Are you a Bridgerton fan? Who's your favorite character? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Dearest Gentle Reader,
With everything going on in the world right now I can use all the joy I can stand. I'm betting that you can, too! That is why I enjoy “Bridgerton” on Netflix. I love that producer Shonda Rhimes and director Tom Verica feature an array of beautiful melanin in the historical romance. The gorgeous gowns, handsome suitors, dreamy ballroom dancing and opulent decor always have me glued to the screen. With a spot of tea, of course!
Everything will be perfect
A girlfriend and I did some advance work for style inspiration by sitting for proper afternoon tea at Atlanta’s The Dirty Tea teahouse, which many Bridgerton fans frequent for a light repast. We were greeted by the doorman and host, escorted to an intimate table with plush pink seating, and offered decorative menus. We ordered two pots of tea to share: Moroccan mint and Hawaiian Colada. Cucumber sandwiches, salmon sandwiches, bespoke cookies, scones and macarons tempted us from a tiered tray.
When the teapots arrived, we were presented with a small hourglass for timing the perfect steep, three minutes. Flowers filled the opulent room. Gracing the table were metal warmers housing tealights, gold tone flatware, gilt-edged China and flutes of champagne. My friend and I felt that the occasion truly provided us with dedicated time and space to really catch up uninterrupted and celebrate. I want to share that feeling when I’m the hostess. The tea shop will host its own Bridgerton event soon. This is how it’s done.
Celebrations across the nation
Fancy folk have been hosting Bridgerton parties since the show first aired on December 25, 2020. My long-time friend expects me at her 50th Birthday Bridgerton Ball. She counseled me to make haste in booking passage to her city. I assured her that I have my hat and gloves ready!
You needn’t be a member of the ton, dear reader, to know that this premiere will be the occasion of the season. So many fêtes! On Eventbrite you’ll find Bridgerton-themed parties and balls in several cities. The Greeks are certainly known for their lively affairs. The Lawrenceville-Duluth chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. members have previously hosted The King’s Ball, a costume party inspired by the show!
Now, my watch party will not come with a well-suited doorman. But I will have flutes of champagne at the ready as I welcome guests at the door, a printed menu, fresh flowers, a variety of tea, and scrumptious treats like buttermilk scones.
Actress Adjowa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury, spilled some tea (the liquid kind? Never!) on what to expect via purewow.com:
"This is a moment to celebrate those rather brilliant, marvelous people who wouldn't be the queen of the prom. You know, they're not going to be the head of the cheerleaders or the top jock, but they are fabulously interesting, engaging, and people who are worth investigating if you just dig a bit deeper. I feel that this season is really sort of celebrating, applauding and encouraging all of us who have felt, at some time, like those characters."
Get ready to party
If you need ideas on how to dress for your party, head to social media to find a host of sistas showing you how it’s done. Kaisha Creates @kaishacreates shared her Amazon find, a pretty, soft green gown that looked like it was made just for her, on TikTok. MimiT (@theadventuresofmimi101) was all smiles when she also showed off her long, black Bridgerton-inspired dress and fascinator via the same platform.
Shopping doesn’t end with fashion. Brands from Bath and Body Works to The Republic of Tea have partnered with Netflix to offer themed merchandise.
Hostesses will be procuring and preparing the most elegant provisions to accompany a pot of tea. Guests might enjoy finger sandwiches, a charcuterie board, an assortment of baked goods like macaroons and tiny brownies. A good biscuit (that’s a cookie to those of us across the pond) is essential.
What about scones? Click here for a scrumptious recipe.
Dearest, if you don’t employ maids or footmen, keep the affair light on labor. Paper goods are posh these days, with themes for every occasion. But if tradition dictates, serve fare on your fine porcelain.
Other items to make your gathering delightful
Invitations
You can make your own by hand or use Canva to design them online, or you might like to browse Amazon, Etsy or Zazzle for ready-made invitations.
Teacups
You can go with easy disposable teacups like Efavormart 60 Pack 6oz Disposable Plastic Coffee Teacups With Handle that can be found at walmart.com. Tea Party Supplies Floral Party Dinnerware are offered on amazon.com. A lovely Porcelain Tea/Coffee Set-Service for 4 Pink Floral and Butterfly Design is available at homedepot.com.
Plates
Consider the 12-pack vintage flower design of Tea Party Supplies Floral Party Dinnerware on Amazon.com; the dainty Assorted 8" Ceramic Plate by Ashland from michaels.com and a set of Kate Aspen Teatime Whimsy 9 in. Premium Paper Plates (Set of 64) at target.com.
My dear friend, whether you are planning to watch the romance fantasy solo or host a big shebang, sit back, settle in, and enjoy the show! You deserve it!
With heartfelt affection,
Lady DuVernay
Are you a Bridgerton fan? Who's your favorite character? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
