It’s all horse play. The Kentucky Derby is one of America’s oldest and most fashionable sporting events, complete with pretty hats, red roses and Mint Juleps. With thousands flocking to Louisville, Kentucky this Saturday, we’ve got the perfect plan to help you break out of the gate this spring with the ultimate equestrian party.
This winner-worthy mix of festive decor and finger foods is deceivingly easy to make. In your friends’ eyes, you’ll be a champion host!
Off to the Races!
Throw a trophy party with these simple ideas from our friends at Fresh Home.
Our cheerful color palate takes its cue from jockey racing silks. We used contrasting colors of felt, which resists fraying, to cover our table. For our self-serve bar, we stacked four hay bales and covered them with Reno New Zealand Wool Solid Saddle Blankets.
Make a trophy centerpieces by filling a faux silver punch bowl with water-soaked floral foam bricks. Starting at arrangement’s top center, stick flowers with the tallest stems into the foam. Working down, build three rings with consecutively shorter-stemmed flowers. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp scissors. Pack flowers to hide stems. Fill container two-thirds full with water.
Set the scene with inexpensive details like buttons from cafepress.com and ring snaffle bits and classic horsehoes from farmandfleet.com.
Get crafty: How to Make a Derby Drink Holder
Classic Traditions. Festive Flair.
Capture the unbridled energy of Louisville with these delicious nibbles.
Get recipe: Derby Day Mint Julep
Get recipe: Belmont Breeze
Get recipe: Pecan Pie Bars
Get recipe: Crab Cakes with Red Chili Mayo
High-Stakes Hats
by: Jennifer Berno
Get the “ladies who lunch” look in honor of Derby day-or any day. Let these gorgeous chapeaus inspire you to find the perfect Derby look.
Pinkies up!
For the Prep: Play up your inner Miss Porter with this crisp, ribbon-trimmed straw hat from Kokin New York. The pink and green bow coordinates well with bright sundresses and sandals for a laid-back springtime look. Sag Harbor Brim $395
kokinnewyork.com
For the Sophisticate: Top off a little black (or white) dress with this graphic striped hat from Eric Javits with an 8-inch brim span. An elasticized inner band ensures a perfect fit. Stripe Dip Brim, $425
ericjavits.com
For the guys!: Made with Panama straw in Charleston, South Carolina, these cheerful Claude hats from Magar Hatworks will make an ultra-cool impression on Derby day. Colorful wide-stripe trim and vintage button detail finish off the dapper looks. $450-4495
magarhatworks.com
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Awesome ideas! My little girl CANNOT get enough horse-related toys, pictures, storybooks…it’s an obsession. Found a great horse cookie cutter for our last baking session…Your decorations are adorable though! I’ll have to use some of these creative ideas because her birthday’s coming up!