Bridgerton Comes to Russell A Regency Tea Experience Awaits at the Velvet Parlor

Bridgerton Comes to Russell

A Regency Tea Experience Awaits

at the Velvet Parlor

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

There is something quietly magical about stepping into a room and feeling as though you’ve slipped between the pages of a history book—only this time, you’re allowed to touch the lace, sip the tea, and linger as long as you please.

On Feb. 22, from 1:00 pm. –3:00 p.m., guests will be welcomed into a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea hosted by The Whimsical Rose Tea Society inside The Velvet Parlor, a treasure tucked into Russell’s downtown district. But this event is more than a themed gathering—it marks the first official public event created under the banner of a dream years in the making.

The Whimsical Rose Tea Society was founded by Ms. April Rose Leader, who describes this upcoming afternoon as “my first official event under The Whimsical Rose Tea Society.” Though the society itself is newly formalized, tea gatherings have long been part of her life. “I’ve hosted several tea parties over the past several years for friends, families and special occasions,” she shares, recalling tables filled with delicate cups, tiered trays, and warm conversation.

Her love for tea culture grew naturally alongside another passion—antiquing and thrifting. “I enjoy antiquing and thrifting and I’m always drawn to the pretty teacups and tea pots,” she says with a laugh. “Over the years I’ve collected an embarrassing amount.” What began as an appreciation for beautiful heirloom pieces slowly became something more. During a recent birthday celebration for her mother-in-law, the family decided to host a tea-themed party. As they sorted through her collection of cups, pots, linens, and décor, a realization dawned. “We went through my collection, and we realized we had enough things—from cups, pots and décor—to run a tea business.”

That moment planted a seed.

Whenever she travels, Ms. Leader seeks out tearooms and historic spaces, studying the experience as much as enjoying it. “Whenever we have the opportunity to travel, we look for places to have tea,” she explains. That sense of occasion—of stepping into another era—has always drawn her in. For this inaugural event, she wanted to create that same feeling locally: a chance to experience history in a way that is immersive, playful, and welcoming.

The setting could not be more fitting. The Velvet Parlor, owned by Sarah Gabbard, is an antique shop with a warm, classic style that feels as though it has been waiting for such a gathering. Located at 444 Bellefonte St in Russell Kentucky, the space glows with vintage charm—beautifully curated furnishings, delicate China, timeless décor—all thoughtfully displayed and, notably, offered at excellent prices. It is the kind of place where history feels alive, not preserved behind glass but arranged lovingly within reach. When Ms. Leader’s sister-in-law discovered the shop while thrifting, she immediately saw the potential. “My sister-in-law found the place when she was looking for places to thrift. She happened to look into the events room and thought it made the perfect place to host the party,” Ms. Leader recalls. She adds warmly, “Sarah was a delight to work with and was very accommodating, especially since we put the plan into motion two weeks before the party. Thank goodness we already had the supplies.”

For the Feb.22 gathering, The Velvet Parlor will transform into a Regency dreamscape. Guests are encouraged to don Regency-inspired attire—an invitation Ms. Leader embraces wholeheartedly. “I enjoy creating themes for my parties and of course the Regency era is my favorite,” she says. “Sarah Gabbard’s antique shop just sets the place up for the perfect atmosphere.” To further set the tone, the background music will feature the Bridgerton soundtrack, weaving familiar orchestral melodies through the afternoon like a thread of cinematic romance.

This event is also a collaboration with Kristen Matthews of Appalachian Folkology. “This event is in collaboration with Kristen Matthews with Appalachian Folkology,” Ms. Leader explains. “She makes delicious organic flavored teas.” Ms. Matthews will provide a sampling of the varieties she crafts and sells locally, including blends that celebrate regional storytelling through taste. Together, the two are shaping the flow of the afternoon. “Kristen and I are working on the schedule format,” Ms. Leader shares. “She’s also a fan of dressing up and playing the part. We don’t have anything set in stone yet, but we do have a few things we’re working on.”

Alongside the curated teas, guests will enjoy traditional tiered treats and elegant savory bites designed to complement each cup. The intention is to create an experience that feels ceremonial yet accessible—a refined escape without pretense.

Tickets are intentionally limited to preserve the intimate, salon-like atmosphere that has long defined Ms. Leader’s gatherings. Early supporters will find added incentive, as special promotions and giveaways are already underway. “We’ll be doing giveaways on the Whimsical Rose Tea Society Facebook page,” she says. A Bridgerton-themed sweatshirt is currently featured, with plans to give away two free tickets in the coming week. The page will also offer Regency-inspired ideas and previews of the teas to be served.

Beyond this inaugural event, The Whimsical Rose Tea Society is expanding into personalized pop-up experiences for those wishing to host their own gatherings steeped in elegance and imagination. “I’m offering pop-up events for bridal and baby showers, birthdays, special occasions or just-because parties,” Ms. Leader explains. Depending on the package selected, she provides the decorations, curated drinks, and food setup—transforming ordinary celebrations into heirloom-worthy experiences. As the seasons turn, even more possibilities await. “In the spring when the weather clears, I’ll also offer garden tea parties and picnics,” she shares.

Those interested in scheduling a private event, garden tea, or themed celebration may contact The Whimsical Rose Tea Society directly at WhimsicalRoseTeaSociety@gmail.com

 or by calling 606.615.2634 for more information about packages, availability, and customization options.

For Ms. Leader, tea is not simply a beverage; it is a bridge to the past and a way of slowing the present. It is lace and laughter, porcelain and storytelling. It is history experienced in a way that feels joyful rather than distant.

On Feb. 22, The Whimsical Rose Tea Society invites Russell to step into that joy. To sit at the table. To sip slowly. To let the music swell and the conversation linger.

In a town known for its warmth and creativity, small-town charm will meet grand, flirtatious fantasy—and the tea will be poured.