[Note from Frolic: We’re so excited to have Kate Cuthbert from the What Would Danbury Do? Podcast guest posting on the site today. She has some amazing tips for hosting a Bridgerton viewing party, if for some reason you haven’t seen the show yet! Take it away, Kate!]
It’s been a long and trying year, but something delicious awaited us at the end of it. No, not just Christmas dinner (though yum!), but the long-awaited, much-anticipated Bridgerton Netflix adaptation, spearheaded by master-mind Shonda Rhimes and featuring an inclusive, extraordinarily attractive cast.
While we’re all looking forward to diving into the froth and fantasy of Regency England as originally envisioned by Julia Quinn, we want to keep our present-day friends and family safe. But if it’s safe to host, such as for members of your household or via Zoom, read on!
Décor
The palette for the Bridgerton world plays deep into the fantasy of the story, so lean hard into bright pastels, candy colours, and coordinating rather than contrasting colours. You’re looking for something that feels cheerful and optimistic. This is not necessarily a time for deep elegance, but an MA 15+ rating means that adult content is still expected. Use whites, silvers, or golds to add a grown-up element to your overall scheme.
Music
Kris Bowers is the composer for the series, and it’s been leaked that the score will include songs like Thank U, Next and In My Blood (tastefully arranged for classical strings, naturally!), so feel free to put together an upbeat, contemporary playlist with some great pop classics. We’re thinking some Carly Rae Jepsen, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift. To honour Simon and Daphne’s story specifically, may we suggest Best Friend’s Brother by Victoria Justice? Sure, in this case, it’s the best friend’s sister, but we figure the sentiment is the same.
Food
Traditionally, the drinks served at Regency parties would include ratafia, a kind of sweet Italian liqueur, but no need to go out and source some. Some sparkling wine or some lovely lemonade for a non-alcoholic option will give your guests the fizzy, tizzy, sweet-tart experience of being in a London ballroom.
Pair with fun, easy-to-eat treats like finger sandwiches (for a truly English experience, go with cucumber!), charcuterie boards, cookies and little cakes.
Attire
No need to dress in the latest of French fashion: a viewing party requires a nod to comfort! Instead, why not celebrate the versatility of period headdress? Chris van Dusen says Bridgerton is a bonnet-free production, but he’ll never know if you channel Jennifer Ehle or Anya Taylor-Joy. Or perhaps a tiara or fancy fascinator? Focusing on what’s going on above the neck, means that comfort can be attained below the neck, while still enjoying the frivolity of a good costume party.
Prep Work
Get the skinny on all things Bridgerton by checking out What Would Danbury Do? A podcast about all things Bridgerton. Season one goes through the original eight books, including an episode entirely on Daphne and Simon, Episode One: Daphne and the Duke. You can find out more information on their website www.bridgertonpod.com
However you celebrate, we wish you the merriest of Bridgertons and the happiest of Netflix.
