ENTERTAINING DERBY STYLE

Hey hey hey, its almost Derby Day.

We LOVE Kentucky Derby everything. Especially the minty juleps...

Time to start setting up that Bourbon Bar and dusting off your Derby hat, with our fast and easy party tips and trends.

PARTY TIP 1: Derby Dress

Ask guests to play the part, and wear their Derby hats and bowties. As they say, getting dressed up is half the fun.

On your invitation, at the bottom, list: Derby hats and bowties invited for a clear, simple dress code request.

Yes fellas, you too. Your hat, bowtie and a southern gentleman suit, please.

PARTY TIP 2: Jockey Silks Flags

Fill the party space with paper pennants inspired by race day jockey silks Derby flag decor. An easy DIY: google the jockeys racing, and print out or draw (or have kids draw) a pennant flag for each jockey/horse. Cut pennants into triangles, and double side tape or glue stick to ribbon. Poof - you instantly add colorful decor to the party ceiling, walls, bars, buffets.

PARTY TIP 3: Cocktail Straws

Using the same pennants/silks designs, in a smaller scale, create straw pennants. Cut mini pennants into triangles and tape to colorful stripey straws. Place into a glass on the bar, and drinks just look - and taste - better.

Next, you guessed it. Pop those straws into a perfectly styled Mint Julep cocktails.

MINT JULEP PARTY RECIPE:

(a slight variation on the classic recipe but delicious and easier to drink at parties)

2 parts Ginger Beer

1 part Bourbon

Fresh mint

Place mint sprigs into bottom of glass, and muddle (which means smash with a spoon so it's bruised and "muddled").

Fill glass with crushed ice (or regular ice if needed).

Pour ginger beer and bourbon into the glass to fill

Add mint and straw for garnish.

PARTY TIP 3: Derby Props

Instagram party props are a great way to keep guests entertained, keep the party interactive, and create fun photos and keepsakes. Think of some clever Kentucky Derby sayings and print or draw signs onto cardstock (heavier weight stands up nice and straight when held.) Tape them to a wooden skewer, place on a table for guests to grab and pose with, and enjoy.

PARTY TIP 4: Best Dressed

Take Derby style and prop signs next level with a best dressed contest. As host or hostess you can award signs, or have a contest with paper ballots for best dressed female, male, best hat, best bowtie, etc. Who will win #BestDressed? It's so exciting to watch and see.

PARTY TIP 5: Taste of Kentucky

Derby menus include all the local savory and sweet favorites, and a big old red rose cake is a nod to the blanket of red roses the winning horse wears post Derby.

Cover the top of your favorite bakery cake with red roses, and add a ring around the base for a fast diy Derby cake.

Happy Racing, y'all!

Planning, styling, florals, stationery by A Perfect Event

Photos by Marcyn Cymmer