Sault woman's garden party will have Bridgerton fans raving

You won’t find many people more obsessed with Bridgerton than Sally Toivonen — and she’s got a big backyard garden party coming up to prove it.

The popular Netflix series, which has been renewed for a fourth season, takes viewers through the Regency era in England where eight close-knit siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family attempt to find love.

Since the beginning of summer, Toivonen has been organizing a private and special gathering based on the visuals and themes of the show — one that she claims the Sault has never witnessed before.

Her love for Bridgerton, paired with a hunger to provide some feel-good news, means 75 guests are expected to be treated to an unforgettable experience at her east-end home this week.

“Our news in our community, and internationally, can be very sad,” she admitted. “I wanted to do something uplifting, and to show the community we’re a very vibrant city and that we do have good people here.”

To suggest Toivonen is going all out for the upcoming bash would be heavily understated.

She’s been decorating her entire backyard to resemble the series — decked out with all sorts of flowers, gardening trimmings and Victorian-era knickknacks.

The host has even hired a harpist.

“I’m crazy for the show,” she said. “When they walk into my backyard, I want people to feel like they’re on the set of Bridgerton.”

Guests will first arrive for an afternoon tea where they’ll be treated to an assortment of sandwiches, croissants, scones, macaroons, and refreshments — all of which will be catered by Ken from the Grand Gardens.

Following the tea, attendees will move to the front yard for Bridgerton-themed trivia and prizes.

Then, guests will return to a transformed backyard for dinner and dancing.

“It’s going to be a magical summer’s eve ball,” Toivonen explained. “We’ll have a lovely dinner in honour of the Queen, which will be elegantly decorated with golden chairs around the table.”

“We also have a ballroom dance instructor here in the Sault who is going to get everyone dancing to the minuet and the quadrille,” she added.

But that’s not all.

Toivonen has also modified an old playhouse in her backyard to resemble Queen Charlotte’s chambers from the show.

“It’s complete with a Victorian 18th century dress and gowns,” she said. “I’ve got little decorations and antiques that are from that era all around the room. People will be able to go inside and see the Queen’s bed and chambers. It’s going to be one of the highlights for sure.”

Not to be forgotten of course, many of the guests will be arriving to the party in traditional Regency era garb.

“I have a beautiful costume that’s authentic from the 1800s and a big puffy wig — the whole bit,” Toivonen said. “Lots of people got so into this party that they’ve been ordering their dresses and outfits from Amazon.”

Treating her guests to this eloquent event free of charge, Toivonen has been impressed by the number of people who have offered to bring food or other fixings to assist with the day.

Grateful for the support, Toivonen is inviting attendees to make a contribution in another way.

“We decided to turn this into a fundraiser for ARCH,” she said. “We lost my husband Allan in 2016 to cancer, and he died at ARCH. We wanted to have this as a memorial in his favour. I honestly believe in spiritual guidance, and I know my husband’s had a hand in all of this.”

While Friday’s event is closed to the public, Toivonen is hoping the photos and video of her garden party will entertain readers and inspire others to host classical-themed gatherings — particularly the fans of Bridgerton.

“People have to go to Toronto or Montreal to attend an event like this, so I figured what the heck — let’s do this in Sault Ste. Marie,” she said. “It’s going to be exquisite.”