Do you hear that? Do you hear the galloping and trotting coming our way? Yes, it’s Kentucky Derby time! So, it’s time to break out the big hats and mint julep and prepare yourself for a great time! The Kentucky Derby is all about the horses, betting, mint julep and of course, the fabulous hats. This truly is an event for everyone in family. They will all love it and have an extremely good time. Therefore, Wedding And Party Network is here to give you a few party tips and ideas to make your Kentucky Derby party a hit!
A Little History & Facts
Churchill Downs was formally opened in 1875 with four races scheduled. It is a one and quarter-mile race for thoroughbred horses. It’s one of the first races for the Triple Crown title, which is the title for the horse that wins all 3 races. It has also been called “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports”.
Along with the race, there are a number of traditions celebrated for the Kentucky Derby. Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the race, which is bourbon, mint and sugar. Burgoo is also a tradition, which is a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables and served at the derby. You’ll also find “Millionaire’s Row”, which refers to the luxurious box seats, which will be decked out with women in their elaborate hats.
Fun Party Ideas & Themes
When planning your Kentucky Derby party, there are lots of fun party themes that you can run with. You can plan a BBQ, make it a Kentucky Derby hat themed party, betting games party or even a triple crown party. All would make wonderful themes that your guests will enjoy! Or, you can combine them altogether.
Kentucky Derby Hat Party – This party theme is definitely for the women out there. It’s easy, have all the girls come decked out in their most fashionable Kentucky Derby attire, hats and all! Let them get creative with their hats and think out-of-the box. You can even host a contest for everyone to see who has the most stylish hats. Another fun idea, send them home with hat boxes as part of the party favor. Everyone will love this idea!
Lets Bet – Of course, one of the main attractions with the Kentucky Derby is the bets that you can place on the games. Everyone will enjoy this. Make sure and print off all the horse contestants and make booklets for your guests. They can read all about them and pick their winner. You can even set up a betting window at your house for your guests to walk up to and place their bet. If you want, you can even set up a poster with everyone’s name and choices on it.
Triple Crown Party – If you really get into horse races, throw a triple crown party and host a party for all three races. Incorporate some of the themes above into each race.
Party Food & Decor
Party Food – Stick with tradition. Serve up the traditional hot brown dish, which is a gravy-like sauce that you can pour over toast and turkey and you top off with bacon. Have your caterer come up with delicious party appetizers or whip some up yourself to go along with this party theme. For dessert, lets not forget about the pie. It’s a must! The race day pie is a tradition! However, get fun with it and create various pies to create a pie dessert bar. Of course, you can always incorporate the mint julep tradition into mint desserts, like minty cupcakes!
Party Decor – Roses are a traditional decor, especially since the Triple Crown is referred to as “the race for the roses”. So, visit your florist and incorporate roses into centerpieces. Also, a huge staple piece at the derby is silverware. So, stick with traditional silverware when serving your party food. You can also incorporate a horse racing theme into your party decorations, such as create a stall, watering hole or the grandstand. Visit your local party store to find themed party decorations!
So, get ready for the spectacular horse races and big hats with your Kentucky Derby themed party. It will be a huge success and absolutely everyone will love it!
This post is brought to you by Houston Party Decoration Suppliers.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network’s handy party planning directory to help you find a party decoration supplier near you!
Hot brown, Mint julep, hat, pie photo provided by HerrVebah, Danielle Scott, ebatty, willandbeyond
Leave a Reply