The Kentucky derby is not just a horse race, it’s a party! You can throw a derby party, just as exciting and fun as the race itself. The actually Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May, but you can have a derby party any time.
A derby party should follow the traditions of the real derby after all those traditions have been going on since 1875. So what are the traditions?
A Mint Julep drink (iced bourbon, sugar syrup and mint ) is one of the traditions. So, be sure to include that as one of your cocktails.
Ladies, get out your favorite hats and wear them in high-style as this is a huge tradition.
Good food is the best tradition. However, it isn’t stringent as to the kind of food. An easy way to feed your derby party guests is with finger foods: such as, shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped prosciutto, finger sandwiches and crudities.
Since the derby is know as the running of the roses, you must have roses! Use a few real or paper derby hats (these are felt hats that men wear) lined with water proof paper or another container and fill with water and roses as decorations. Not good at arranging flowers? Have your florist create a rose centerpiece for your food table or a few arrangements with roses that you can use for decorations. Don’t forget to decorate your tables. You can use white, black or pastel green colors for your table linens and napkins. if you’re having the party on the day of the derby, pastel green colors are great. It gives everyone a feeling of the green grass area around the race track.
Every party needs a little fun. For entertainment, you can place “bets” on who will win the real race and use party favors as the prizes. On non-race days create your own Kentucky Derby race. Make the track from brown felt and include horses that you have cut out from some horse theme party decorations. Place numbers on the cut-outs and have guests make up horse names. Give guests a scorecard with each horse name and odds. Then have them place “bets”. Use dice to move the horses around the track. Roll the dice and see who wins.
The Kentucky Derby is a fantastic event to watch. Having a party that revolves around the race is even better. So if you are looking for a reason to host a party, have a Kentucky Derby party.
Remember you can have a Kentucky Derby anytime. It makes a great theme for birthday parties, anniversary parties and even retirement parties.
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