Experts Share Their Top Tips For The Ultimate Bridgerton-Inspired Valentine's Day

Even though we may have to slightly adjust our plans (read: a lot) in order to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year - thanks Boris - that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the day something truly memorable. Taking inspiration for one of the key lockdown trends - Bridgerton - we have done some digging and found some experts who know a little bit (again: a lot) about creating that ultimate romantic moment - and they have put together their top tips so you can celebrate in style with the one you love.

We have enlisted the help of Searcys, one of the first British event caterers, founded in 1847 by John Searcy, the company has carved out a name as brave market-leaders launching bold and pioneering concepts across the hospitality sector including the original in-station Champagne Bar at St. Pancras International, one of London’s first-ever skyscraper restaurants - Helix, as well as cafés and restaurants in two World Heritage sites.

Searcys knows exactly what you need when it comes to creating special moments and how to dress the scene and their expert guide contains all you need to help you turn your house into a regency-era soiree: including how to serve Champagne - the fancy way, and a recipe guide to transport your loved ones to somewhere where lockdown (hopefully) doesn’t exist.

Table For Two, Please

Place a table against a wall and cover it with linen, preferably white and embroidered, if possible. Colour is fine but try to avoid prints and designs. Simple craftly-arranged linen napkins can also elevate the setting; you can simply fold them in triangle style or for a more intricate fold, spend a minute or two on you tube looking at tutorials for the stylish “Lover’s knot napkin fold”. It’s worth it - trust us.

Hidden Treasure  

Search your cupboards for old-fashioned crystal and silverware but do not worry about matching items. Mismatched cutlery or crockery exudes a charming character and can help add more colour and design to the table.

It’s All About The Centre Piece  

Abundance on the table is essential for that sweetheart touch. Allan Heard, Searcys Account Director shares a very good tip on how to create a centre piece with fruit and flowers. “Turn over a big bowl and place a platter on it to add height, then decorate with an abundance of fruit and flowers.  Add cake stands on both sides of the table and fill empty spaces with bakes, iced cupcakes, macaroons, homemade sandwiches and champagne buckets.”

Searcys / BlenheimPalace

Dinner is Served

Prepare your three-course meal well in advance to ease the pressure on the day. Or alternatively, just go for finger food to start with and follow with a nice main course.  We suggest a firm favourite with our guests at The Orangery at Blenheim Palace, Salmon with Potted Shrimps.  Chef Alun Roberts has created a simple recipe, with 20 minutes overall time to prepare, cook and serve. Roberts uses a much-forgotten Vermouth instead of wine and prepares this dish with spinach, instead of green beans, but you can use frozen or prepared green beans if you wish. If you really are committed you can make your potted shrimps, and then put the others in the freezer for another day, or simply buy some Morecambe potted shrimps, which are available from all good supermarkets or deli, or order on online.  You can grab the recipe here

To Coupe or not to Coupe

When it comes to serving drinks - you have two choices: the saucer-shaped coupe is the classic glassware first designed for Champagne. Its wide bowl allows the drink to ‘open up’ giving the Champagne a fuller taste. For those who prefer a bit more fizz, we recommend the flute, which enhances the flow of bubbles and Champagne’s aroma. “Whichever you choose, both should be held by the stem to keep them cool and refreshing. Says Bruno Pelletier, Searcys Drink Ambassador.  

Buzz for Champagne

There is no Victorian evening without champagne. Bruno Pelletier, Searcys Drinks Ambassador says, “For centuries, romantic occasions and celebrations have been associated with Champagne. Searcys story has been intrinsically linked with Champagne since our foundation in 1847.”  Bruno gives you the lowdown of the perfect serve here “The bottle should be chilled at 7 to 9 degrees, then place in a ice bucket filled half way with ice and water. Set your coasters and glasses, present your champagne bottle to the person you are serving, and then prepare for to open the bottle.  The perfect serve should follow these steps: remove wrapping and undo wire cage, secure with hand and finger over cork cage and open by tilting the bottle whilst turning its base. The opening should make no noise, just a hiss!