Hi lovely, I’m Aimée, a soulful copywriter . Here, on my Substack, I share seasonal tales from my little corner of the Cotswolds. I write about food, heritage, books, travel, creative living, and whimsical musings. Come on in, take off your boots, and cosy up by the fire. I’ll pop the kettle on.
Dearest, gentlest reader,
It is with great pleasure that I present to you a most delightful guide on hosting a Bridgerton-style tea party. As you well know, the ton thrives on elegance, charm, and impeccable taste. To ensure your soirée is the highlight of the season, I have taken the liberty of detailing the essential elements of music, attire, entertainment, and refreshments. Let us embark on this delectable journey to create an event worthy of Lady Whistledown's approval.
Cucumber Sandwiches: Thinly sliced cucumbers with cream cheese on crustless white bread.
Scotch Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs encased in seasoned sausage meat, breaded and fried to a golden perfection.
Anchovy Toasts: Small rounds of toast spread with a savory anchovy paste, providing a rich and salty bite.
Devilled Ham: A spicy and savory spread made from finely chopped ham, mixed with mustard, butter, and cayenne pepper, served on toast.
Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam: Traditional English scones served with rich clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Macarons: Delicate French cookies in a variety of flavors and colors.
Victoria Sponge Cake: A light sponge cake filled with cream and jam.
Madeleines: Petite French butter cakes that are perfect with tea.
Syllabub: A frothy, creamy dessert made with sweetened wine or cider, lemon juice, and cream, often served in elegant glasses.
Shrewsbury Cakes: Crisp, buttery biscuits flavored with lemon zest and a hint of nutmeg, often cut into decorative shapes.
Queen Cakes: Small, rich cakes studded with currants and flavored with a hint of nutmeg or mace, baked in individual molds.
Ratafia Biscuits: Crisp, almond-flavored biscuits that pair perfectly with tea.
Earl Grey: A classic choice with a hint of bergamot.
Darjeeling: Known as the "champagne of teas," it’s light and fragrant.
Chamomile: A calming herbal option for those who prefer caffeine-free tea.
Mint Tea: Refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Bohea Tea: A type of black tea that was highly favored during the Regency era. Its slightly smoky flavor made it a distinctive choice.
Hyson Tea: A Chinese green tea that was particularly popular among the upper classes for its delicate, refreshing taste.
Gunpowder Tea: Another variety of Chinese green tea, known for its tightly rolled leaves which resemble gunpowder pellets.
Champagne: No Bridgerton banquet would be complete without flutes of sparkling champagne.
Negus: Negus was a popular warm drink made from wine, typically port or sherry, diluted with water and flavored with sugar, lemon, and nutmeg.
Punch: Punch was a common beverage at Regency gatherings, often made with a mix of tea, fruit juices, spices, and sometimes spirits.
No gathering of the ton would be complete without engaging diversions. Here are a few amusements to ensure your guests are entertained in resplendent style:
String Quartets: Enchant your guests with the works of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.
Piano Solos: The delicate compositions of Chopin and Schubert will surely delight.
Deuts: Singing in harmoney around the pianoforte. (Like this dazzling performance by the esteemed Mr. Knightley and the amiable Jane Fairfax.)
Contemporary Covers: Classical renditions of modern music akin to the arrangements by the esteemed Vitamin String Quartet will never go amiss in polite society.
Yours truly,
My writing is free, and (I hope) always will be. However, if you have enjoyed this post and you want to support my whimsical little publication, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your monthly donation of five pounds will make a huge difference to me xx
I’ve no idea what Bridgerton is, but this sounds like my kind of party 😂