Events Archives - Polly Singer

Can’t Make It To The Derby? Throw A Derby Party!

Polly Singer — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:49:57 +0000

I love Kentucky Derby parties. Even though I design hats often worn at the Kentucky Derby, I have only attended the Derby once, back in 2009. It was an amazing experience, don’t get me wrong. However I enjoy Derby parties more for many reasons. As a milliner, I am often exhausted on Derby Day from working so hard for the four months leading up to Derby. The time I attended, I was so tired that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have.

Another reason why I like Kentucky Derby parties is that it’s actually pretty easy to plan a party. There are endless supplies and ideas out there. If you live in Kentucky, a trip to your local Krogers or party store is a simple way to throw a party. You can order supplies online and really put your own spin on Derby Day.

Where to start:

The Magazine, Derby Celebrations, has some really great ideas for throwing a memorable party.

Some Simple How-To’s For Any Derby Party Include:

For an elegant southern affair you should use your finest silver, crystal, linens and china. Decorate with large bouquets of red roses. I love the moss covered horse head shape below with red roses. Serve a beautiful luncheon buffet with tea sandwiches, dips (including the regional specialty Benedictine, cold seafood, and assorted salads.

And if you collect horse figures, don’t forget to pull them out to decorate your tables.

Food:

At either party Mint Juleps are the drink of the day (you can purchase official Mint Julep glasses for your party and give them to your guests ). The May/June issue of Tea Time magazine has a recipe for Lavender Green Tea Mint Juleps, which sounds amazing!

Kentucky Derby Pie is the preferred dessert and Chocolate Bourbon Balls also make a tasty treat for your guests.

Make sure you have a large screen television in good working order that day!

Provide your guests with current Daily Racing Forms and set up your own betting pool to add to the excitement of the day.

Print copies of the lyrics to My Old Kentucky Home, and write the menu for the day on the reverse side. Guests can keep this as a souvenir of the day.

And of course, most importantly, insist that your guests wear hats; they can be elegant or creatively crazy. To make it more entertaining, you can award prizes for the best hats in both categories.

The post Can’t Make It To The Derby? Throw A Derby Party! appeared first on Polly Singer.

The Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea hosted by Patty Blanton

Simple Backend — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 21:52:57 +0000

The Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea

I recently had the immense honor of being the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea, also known as the Patty Blanton tea.

The event, held in Appling, Georgia, was the quintessential experience of Southern hospitality. It was an utterly enchanting afternoon.

Word of the Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea has grown and flourished over the years, gaining legendary status as the premier annual tea event in the region.

With only 80 coveted tickets available, it sells out within days of going on sale.

Sacred Heart keeps a wait list and, as usual, this year’s wait list was long with ladies hoping to get the good news that a ticket had become available for them.

I was well aware of this illustrious event having read about it in Tea Time Magazine, long before I had developed my own tea line or had even become a certified Afternoon Tea Etiquette trainer.

Being invited to speak at this tea event, which is such a cherished tradition, was a dream come true.

From the horsehead and horseshoe shaped tea sandwiches to the mini-Kentucky Derby pies, it was apparent at every turn just how much Patty had poured her dedication into every detail of this spectacular day.

Every year, Patty and her friends personally prepare all the food, offering a unique and delicious afternoon tea menu.

Thoughtful detailing extended to the table settings, where each table of four was set with its own special China pattern, adding yet another touch of southern elegance.

Every year guests are gifted with personalized hand painted gift bags. This year the bags contained Patty’s homemade jam, her signature goat’s milk soap, a hand-painted (by Patty) vase, and a hand-painted print of the menu. I was so honored to have Patty include a tin of my Cherry Rose Green Tea in the fabulous gift bags this year.

All the beautiful tables and heavenly tea-fare and all of the ladies in summer dresses and hats were set against the backdrop of Patty’s enchanting garden.

Patty’s garden is spectacular- adorned with fountains, a koi pond, and a breathtaking variety of maple trees and plant life. The ambiance created in this gorgeous natural setting elevated everything all the more. It was absolutely stunning!

I am pictured here with Millie Huff, Executive Director of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. My friends and I toured the facility. What a beautiful building!

This historic building, once a Catholic church on the brink of ruin, was rescued by a family from Augusta and transformed into a thriving arts center for the community.

I was accompanied by my dear friends, Caroline and Ida, who are always ready for tea adventures. For all of us, this was such a fun opportunity to meet and connect with new people.

I designed Caroline’s pink and blue fascinator to go with her dress.

As I’ve long believed, tea has an extraordinary power to bring people together in the most wonderful ways, and this tea was no exception.

In chatting with everyone, I got a surprise when I discovered that one of the guests had attended the same high school as my husband—a great reminder of the small world we live in.

When I left, I took with me wonderful memories of the day and a hope to attend next year’s Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea.

My deepest and most heartfelt thanks to Patty for inviting me to speak at her beyond fabulous event and for allowing me the joyful experience of this spectacular day.

Learn more about how you can support The Sacred Hearts Cultural Center here

The post The Sacred Heart Fundraiser Tea hosted by Patty Blanton appeared first on Polly Singer.

The Rainbow Queen Spring Hat Collection is here

Polly Singer — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 00:00:55 +0000

Spring is officially here and so the rollout of my Spring 2023 hat collection has begun!

The theme for this year’s Spring line is, The Rainbow Queen, inspired by Queen Elizabeth II and her colorful style.

Queen Elizabeth II famously informed fashion trends around the world for decades and I’ve always admired her unabashed love of color.

I believe she knew all about the joy that color can bring, and how it can lift moods and elevate spirits.

Over her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth made many exemplary fashion statements through the use of color, and along with being the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, she surely holds the title of its most vibrant as well!

The late Queen had ties to rainbows it seems, even after she passed away. In the days following her death, rainbows were seen all over England, especially in London and at Balmoral. She was the Rainbow Queen to the very end.

With 2023 being the first year, in generations, that the world has been without the beloved Queen Elizabeth, it felt like such a moment to take…to pay homage to her beautiful style and love of color by creating a collection inspired by one who was so inspirational herself.

In the names of these new designs you’ll find The Queen’s beloved pups and horses, her residences and even her favorite beverage!

Here are some of the new designs from The Rainbow Queen, 2023 Spring collection.

More designs from this 2023 collection can be seen right now at www.hatsandveils.net and even more will be revealed in the coming days!

If you’d like a chance to shop, in-person, styles from The Rainbow Queen collection please join me at my 3rd Annual Hat Tea!
April 15th
Fasig-Tipton
2400 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY

11:00- Doors open
NOON: Afternoon Tea service begins, promptly

With your ticket you will enjoy:
– An elegant four-course Afternoon Tea service, paired with artisan teas from my tea line
– A live-model hat fashion show
– The pop-up hat shop, featuring the new 2023 Rainbow Queen Spring Collection
– Special guest & lifestyle blogger, Suzanne Smith (@CrazyBlondeLifeBlog), will join me in conversation to discuss fashion, food, and being fabulous at ANY age!

Tickets available at https://www.hollyhilleventsky.com/shop/p/hat-tea

I hope to see you there!

The post The Rainbow Queen Spring Hat Collection is here appeared first on Polly Singer.

A September Derby Party? Why not! Part 1

Polly Singer — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:51:30 +0000

	Never in a million years would I have thought I would be writing about a Kentucky Derby in September! But the world is full of surprises and things like our present situation force us to think outside the hatbox! The Kentucky Derby this year will be run on September 5th, which is Labor Weekend, with limited attendance. What I would suggest is host a blow out Kentucky Derby party at home! We still have many things to celebrate. Getting good friends together is always a win/win. The past year has been extremely challenging for most. Let’s do what we can to lift spirits and make people smile! I love to pull out the silver mint julep cups, whether it’s for mint juleps or floral arrangements. Always a classic! You can do something simple or go all out.
	REASONS FOR A KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY Over the years, many have decided to do bridal showers, birthday parties, galas, teas, baby showers and even weddings with a Kentucky Derby party theme. What’s not to love? Roses, silver, friends, horses and more. There are endless ways to celebrate. You can request that your guests dress up or dress down. You can have a simple spread or do something more lavish. I love the idea of the gold frame (shown on the left) with a chalk board background. I think now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate with friends and family. Due to the government restrictions regarding Covid-19, people as of late have been incredibly isolated. We are social beings. Being around people energizes me. Of course, always use precautions and be safe.
	WANTING TO RAISE MONEY FOR A GOOD CAUSE WHILE YOU CELEBRATE? Feeling charitable? Maybe do a fundraiser for a charity. Each person who bets can put $10 in the hat. Instead of the betting pool going to one person, donate the proceeds to charity. If 15 horses run, that’s a quick way to raise $150 for your favorite charity. Most non-profits have been unable to host events this year and many are struggling. I like Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. https://www.ckrh.org/ Another good non profit is Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. They rescue, rehabilitate and adopt out all breeds. https://www.kyeac.org/
	THE GOOD STUFF…WHAT TO SERVE Food wise, I would stick with Derby favorites. Hot Browns are a must as well as pimento cheese sandwiches, Derby pie, a delicious cheese platter and cheddar chive biscuits with ham is always a favorite. I came across a recipe for Pimento Cheese Grits, which combine two very Southern foods into one creamy dish. It’s a Bobby Flay recipe as well. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pimento-cheese-grits Drink wise, there is the classic mint julep. However, many people that I know do not prefer them. The Oaks Lilly is a popular alternative. https://www.southernkitchen.com/recipes/drink/oaks-lily-cocktail

The post A September Derby Party? Why not! Part 1 appeared first on Polly Singer.