“Dearest Gentle Reader,

Are you ready to host the soirée of the season? Well, look no further! Here, you will find a guide to hosting a party that will surely be heralded as the most splendid event the Ton has ever seen!”

Bridgerton, the period comedy on Netflix based on the beloved romance novel series by Julia Quinn, is set in an idealized version of late 18th- and early 19th-century England, a time when society was wealthy, cosmopolitan, and one’s social standing was everything. Blending historical inspiration with modern sensibilities, its writers pay homage to great literary figures such as Jane Austen, Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The School for Scandal, and even Shakespeare, while drawing inspiration from real-life scandal sheets of the era, including Town & Country, The Spectator, and publications chronicling the lives of courtesans.

With the show’s meteoric rise in popularity, many admirers have sought to recreate its distinctive aesthetic, a seamless fusion of Regency-era silhouettes and contemporary flair. Naturally, a Bridgerton-themed party offers the perfect opportunity to capture the grandeur, romance, and delicious intrigue of early 19th-century society. If you are planning a soirée of your own, this guide will help you impress even the most discerning guest, perhaps even the elusive Lady Whistledown herself!

The Invitations

The ball of the season would be nothing without its guests! The first thing we will talk about is the invitations. Use thick, creamy paper and calligraphy fonts to evoke a sense of the era. Seal each invitation with a wax stamp for an authentic touch that promises an event not to be missed. Choose scripts that mimic the hand-written styles of the 1800s and opt for colours like navy, burgundy, or emerald green backed by ivory or white. Pastel hues are also appropriate, particularly in springtime. Don’t forget to mention the dress code and hint at the evening’s entertainment to build anticipation.

The dress code can include empire-waist dresses in pastel shades or floral prints, tailcoats in rich dark colours or a combination of the two (for instance, a sharply tailored waistcoat with a high-waisted skirt or trousers). Ensembles may be finished off with high-end accessories such as pearl necklaces, lace gloves, fans and cravats. 

The Decor

If you want to select a location for your event, you may choose a tea room or a botanical garden. For hosting at home, aim for the opulence of high society, starting with the decor! The Regency era is renowned for its visual splendour and the opulence of high society with lush drapery, gold accents, and a palette of soft pastels. Adorn the space with bouquets of roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, echoing the show’s picturesque garden scenes. For an added touch of whimsical romance, use floral arrangements as centerpieces and scatter petals lightly around. Accentuate the atmosphere with soft lighting from chandeliers or strings of fairy lights, and incorporate gold-trimmed mirrors, candle holders, and tableware to reflect the series’ depiction of wealth and status.

The Menu

Food can make or break an event, at least according to the Ton. May we suggest a sumptuous spread, whether it’s a tea service, sweets, or a sit down meal. Some ideas for a delightful menu are below! 

• Tea service: Offer a selection of teas, including classics like Earl Grey and Darjeeling. Accompany these with finger sandwiches such as cucumber, egg salad, and smoked salmon. A fun decor addition is placing these items on a three tier tea tray. Remember, savories go at the bottom,  scones and clotted cream go in the center, and sweets are at the top!

• Sweets and treats: Delight your guests with a range of pastries. Miniature scones, macarons, and petit fours are perfect. Serve these alongside jams, clotted cream and fine honeys. And how could we forget the ever popular bon bon tower?!

• Dinner: If your event includes a sit-down meal, consider dishes that might have graced a Regency dinner table. Roast meats, seasonal vegetables, and hearty pies can all be presented with modern flair. 

• Signature Cocktails/Mocktails: Serve cocktails or mocktails named after popular characters or locations from the series. For example, the “Duchess of Hastings” could be a stylish drink with gin, lavender, and champagne.

Presentation is key. Use silver platters, fine china, and crystal glassware to make your guests feel like they’re dining at a high society ball. Each course should not only taste exquisite but also look spectacular, ensuring the dining experience is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

The Entertainment

And of course, what Bridgerton party would be complete without entertainment? Live music, dance, and a photobooth are just a few ideas that will make your Bridgerton party the most memorable event the Ton has ever seen! To economize, you can always grab a playlist of Vitamin String Quartet; the musical group that provides most of the music for Bridgerton. Guests can also be treated to a mini dance lesson, where they can be taught a waltz or a quadrille, so they can enjoy the music in true Regency style; adding Regency flavor to the photobooth provides a delightful twist to your guests’ “portraits” and creates memorable souvenirs.

Party Favors

For a true Bridgerton-style happy ending, a parting gift will leave guests thinking about your most memorable soiree long after its finale. Send guests home with a keepsake such as a small scented soap or a handwritten note thanking them for their attendance, sealed with wax for a personal touch.

Happy endings are all I can do. I wouldn’t know how to write anything else.- Julia Quinn

Throwing the ball of the season doesn’t have to be a difficult or overly expensive affair; what matters is that it is an indelible, unforgettable event for your guests. For more party ideas, there are two books, officially sanctioned by the Bridgerton production team, that you may find interesting: The Official Bridgerton Cookbook and The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining.  With that, this humble author wishes you the best of luck, and I look forward to hearing about the most incredible fête of the season- yours.

Cover Image: Kaye Cosplay is a celebrated cosplayer with over 20 years of experience. As the proud USA representative for multiple international cosplay competitions (ICL 2017, GICOF 2023, ECG 2024) Kaye has made her mark on both the global cosplay scene and here at home in Orlando FL. Known for her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, she inspires others with her commitment to plus-size positivity and representation, demonstrating that anyone can cosplay the characters they love, regardless of body size. Photos by Molly Doyle at @adoylible.

Vivian Orozco (Vixie) is a Latina tailor who has a passion for historical and multicultural clothing. She enjoys studying fashion and its historical and cultural evolution in the modern era. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in costume design, she discovered a passion for the clothing of the past, as well as missed opportunities in using silhouettes from around the world. In addition to costuming, Vixie is also a film maker, cosplayer, artist, content creator, and TTRPG enthusiast.