Dear Gentle Readers,
Today, I’m so excited to share how you can host your very own Bridgerton-inspired garden party.
With the new season of Bridgerton on Netflix, I couldn’t resist recreating some of the show’s magical elements right at home.
From delectable afternoon tea treats to elegant flower arrangements and tips on mingling like a true duke or duchess, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in and make your next gathering the talk of the town.
Creating the Perfect Bridgerton Ambiance
When my guests arrived, the garden was in full bloom, setting the perfect backdrop for our garden party.
If you can’t spend years growing an authentic English rose garden, don’t worry! Store-bought decor works wonders.
Wisteria, a staple in Bridgerton, wasn’t fully bloomed in my garden, so I used faux wisteria and my rose wall for a photo backdrop. Adding a chandelier to a tree brought that extra sparkle to the scene.
The highlight of the decor was the stunning rose tablecloth, I found on Amazon.
Borrowing cut glass from my mom, thrifting silver pieces, and using silver taper candles gave the table a true Regency-era touch.
I even typed up my own society papers and framed them for the table alongside a custom-made ” Tea’s Delight”.
Preparing a Feast Fit for A Queen
No Bridgerton party is complete without a delightful spread of afternoon tea treats. Here’s how I crafted a menu that was both easy to prepare and fit for royalty.
Tea Sandwiches and Savories
- Cucumber Sandwiches: I started with the classic cucumber sandwiches, using crustless bread for elegance. Thinly sliced cucumber layered on buttered bread makes for a refreshing snack.
- Ham Sandwiches with Mustard: These sandwiches retained their crusts, which I removed before cutting into fingers. The crusts don’t go to waste—they make excellent croutons for soups!
- Smoked Salmon Sandwiches: With a hint of lemon zest, these were a crowd favorite.
- Tarragon Chicken Salad in Phyllo Cups: Prepared the day before, these were easy to serve and absolutely delicious.
- Spiced Honey Cream Cheese: Heating local honey with cayenne and pouring it over cream cheese created a sweet and spicy appetizer that was a hit with crackers.
Sweet Treats
- Strawberry Cake Roll: Made a month in advance and frozen, this dessert stole the show.
- Honeybee Cupcakes: Orange vanilla cupcakes topped with honey buttercream and bee toppers were as cute as they were delicious.
- Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies are paired perfectly with assorted chocolates and a chocolate-covered honeycomb.
Drinks For Your Bridgerton Tea Party
The drink of the day was the Diamond of the Season Punch, inspired by traditional Regency-era punches. This sparkling concoction included:
- Pineapple Simple Syrup: Made by boiling sugar and water over cubed pineapple and letting it sit overnight.
- Chilled Green Tea: Adding a touch of elegance and freshness.
- Amaretto and Elderflower Liqueur: These liqueurs added depth and a floral note.
- Champagne: No party is complete without it, and it made the punch extra festive.
- Gold Prism Powder: This final touch made the drink sparkle like a diamond.
The table was adorned with vibrant floral arrangements using hydrangeas, carnations, roses, and greenery.
Entertaining the Guests: Activities and Etiquette
To keep the party lively, croquet was the featured activity.
It’s a game that’s perfect for sipping champagne and socializing. Keeping a casual buffet allowed everyone to mingle and enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning outfits.
Tips for Mingling Like a Duke or Duchess
- Start with a Compliment: Genuine compliments can kickstart a positive conversation. Be specific, like complimenting someone’s shoes, and it will make the other person feel valued.
- Engage with Interest: Make the other person feel like the most fascinating person in the room. Listen actively and ask questions about what they’ve said.
- Stay Informed: Being aware of current affairs ensures you have something to talk about and can avoid awkward silences. While politics might not be the best party topic, having an opinion on lighter current events can be very helpful.
Wrapping Up: A Memorable Bridgerton Experience
I hope you enjoyed this guide to hosting a Bridgerton garden party as much as I loved creating it. From the decor to the food and drinks, it was an event to remember.
Don’t forget to check out my website for all the recipes and themed party ideas. Share this with friends, and let’s bring a touch of Regency elegance to our everyday lives.
Until next time, take care and keep an eye out for the latest gossip from Lady Whistledown!