesy of my grandma. If you prefer, you can use cream cheese instead.
Hyacinth’s Ham and Cheese Tea Sandwiches
These little sandwiches are as easy as it gets. Use a one-inch circle cookie cutter to cut bread, cheese, and ham. Layer them with a bit of mayonnaise and mustard, and you’re done.
Simple, cute, and perfect for a tea party.
Lady Bridgerton’s Blueberry Lemonade
This was my first time making lemonade from scratch, and it turned out amazing! Start with five freshly squeezed lemons.
Roll them on the counter before cutting to get the most juice. Make a blueberry simple syrup with one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one cup of blueberries.
Simmer until the blueberries are soft and the syrup is rich in color. Strain the syrup, mix with lemon juice, and add six cups of cold water. Chill and enjoy! For a special twist, add some champagne.
Setting the Scene
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to set up the tablescape. I didn’t buy anything new for today’s setup – I used items I already had from past events.
It’s more practical to have timeless pieces like glass dishes that can be used for any occasion. My decorations include candlesticks from our wedding and a vase from when my husband bought me flowers after our daughter was born.
Setting up a beautiful table for myself might seem extravagant, but why not treat yourself to something special? Self-care comes in many forms, and for me, it’s creating lovely settings like this.
Enjoy the Party!
I’m so excited to watch Bridgerton with my beautiful spread of treats. I hope this tea party idea inspires you to add a bit of fun to your viewing party.
Let me know what you think and if you decide to try any of these recipes. Enjoy the show and your special tea party!