Throw a Kentucky Derby Party
From LoveToKnow Party
The most famous event in the Triple Crown is held the first Saturday in May at the famed Churchill Downs racetrack, offering horse racing fans everywhere a chance to throw a Kentucky Derby party for friends and family.
Derby Invitations and Decorations
Both the invitations and decorations help create the right mood for a Kentucky Derby party.
Invitations
While the date is always the same, it is still important to let guests know what time and where they should arrive for a Kentucky Derby party. Send out party invitations that list the exact date, time and place of the event.
Though it may be a faux pas to dictate attire for formal parties or wedding receptions, a Derby party is an exception to the rule. Often the race fans are dressed in their finest spring suits and dresses, with the women donning hats of all shapes and sizes. Write a formal invitation letter that indicates appropriate fashion. Phrasing can be worded as part of the invitation, in a cute rhyme, or as a small notation in the corner letting guests know that garden party attire for men and women’s garden party dresses and hats are encouraged.
Decorations
The Derby is known as the “Run for the Roses,” because the winning horse receives a large garland of red roses. The winning jockey also receives a large bouquet of roses. Decorate an outdoor patio or family room with large vases of red roses and greenery. Create a garland to put around the television where the race will be viewed. Other party decorations could include small faux gold trophies, horseshoes and model horses placed around the room on side tables, coffee tables and mantels.
Throw a Kentucky Derby Party - Activities
The race itself is not very long—often less than two minutes. Plan several activities before the start of the race to get guests excited about the event.
Adult Activities
Before each Kentucky Derby race, attendees sing "My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Foster. Pass out lyrics to the song and download the MP3 for a sing-along.
To make the race more exciting, place faux bets using fake board game money. The winner can receive a cheap trophy or certificate. If guests are unfamiliar with the horses in the race, randomly assign a horse to guests as they arrive at the party.
Kids Activities
Kids at a Kentucky Derby party will have fun doing any of the following activities:
- Decorating cookies shaped like a horseshoe
- Playing with toy horses
- Coloring sheets with pictures of horses on them
- Making their own “silks,” or shirts that the jockeys use to identify themselves and their horses
Children may also have fun playing a game of Derby Bingo. Use a graphics program to put horse and racing-related items in each square, such as horseshoes, roses, jockey shirts, sugar cubes and trophies. Print off as many versions as children who will be at the party, plus one. Cut the extra card up and draw the pictures out of a feed sack.
Dining High on the Horse
When planning to throw a Kentucky Derby party, food is often high on the list of items that need to be perfected. Elegant appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are an excellent choice for many party hosts. Set up a buffet table or place them throughout the party area on tall bar tables. Without a main dish, plan on approximately 10-12 pieces for each guest.
Serve a more hearty meal that is still easy to put together by copying some of the Churchill Downs dining options. From deli sandwiches to Mexican entrees to hamburgers, the racetrack fare does not have to be expensive or time consuming.
A dessert that plays upon a horse theme, such as a horseshoe-shaped cake or carrot cake, is perfectly fitting for a Derby party. It can also double as a table centerpiece until after the race has been completed.
A variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, should be available for guests. The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep. Made with bourbon whiskey, mint sprigs, sugar, water and ice, it is the perfect touch to a cocktail Derby party. Use The Early Times Mint Julep Recipe; the company also makes a ready-to-serve cocktail for those who do not wish to mix their own.
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