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
Every time I need to update my wardrobe, the same thing starts — hours of searching, tons of tabs, and always doubting whether it will fit. The other day I was reading Rainbow Shops reviews and realized where you can find stylish things without extra effort. I went in, chose, ordered — and everything fits perfectly! Now I know where to look for clothes without a headache. If you are also tired of endless searching, try to find a place where there is everything in one style and for every taste.
I used to struggle with structuring my research proposals properly until I discovered research proposal services. The platform offers expert guidance, helping to refine ideas and ensure clarity in academic writing. One of the things I love is how they break down complex concepts into manageable steps, making the whole process less overwhelming. Whether it’s selecting a strong topic or perfecting citations, their support has been invaluable. Writing at a high academic level requires precision, and having a reliable resource like this makes a huge difference. Now, I feel much more confident in my research writing.
I love the idea of having different categories like best hat and best bowtie – it gives everyone a chance to stand out. Plus, using paper ballots makes it feel more interactive and engaging. Definitely a great way to get people involved and keep the energy up throughout the event! ragdoll hit
Wonderful blog. Reading your posts was fun. This book was fun to read. I've saved it and look forward to reading more. Continue your great effort! run 3
This is an enlightening subway surfers piece, shedding light on aspects I hadn’t considered before.