The race might only last a couple of minutes, but your guests will enjoy placing bets, mixing classic cocktails and cheering on their favorite horse at this stylish Kentucky Derby Party. Make sure to download the FREE printable bet cards here for your party!
It's time to sound the trumpet, hear the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd! We are off to the races to celebrate the Kentucky Derby!
The inspiration for this party came from the Kentucky Derby's nickname, the Run for the Roses. I wanted the decorations for this party to be classic and stylish, just like the famed Kentucky Derby.
As with any party I throw, I like to create a focal point that embraces the party theme. For this party, I created a stylish DIY Mint Julep Bar.
I created a simple DIY boxwood backdrop to anchor the bar cart where guests could mix their own mint julep lemonade cocktail or grab one of the sweet pecan bourbon balls. A gold glitter horseshoe garland and an elegant red rose garland look perfect paired with my DIY gingham sign and Derby Day Cutouts.
The mint julep is the iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby, but in addition to this classic cocktail, I decided to mix things up with a refreshing Mint Julep Lemonade. No matter what cocktail you choose to serve it's a good idea to make sure you stock up on lots of good quality Kentucky Bourbon for your bar cart. While the silver julep cup is traditional for Derby Day cocktails, they can be hard to come by, especially if you are entertaining a large crowd. Instead, use the equally Southern inspired Mason jars and pair them with striped paper straws and DIY horse cocktail stir sticks.
In 1904, the red rose became the Derby's official flower so it is only natural that this floral bloom is the star of the party. I used the red rose pomander kissing ball and galvanized vases to create my own regal centerpieces. I added in Derby Day Cutouts for a whimsical and colorful touch.
Just like the silk uniforms the jockeys wear, this celebration was full of color and just the perfect amount of pizzaz. A crisp, white tablecloth layered with an artificial grass runner is the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy Southern staples like Kentucky Hot Brown, Southern Cheese Grits, and Pecan Bourbon Balls. The colorful Derby Day Paper Plates look so festive layered on the table with the red napkins and the trophy cups.
The actual race only takes two minutes, so plan a few Derby-inspired games to extend your party and keep the fun going before and after the race. Download the free Place Your Bets Printable and take wagers before the race begins. Be sure to set-up a photo booth with Derby Day photo stick props, which include everything you'll need to capture the memories during this celebration.
Southern hospitality and Churchill Downs charm will be front and center at this celebration. The race might only last a couple of minutes, but you and your guests are going to have so much fun making memories at this Kentucky Derby party!
Don't forget to check out the DIY Mint Julep Bar, along with my recipes for Pecan Bourbon Balls and Mint Julep Lemonade to make your celebration extraordinary!
