Dearest reader, clear your schedules and prepare your tea sandwiches: season four of Bridgerton is here. As we know, each season of the period piece follows a new Bridgerton sibling on their quest for love and acceptance within England’s high society. So far, we’ve watched Daphne, Anthony, Colin, and Francesca Bridgerton take center stage, and in season four, it’s finally Benedict Bridgerton’s turn.
Known for his irresistible charm and reluctance to settle down, Benedict’s storyline will follow his unexpected search for a mysterious woman named Sophie, or “The Lady in Silver,” whom he meets at his mother’s infamous masquerade ball as teased at the end of season three. The plot is believed to embrace a retelling of the classic Cinderella trope, as Benedict attempts to find his mystery woman with the help of his sister Eloise.
The season is being released in two parts, with Part 1 premiering on Netflix on January 29 and Part 2 on February 26. But while this gripping series may take place in Regency-era London, there’s no reason we need to cling to 19th-century ideas when it comes to celebrating. Read on for Lady Whistledown-approved Bridgerton watch party ideas fit for a modern day.
Setting The Vibes
First things first, it’s all about curating the right vibe. Since many of us don’t have Bridgerton-level wealth, these preparations can be done on a budget. Start with a pastel tablecloth for your living room table or TV stand. You can grab one from Dollar Tree, thrift a lacey option, or even use a patterned sheet draped over the surface for a nod to the show’s elegant wardrobe. Next, include lots of fairy lights and tea candles that you can pick up at TJ Maxx to create the soft and romantic atmosphere that Bridgerton seeks to exude. To finish it off, play instrumental versions of modern pop songs through your speaker for the perfect background ambiance. Think: Regency-era vibes meets Gen Z daylist.
Snacks
When it comes to snacks, you can rely on Bridgerton staples like cucumber cream cheese sandwiches in perfect triangles, or, like our newest eligible bachelor, Benedict, you can pursue new options this season. Nothing says elegant quite like a charcuterie board, and luckily, we already have a guide to making the ultimate board for beginners. Presentation is everything, and with a few thoughtfully placed cheese wedges, crackers, and grapes, this board is perfect for snacking on during the episode. To end the night, we suggest attempting to get your hands on Jeni’s Bridgerton ice cream collab, with “Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake” and “Earl Grey Crème Brulée” as the featured flavors. You can never go wrong with a make-your-own-sundae bar.
Drinks
With endless snacks, of course you need special drinks to sip on mysteriously throughout the show. A hot or iced tea bar is an easy way for people to personalize what they want and stay on theme. Set out a few different tea options, as well as mugs and sugar for customizable cups. If you want to elevate the options even more, consider having a signature drink option — whether it’s a cocktail with berry syrup and a splash of Prosecco, or a sleepy girl mocktail to get in a cozy mood.
Party Favors
When you’re on a budget, party favors feels like a luxury of the past. But they don’t have to be elaborate to be cute, just something for your friends to remember the awesome night by. Wrapped tea bags are the perfect way to send your friends home with some options for their next Bridgerton viewing, as well as any snacks or cookies leftover. Having an extra sweet treat for later is one of the best gifts a girl could ask for.
Activities
While you may be too engrossed in the seemingly genetic level of yearning the Bridgerton men seem to possess, you can keep things interactive with a few activities. Since the main focal point of this season revolves around the masquerade ball, set up a simple DIY masquerade mask station for everyone to make their own. All you need is some cardstock, scissors, elastic string, and markers or glitter to decorate with. Trust me, this will make your viewing experience that much more enjoyable. Or, everyone can create a Bridgerton-themed bingo card to play throughout the night. Squares can include each time you hear a Lady Whistledown voiceover, meaningful stares from across the room, a new scandal is revealed, or someone dramatically storms out of the room. The prize for the winner of the game is up to you, but if we could choose, it would be a reenactment of the carriage scene.