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 1st. 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
(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)
(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
Silver Julep Cups
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.
Derby Digs: Don't forget that hat! Make sure your guests know that appropriate Derby attire is a must. Offer prizes for the best and/or most creative hat.
(photo courtesy of here)
Girls should wear summer frocks, and gentlemen should don classic seersucker or khaki suits. Bow ties get bonus points!
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.
And check out these great photo props! Smitten Sticks - le papier studio on etsy.com ($35 for 8 sticks)
Want some more inspiration and tips? Check out the Kentucky Derby's official party site! It is chock full of ideas, recipes, fashion suggestions, and decor designs!
Whatever your Derby plans are for the day, the most important thing is to have fun! Happy Friday!
Horseshoes and Derby Divots,
Great job! This is full of pretty pictures and useful ideas and links-- perfect for anyone to create their own Derby Party!
Posted by: Sara | April 16, 2010 at 10:56 AM
great party ideas. if you buy roses from a wholesaler then it'll be a lot less expensive (and many do offer to deliver orders of as few as 100 roses). The centerpieces you suggest are simple to arrange and perfect for wholesale roses.
Posted by: Dennis | April 20, 2010 at 06:32 PM
what a fabulous kentucky derby party inspiration board! i love it! LOVE the invitation, the font, the colors--everything about it!
my name is kate, and i wanted to introduce myself--i plan classic parties for children, over at kate landers events, llc. i would love to personally invite you to enter my giveaway for a $125-$250 custom theme party package (all details described on my blog), it would be an honor to hear from you, and would love to hear what theme you would choose! please e-mail me [email protected] if you ever want to chat! And the GIVEAWAY IS AT: http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/2010/04/kate-landers-events-llc-giveaway-worth.html
Posted by: Kate Landers Events, LLC | April 22, 2010 at 08:50 PM