How to Host a Tea Party, According to Experts – POPSUGAR
It's hard to deny the aesthetic allure of "Bridgerton," whether you've soaked up every minute of the lush period drama or not. The three-season series on Netflix explores the nuanced social dynamics among Regency London's high society (and notably holds some of the steamiest scenes on the streaming platform.) If you've spent a weekend falling deep into the newest episodes, you might be feeling inspired to step into the world of duchesses and dukes for yourself. Dearest gentle reader, count us in.
Planning a tea party might sound like a monumental feat, but rest assured it's no more intimidating than an intimate dinner party. It all starts with a clear central theme such as the summer's sexiest Regency drama and a good measure of planning. From there, you'll build excitement with curated mood boards and enchant guests with thoughtful details.
Ahead, we're outlining seven ideas for planning your own garden tea party, including suggestions for the location, tablescape, attire, and more. Plus, we share expert advice on hosting a seamless tea party that might even impress Lady Whistledown (or, at least we'd like to think).
Lea Stafford is a California-based event planner and founder of Stafford Creative + Co.
AJ Williams is an event designer and founder of AJ Events.
Not sure where to begin? Outline a budget and approximate guest list to define the vision for the day. Whether you're hosting in your backyard or planning something a bit more formal, it's important to set expectations early. As event designer AJ Williams tells PS, hosts should start with a tentative guest list and intended price per person. (Don't worry you can adjust later as the RSVPs start to roll in.)
Curating a regal look all starts with the setting. While you might feel inclined to book a lush outdoor garden, Williams notes that some of the most impactful "Bridgerton" tea scenes actually take place within the sitting room. You'll have a bit more control over the day (and skip worries of heat, rain, and unwelcome insects) when hosting indoors. As event planner Lea Stafford highlights, you'll also want to weigh your guests' environmental preferences, allergies, and comfort needs when selecting a venue.
Floral bouquets are key to nailing this aesthetic look but you don't have to drop major money for fresh stems. Plan a day-of run to Trader's Joes or a local farmer's market to source affordable bouquets.
Stafford also recommends selecting decor that speaks to your group's most treasured memories. "I'm into simple, imperfect, raw moments," she tells PS. "There's something so special about having moments that showcase the actual material or item, and it's less about the styling of it."
Of course, no tea party is complete without the titular beverage. You might want to poll the group chat for a consensus on a favorite type of tea, but Chamomile or Earl Grey are safe bets. When planning finger foods try combining traditional tea service including scones and miniature sandwiches with more modern fare, all accented with a scattering of edible flowers. Presentation is paramount here.
"For any of the food, try layering and presenting them almost like a cheese board," Williams says. "Put crumpets, tea sandwiches, and assorted desserts on different platters and on elevated heights."
Take notes from Penelope's wardrobe and ask guests to dress in shades of soft pinks, yellows, blues, and greens. (It doesn't hurt that butter yellow and powder blues are major players in the current trend cycle, either.) Try recommending other Regency-era details such as exquisite lace and empire-waist gowns to further lean into that distinct look.
If you aren't planning something Bridgerton-inspired, rest assured that there's still room for planning around a theme. However, both Stafford and Williams caution against forcing anyone to adhere to a dress code; instead, try building a recommended color palette for that day.
Chances are, not every guest has soaked up every tantalizing twist from "Bridgerton." Ahead of the party, Williams suggests sharing a Pinterest board to inspire, set expectations, and drum up excitement. It's also the perfect moment to hop onto a party messaging platform, like Stafford's go-to TextMyGuests, to build community and keep everyone in the loop.
Gentle music acts as the backdrop of your bash and pulls the entire event together. If the occasion calls for it, you might consider a live musician or DJ to set the tone. (Otherwise, a well-curated playlist will do the trick.) A dainty, string quartet cover of Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso"? Consider us most pleased.
A highly stylized tea party all comes down to the moments you'll create. Small, thoughtfully planned details such as pastel cocktails and ice cubes with edible flowers are key providing guests with a delightful experience.
It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the aesthetics, but don't let yourself get lost in all the beautiful details. A practical, careful plan for the gathering including problem-solving for any outdoor location challenges helps everything to run smoothly. To make the occasion particularly heartfelt, Stafford suggests planning activities beloved by your friend group and details that reference sweet inside jokes.
"On social channels like Instagram, it's all about the glitz, the glam, and the aesthetic," Stafford says. "But there should be a deeper purpose. Highlighting that deeper purpose in a beautiful way is my goal." We'd politely raise a teacup to that.
Nicolette Baker is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her expertise lies primarily in food, drink, and fashion media, but she enjoys covering all aspects of lifestyle with an accessible approach. She's written for Food & Wine, Byrdie, Business Insider, VinePair, and Flourish.
Read more:
How to Host a Tea Party, According to Experts - POPSUGAR