Bridgerton’s new season is even more chaotic than the last — Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma’s (Simone Ashley) storyline is turning into a slow-burning, Austenian saga, Lady Whistledown is in hot waters and there’s plenty of drama in the Featherington residence. Despite our love for messy costume dramas, we think it’s too much!
We recommend calling for some help and setting up a quick viewing party so you can bounce theories off of your BFFs. But before you send the invite, make sure you’re ready to entertain!
Dress the part
Styling a Regency-core wardrobe can be truly fun if you know where to shop.
Corsets
Corsets have come a long way since the Regency era. And though Daphne’s corsets look really uncomfortable, you can totally score some body-loving, size-inclusive corsets from domestic brands. Maybe even co-ordinating ones so you can twin with your besties!
Liyokki has lycra-lined pieces that go up to 6XL while Lea Clothing Co has a line of sustainable picks.
Headbands
The Bridgerton girls are big on headwear. These chic, knotted headbands by Hair Drama Company are totally worth the splurge!
Drop some props
A retro-themed sleepover can be immersive and fun if you’re picking the right props.
Quick decal/wall stickers
Mimic the Bridgerton residence’s chic walls with Kalakaari Haath’s DIY wall decals and easy decal sets that come with helpful instructions.
Flowers
Luxury florals are the easiest way to transport someone to Bridgerton’s cotton candy aesthetic. The Maeva Store has stunning dried-flower arrangements featuring whitewashed Amaranth leaves, artificial green leaves, hydrangea bundles, lavender corn grass etc. You can also spot some vintage table decor featuring natural botanicals, wreaths and potpourri jars.
Retro tableware
Plan a high tea with scones and rolled wafers for your Bridgerton binge session. Get a nifty Charlie stand from Ikea to line up your nibbles and maybe even some retro glass cloches from Ellementry that can instantly elevate your tablescape. Find some here.
Charlie stands by Ikea (left) and a cake cloche from Ellementry (right)
Nibbles and tea, anyone?
Here’s exactly what to stock up on, for an era-appropriate viewing party.
Tea
Indian tea gets some screen time in the second season of the show as Kate Sharma confirms she detests English tea and uses some crushed up cardamom pods to flavour the bland tea she’s served.
You too can skip plain old English tea bags and go for something more interesting. Kolkata label Chaika makes instant tea pre-mixes which could probably impress Kate Sharma. Go for their Firangi chai which is a smooth lemongrass ginger tea and pairs well with sweet biscuits.
Pineapple cake
Pineapples were a luxury in England in the 1700s and 1800 as they could only grow in tropical climates. Daphne and Simon’s wedding naturally had a slew of pineapple desserts, which represented their wealth. So have a pineapple dessert on stand-by for your streaming night, so you can brag about an authentic menu. Crozzo’s upside-down pineapple cake travels well and has a vanilla sponge and light caramel.
Italian liqueurs
Cordial waters and flavoured Italian liqueurs were popular in the Regency period. But even if they weren’t, you can always enjoy some Campari at a sleepover! This bitter-sweet citrusy aperitif pairs best with bacon!
Campari is a bitter-sweet citrusy aperitif
French desserts
Consider having at least one airy, Parisian pick on the menu. We nominate Franziska’s Zen Garden which has a matcha dacquoise made of yuzu mousse, raspberry insert with matcha and crunchy sablée blend.
Swag bag ideas
What’s a party without a swag bag? There are always ways to get creative on a budget. Go for compotes and biscuit spreads by homegrown brands (Gourmet Jar has a line of delicious fruit preserves. Find them here), vintage teapots (Nestasia’s Jardin teapot set comes with a tea kettle and a conical ceramic tea infuser) and maybe even Dahlia Clearwater’s cookbook Teatime at Grosvenor Square (it features 75 tempting recipes of delicate finger sandwiches, canapés, and bite-sized sweets, good enough to impress Queen Charlotte), that’s available at Amazon.
(L-R) The Gourmet Jar’s strawberry-chia spread, Nestasia’s vintage teapot and Dahlia Clearwater’s Teatime at Grosvenor Square