How to Host a Regencycore Tea Party

Use these tips and tricks to put together a Bridgerton-inspired tea party and host the event of the season.

The stunning sets and costumes of Bridgerton never fail to capture our imagination, and with the release of the show’s third season on Netflix, Bridgerton-inspired decor and themes are everywhere. With the Regency era the talk of the ton, there’s no better time to add a regal air to your own gathering and recreate a Regency-style tea party. While putting on a full-scale Regency ball might be a bit out of reach, entertaining at an upscale tea party is a great way to combine the elegance of the Regency era with our modern hosting capabilities. From deciding the menu to recommendations for your last place setting, these tips for hosting an afternoon tea would impress Queen Charlotte herself.

Related: 6 Sparkling Regencycore Decorating Ideas to Give Your Home the ‘Bridgerton’ Treatment

Create Beautiful Invitations

Let your guests know what they are in for with specially designed invitations. If you have a talent for hand-lettering or calligraphy, you can write them out yourself. Or, if you want the invitations to look professional without creating the lettering yourself, there are plenty of Regency-style invitation templates online that you can customize for your tea-party needs. For an added nod to Bridgerton, we recommend creating invitations in the style of Lady Whistledown’s society papers. Just don’t forget to ask guests to RSVP!

Regency-Style Decor

Decorations play a huge role in creating the romantic, elegant feel of the Regency era. Take advantage of beautiful summer weather and consider hosting your party outdoors—blooming flowers and lush greenery in your garden will go a long way toward making the party feel on-theme. You could also hang a few paper lanterns or string lights from tree branches to add extra dreaminess to the atmosphere. Bonus: set up a croquet set if you want to recreate the Bridgerton family tradition from season 2 for some fun under the sun.

You can also set up a beautiful Regency party indoors, too. If you want to truly commit to the trend, Ruggable has a Bridgerton-inspired collection that brings Regency style into modern times. Or, you can take a more budget-friendly approach and add a few small touches to your home with ornate throw pillows or a few floral prints hung on the wall.

Regency-Inspired Place Settings

The dining table is the centerpiece of any tea party, so whether you choose to host indoors or out, create an ornate spread to really bring in the feeling of a luxurious, elegant Regency-era soiree. Start with a lacy or floral-patterned tablecloth, then set the table with your fanciest dishes. If you already have china, now’s the time to use it, but you can also find an affordable tea set on Amazon. For a more budget-friendly option, you can also usually find vintage dish sets at thrift stores–plus, you could make a beautiful-yet-eclectic table setting with mismatched teacups and china.

A few small touches added to the table will also make a big difference. Add place cards to each setting, with your guests’ names written in cursive. For a late-evening tea party, try adding candlesticks with tapered candles to add height to the table presentation. Even something as small as gold napkin rings or individual flowers placed at each setting can help bring the theme to life. And of course, no Regency table is complete without a stunning floral centerpiece in the middle.

Menu Ideas

Once the guest list and decor is set, finalize your Regency tea party with an impressive spread. Tea is a must, naturally–and you can stay on-theme with Bridgerton-inspired blends created by Republic of Tea. Or, if you’re hosting a summer garden party, opt for Daphne’s favorite summer drink—lemonade.

For the rest of the menu, try tea party classics like cucumber sandwiches (garnishes like fresh herbs go a long way toward making this simple recipe feel upscale). Consider including a refreshing summer salad, crudités and dip, or even mini quiches on the menu. For sweet treats, a light and airy sponge cake, fruit-filled scones, or delicate macarons will fit right in at a tea party.

Regency Costumes

To truly be the diamond of the season, don’t be afraid to dress up in your Regency-era finest, including a stylish gown, white gloves, and matching jewelry (baby bangs not required).

With all of these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to planning your own Bridgerton-inspired high tea in no time!

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