Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
Party Decor Ideas
No Kentucky Derby party would be complete without the perfect decor to set the scene! For a classic look, start with vintage silver serving ware and a big bouquet of roses – both are quintessentially Southern and bring an air of elegance to your celebration. For some more fun, add horse race theme items to get your guests excited!
Roses have had a long connection with the Kentucky Derby, being known as “the race for the roses.” Whether you’re looking to decorate your celebration or create an impressive centerpiece for a dinner party, adding roses to the mix can take it up several notches. Roses can be used in a variety of ways - from cutting and placing in lovely vases on tables to creatively putting them inside silver julep cups.
A themed banner can be a great way to add a festive flair to any Kentucky Derby party. Stringing a decorative banner across the room with a catchy tagline is sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere for all the guests. Use sayings like "Run For The Roses" or "And They're Off." This is a great way to not only decorate your event space but also will give a fun photo opportunity for your guests!
Food Ideas
For a Kentucky Derby party, the food should be just as impressive as the decor! Bring out some Southern favorites like fried chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese.To get creative, make dishes featuring ingredients found in traditional Derby recipes, such as pecans, blackberries, and cornbread.
For dessert, whip up an indulgent chocolate walnut pie or serve mini pies topped with rose petals for a unique twist. With these ideas, your guests will have plenty to munch on while they cheer on their favorite horse!
Kentucky Derby Drink Ideas
The Mint Julep is a classic Kentucky Derby drink that is sure to make your party memorable. To make the perfect Mint Julep, start with Woodford Reserve bourbon, add a teaspoon of simple syrup and a few drops of water, then muddle fresh mint leaves. Fill up the glass with crushed ice and stir until blended. Serve in silver julep cups or metal cups for an extra special touch for your party guests.
If you're looking for something non-alcoholic, consider trying a fruity Southern Iced Tea. Make your own from sweet tea, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and orange juice. For an extra special touch, garnish each glass with a sprig of mint. And be sure to have plenty of cold beer on hand for those who prefer it! With these drink ideas, your guests will be ready to toast to the big race!
Kentucky Derby Party: Favors
Favors are a great way to thank your guests for attending your Kentucky Derby Party.Julep Cups
One of the classic go-to favors is the traditional mint julep cup. A set of 6 silver cups with a horse head design makes a perfect gift for any partygoer. To make it more special, consider adding a print of Churchill Downs to the back of the cups. These reusable cups will be sure to add some fun to the festivities while helping you reduce waste. Plus, they'll make great souvenirs for your guests that they can take home and reuse!
Mini Bourbon
Another great favor idea is mini bottles of Woodford Reserve bourbon, which is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. These mini bottles can be found online and at most liquor stores and make an elegant addition to any party.Hand Fans
Hand fans are a great way to keep your guests cool during the Kentucky Derby. Whether you're throwing an outdoor or indoor party, hand fans ensure everyone stays comfortable and can enjoy the festivities. You can find hand fans in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from traditional paper ones to more contemporary fabric designs.
To give your guests something extra special, look for ones that feature horseshoe or horse racing designs. Not only do they make great party decorations, but they also serve as useful mementos that your guests can take home with them. Hand fans are a simple yet effective way to add a bit of Southern charm to your Kentucky Derby Party!
Trophies
Trophies are an excellent addition to any Kentucky Derby party. They add a special touch and allow everyone to feel like a winner, even if they didn't get the winning wager. A variety of trophies can be found online or in stores.Try to find ones that feature classic horseshoe designs, horse racing motifs, or mini jockey figures with medals draped around their necks. You can also find trophies that come with custom engraving for an added personal touch. Trophies make great party favors as well; hand each guest their own trophy as they leave your celebration! Trophies will be sure to give your Kentucky Derby party an extra-special touch!
Remember the Dress Code
When it comes to a Kentucky Derby party, the dress code is just as important as the decorations, food, drinks, and activities. Guests should be encouraged to get creative with their outfits and wear something festive and fun.
Ladies can go all out with a big derby hat, bright dresses, or printed ensembles. Men can opt for a colorful suit or add Derby-specific accessories like a needlepoint belt or pocket square. To make the dress code even more exciting, you could consider hosting a best-dressed contest. Have your guests anonymously vote for their favorite outfit and award the winner with bragging rights! Remembering to include a dress code at your Kentucky Derby celebration will add an extra level of excitement and energy to your event!
Set Up to Stream
If you're planning a Kentucky Derby party, be sure to set up your streaming station ahead of time. This way, everyone can keep an eye on the race while they mingle and enjoy the festivities.You'll need a reliable internet connection and a streaming device such as a laptop or tablet. Make sure to test out the connection beforehand so there are no last-minute hiccups. To make it even easier for your guests, consider setting up multiple screens throughout your venue so everyone can watch the actual race in real-time.
You could also pre-program playlists of classic Derby songs like My Old Kentucky Home or Get Ready to Run so that people can get into the spirit of the event.
Conclusion
If you want to throw an unforgettable Kentucky Derby party, the key is to plan ahead and not forget our tips! With these tips in mind, you're sure to have a great time at your Kentucky Derby party! Social 
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