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.