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.

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Hats vs. Fascinators

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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!

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In April, I partnered with renowned Holly Hill Inn chef, Quita Michel to host my 2^nd annual Hat Tea event at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington.  We put on a Kentucky Derby hat fashion show and lovely afternoon tea.

This special event was the launching point for my Savannah Spring Hat collection as well my new artisan tea collection, featuring five hand-blended, loose leaf teas.

At the Hat Tea, guests were treated to a shopping experience where they were encouraged to have fun experimenting with all of the elegant and spirited hats in my new collection! 

With so many upcoming Spring events on the calendar, it was a great joy to help ladies find their own personal best look.

We had a tea-tasting station where guests could sample all the hand-blended teas in my new collection. As a native Kentuckian, I’m proud to have partnered with the world-famous Elmwood Inn, located right here in Kentucky, to create this delicious line of artisan teas.

We are all treated to a classic afternoon tea menu, designed, created and thoughtfully presented by Quita Michel and it did not disappoint!

 

 

Pimm’s Cups and Peach Bellini’s were available and the mixologists at Fasig-Tipton also created a wonderful mocktail with my Belle’s Butterfly Fascinator tea, lemonade and honey- delicious and so refreshing!

If you think an afternoon tea is not a substantial source of sustenance…think again!

As a certified Afternoon Tea Etiquette trainer, it was my pleasure to present a talk on Tea Etiquette for my guests.

 

I talked about tea fashion, host gifts and included a presentation with model, Katherine Barr on how to best pair a hat with an outfit that has a print, which is sometimes a challenging endeavor!

 

During Tea Service models weaved their way through the elegantly appointed dining tables, showcasing different hats to inspire ideas and fashion possibilities for everyone… 

Michaela and the entire Holly Hill Inn / Fasig-Tipton staff exceeded expectations, bringing this already elevated experience to the next level with their service and attention to detail.

It was a successful and absolutely splendid afternoon.

I want to thank everyone who joined me for this beautiful day of elegant hats and gorgeous teas and, still much needed, in-person connection.

It was a joy and I plan to continue this annual Hat Tea tradition every April!

In the meantime… wear your hats with confidence and enjoy a meaningful break from stress with a daily cup of tea in the afternoon!

Lots of love,

Polly

 

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	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

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Last December, I had an early Christmas present.  I found out that my hats would be featured at the Milliner’s Corner at the lovely and historic Keeneland Race Track!  My mind then started racing, turning over ideas for my Keeneland Collection, which consists of 45 hats and fascinators.  Many are one of a kind designs and are only available at Keeneland.

How do I get my inspiration, you ask?   Pinterest is my addiction.  I especially love looking at millinery designs that members of the Royal Family wear at Ascot.  Princess Sophie of Wessex is a favorite.  My newest designs are inspired by Sophie of Wessex

I will be at Keeneland on April 14, 15, 21 and 22nd to help you pick out your own Polly Singer creation .  Please stop by and say hello! I am happy to help you pick out the perfect hat or fascinator for the Kentucky Derby!

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