In the South, the Kentucky Derby is a big deal. Whether you party with the infielders or sass with the high class, the Derby provides the perfect excuse to don those summer frocks and throw a great spring bash!
This year, the Derby is Saturday, May 7th. If a Derby party is your thing, you still have time to plan!
Derby Invites: These darling invites can be ordered and shipped within 2-3 business days! ($30 for 20 invites - itsy bitsy paper shop on etsy.com).
Derby Decor: Anything with wide-brimmed hats, red roses, mint julep cups and horses is a winner! At your local garden center, grab a flat of mint. Using mint julep cups, plant the mint in the cups, and add these adorable sterling herb markers to let guests know that they can add an extra mint sprig (or two) to their own cocktail.
(Set of 4 herb markers - $22 - Monkeys Always Look on etsy.com)
Roses can be expensive, but even just enough for one focal point will make a statement.
(photo courtesy of here)
Scour eBay, yard sales, and thrift stores for horse figurines or even horse bookends. It's amazing what a coat of glossy white spray paint can do!
(photo courtesy of here)
Finally, don't be afraid to take the party outside! Cover folding tables with white linens, hang chandeliers or the ever-popular Martha Stewart poms from the trees, and bring a little drama to your backyard!
(photo courtesy of here)
(photo courtesy of here)
Derby Dining: Your guests will thank you for a proper Derby dinner. Whether you prefer fine fare or down-home delectables is up to you. Either way, the only proper dessert is the Kentucky Derby Pie. Go here for a fantastic, tried and true recipe!
Derby Drinks: The Mint Julep is a must:
Mint Julep From the Kentucky Derby
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Whiskey
Directions
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.
Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, sip and savor!
Derby Digs: Don't forget that hat! Make sure your guests know that appropriate Derby attire is a must. The bigger, the better, in my humble opinion.
(photo courtesy of here)
Girls should wear summer frocks, and gentlemen should don classic seersucker or khaki suits. Bow ties get bonus points!
(photo from Vineyard Vines)
Fabulous Extras: Provide all of your guests with current Daily Racing Forms and set up your own betting pool to add to the excitement of the day.
(photo courtesy of here)
And check out these great photo props! Smitten Sticks (no longer available, but tons of other options on etsy)
Want some more inspiration and tips? Check out the Kentucky Derby's official party site! It is full of classice ideas, recipes, fashion suggestions, and decor designs.
Whatever your Derby plans are for the day, the most important thing is to relax, enjoy a cocktail (or two), and enjoy your company.
Brims and beaus,
This year, the Derby is Saturday, May 7th. If a Derby party is your thing, you still have time to plan!
Derby Invites: These darling invites can be ordered and shipped within 2-3 business days! ($30 for 20 invites - itsy bitsy paper shop on etsy.com).
Derby Decor: Anything with wide-brimmed hats, red roses, mint julep cups and horses is a winner! At your local garden center, grab a flat of mint. Using mint julep cups, plant the mint in the cups, and add these adorable sterling herb markers to let guests know that they can add an extra mint sprig (or two) to their own cocktail.
(Set of 4 herb markers - $22 - Monkeys Always Look on etsy.com)
Roses can be expensive, but even just enough for one focal point will make a statement.
(photo courtesy of here)
Scour eBay, yard sales, and thrift stores for horse figurines or even horse bookends. It's amazing what a coat of glossy white spray paint can do!
(photo courtesy of here)
Finally, don't be afraid to take the party outside! Cover folding tables with white linens, hang chandeliers or the ever-popular Martha Stewart poms from the trees, and bring a little drama to your backyard!
(photo courtesy of here)
(photo courtesy of here)
Derby Dining: Your guests will thank you for a proper Derby dinner. Whether you prefer fine fare or down-home delectables is up to you. Either way, the only proper dessert is the Kentucky Derby Pie. Go here for a fantastic, tried and true recipe!
Derby Drinks: The Mint Julep is a must:
Mint Julep From the Kentucky Derby
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Whiskey
Directions
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.
Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, sip and savor!
Derby Digs: Don't forget that hat! Make sure your guests know that appropriate Derby attire is a must. The bigger, the better, in my humble opinion.
(photo courtesy of here)
Girls should wear summer frocks, and gentlemen should don classic seersucker or khaki suits. Bow ties get bonus points!
(photo from Vineyard Vines)
Fabulous Extras: Provide all of your guests with current Daily Racing Forms and set up your own betting pool to add to the excitement of the day.
(photo courtesy of here)
And check out these great photo props! Smitten Sticks (no longer available, but tons of other options on etsy)
Want some more inspiration and tips? Check out the Kentucky Derby's official party site! It is full of classice ideas, recipes, fashion suggestions, and decor designs.
Whatever your Derby plans are for the day, the most important thing is to relax, enjoy a cocktail (or two), and enjoy your company.
Brims and beaus,
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1 comment:
Love the ideas! A Kentucky Derby party is always one of my favorites. Any excuse to ear a fabulous hat! I especially liked your decorating idea of adding racing stripes and numbers to your table decor. Fun!
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