The Kentucky Derby is the perfect reason to throw a party! From food and drink to great décor, we’ll help you bring the fun and spectacle of the Derby home to your guests. So break out the mint juleps and put on your hat, it’s time to start planning your perfect Derby party.
Remember, you do not need to spend a lot of money. A lot of these items I found at Party City, Michaels and Target.
1. Kentucky Derby Dessert Bar – Who doesn’t love a dessert bar? Add all your favorite desserts from pie to derby themed cookies. This is the perfect treat for adults and kiddos alike. We found a lot of inspiration on Pinterest.
2. Cocktails – It’s time for mint juleps! To make the drinks fun for guests we suggest serving your cocktails out of mason jars.
3. Decorations – Try the above pictured “Run for Roses” centerpiece. All you need is roses and spray paint a toy plastic horse gold and you have the perfect centerpiece for your party.
4. Games – We found these games on http://www.southernliving.com. Since the actual race is so short these games were perfect for both kids and adults.
- Hat Contest
Ask your guests to wear hats to your party and encourage creativity by offering a prize for best hat. Award the winner with a homemade Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie or a bottle of bourbon so they can take home a little taste of the Kentucky Derby. - Game of Luck
Let each guest draw a horse’s name out of a hat to cheer for during the race. The guest paired with the winning horse wins a prize. Up the ante by making the prize a Jockey Silks Scarf for women or the Off to the Races Bow Tie for men from Vineyard Vines, The Official Style of the Kentucky Derby. - For the Kids
Set up a game of horseshoes in the yard, or have the kids bring their own stick horses for their very own Run for the Roses. (game cred. Southernlivingmagazine.com)
Mary Susan Buhner 