How to Host a “Bridgerton” Picnic: Part III
Dearest Gentle Reader,
Congratulations! If PART I and PART II of our series have in any way helped you visualize the kind of Bridgerton event you would like to host, then you have come to the most fun part of party planning - Collecting!
As ever, I like to remind my audience that this series is essentially intended for the DIY host. While I include some suggestions for larger budget, I write with a younger version of myself in mind - the first-time party planner, the small-budget college student, and the dreamer who never knew where to begin:)
Moreover, I target those hosts - like multi-tasking moms or people who don’t consider themselves ‘artistic’ - who often feel overwhelmed with curating a look because the online inspiration for Bridgerton or Regency is so varied or beyond their means. They may be short on time and energy yet not be able to hire professional help. Or it may simply be that they like to read blogs on decoration with a cup of London Fog in the spare moment they get to themselves.
Whatever the case may be, whether you are reading this in search of serious help or just light entertainment, because you love all things Bridgerton, I’m so glad you’re here!
Our inspiration board for a moderate-level event budget.
Collecting Your Look
Today I will present the first of three different sample events as the basis for my themed décor suggestions and DIY projects.
An Afternoon Tea Party - read below
A Fete in the Park
A Masquerade Garden Soiree
These three sample events are my cost-effective interpretations of the Bridgerton theme, as introduced in my previous posts.
Remember that while you may not find the exact same items as I did when I was thrifting, buying off marketplaces, or repurposing family antiques, it’s not about replicating what you see online frame for frame, but rather about joyful collecting!
AN IMPORTANT NOTE:
Always consider what kind of life this décor will have after your event, especially new purchases - will a piece be able to live in your home or serve future parties? Will it be a happy memento for you or something that someone else in your family would be happy to own? I find that spending money on ‘party supplies’ becomes a much less wasteful feeling and also way more sustainable, when we give them an extended life.
Of course, sometimes we will come across theme supplies that are disposable, imported, mass-manufactured, or synthetic, and I understand the convenience, accessibility, time saving, and budget considerations that make these items attractive. I have used them myself on occasion and even suggest some below, because I would never begrudge anyone the décor they can afford.
Remember to order any custom signs on Etsy with at least two week notice. The site is also a great resource for inexpensive printable menus and bridal shower games.
My sole aim is to help my readers think outside the box. Inexpensive décor works when the scale is also right (a dozen 14” beehive paper lanterns at $5 a piece can make a big sculptural statement, while a dozen 16” cushions at the same price may look small and underwhelming). It works when it is unique (I’m a sucker for beautiful-printed paper napkins) or when it needs to be light-weight (sometimes ceramic plates are just not viable, and palm-leaf or paper is your only choice.)
Just don’t reach for the plastic forks at the dollar store, because they go with your color scheme, is all I’m saying. Think of elegant ways around - in the case of forks, go instead for twisted bamboo picks from an Asian market or dainty finger foods wrapped in compostable paper with twine. This approach will go far towards minimizing plastic waste while at the same time keeping your event bespoke.
For convenience, I will include links to some items that I myself purchased on Amazon. Kindly remember that we receive a commission through these affiliate links.
An Afternoon Tea Party:
STYLE
Feminine
Pastels
Floral
MOTIFS:
Scalloped Lines
Lace and Ribbon
Colored Glass
Cane and Wicker
SHOP:
Hydrangea Flowers - at $2/stem, they make a rich statement for little to no cost at all.
Teacups - a set of six in your favorite design is a solid investment for future use.
Placemats - matching mats or chargers ground the look and can be reused at home. Consider classic woven rattan or hem-stitched fabric.
Velvet Ribbon - tie in bows on candlesticks or napkins for an easy layer of romance.
Colored Taper Candles - an on-trend detail that keeps the look youthful and modern.
Mini Desserts - petit fours are not only edible treats but little works of art that lift the whole experience. Save yourself the work by ordering from a local patisserie. Frozen versions from Trader Joe’s or the Whole Foods bakery are affordable alternatives.
Paper Napkins - a themed print adds a pop of color without the price of cloth.
THRIFT:
Welcome Easel - I found my fabulous antique brass easel on Offerup - but it can also be a simple wooden artist easel from a yard sale.
Goblets - I love etched glassware but never seem to find enough matching pieces for a large group, thus my go-to is a mismatched setting. The key is to keep things in the same color palette. Then the difference just adds texture, instead of being distractingly boho.
Porcelain Serving Dishes - from tiered dessert trays to teacups and saucers, the choice is endless. Just make sure the items are clean of cracks or glue.
COLLECT:
Table - I once found a marble bistro table on an online marketplace for $50, but a borrowed folding table or your own dining table will do.
Chairs - if you don’t have enough chairs, ask close friends to lend you a couple - the mismatched look can be charming, especially if they are wood and/or upholstered.
Tablecloth - my family always had a drawer of old linens, and this is a perfect time to repurpose those beautiful fabrics. If you don’t, you can always thrift some!
Candlesticks - odds are you already own these or have a family member who does.
Source on Amazon:
Scalloped Teacups - I love this pink teacup set for its pink sherbert color, the clean white interior, and the gold detailing. Just be advised that as with a lot of gold paint applied on top of porcelain glaze, repeated washing may remove or dull it over time. Treat these like other heirlooms and wash gently by hand.
3-Tier Dessert Tray - My Chinoiserie trays are no longer available, but this one is a good alternative for adding an antique-style floral motif to your dessert offerings.
DIY PROJECT:
Wallpaper Welcome Sign
In addition to an endless array of printable projects and Bridgerton-theme materials on Etsy, this welcome sign can make a personalized statement for the guest of honor. The sample here was for a lavender baby sprinkle with a toile wallpaper, but you can choose from any damask or floral print from the wide array of peel-stick wallpapers available online. Personalize it with a monogram wood letter, center a gold framed silhouette (a la Lady Whistledown), or layer with a calligraphy welcome message for a literary atmosphere.
Supplies:
Canvas Frame - Amazon, $25 for pack of two 18x24”; Michaels, $15+, depending on size and sale event.
Wood Screen Moulding - Home Depot, $1+ per foot, thin strips for a clean look
Wood Appliques - Amazon, $7+, for ornate corners with more antique effect
Peel & Stick Wallpaper - Amazon, $10, choose from various toile, damask, and floral patterns
Center Feature - Personalized Letter, Amazon $18.
1.Cut your wallpaper to any desired size and apply to artist canvas.
2. Frame with moulding (make sure to glue pieces directly to canvas, only covering small edge of wallpaper, or it will not hold.
3. Mount any feature design in the center; paint as desired.
How are we doing so far? Are you enjoying this blog series? If yes, meet us here next week for a Fete in the Park!…
