Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

One of our group of friends’ favorite events every year is the Kentucky Derby. I mostly love the dresses & hats that are worn, and the food & drinks that are served, but watching a 2 minute horse race is pretty exciting too! We always host a small party, and we don our big hats and cook up some Derby classics. The Derby is in just a couple of weeks (May 6th), so I’m in full-on prepping mode. This year, I designed an invitation for the Pineapple Paper Co. shop, using navy and white stripes and roses (it is the “run for the roses,” after all) as the focus of the design. You can order your party invites HERE.

This year, I kept it really simple and set up a small buffet with drinks and food, using mint julep cups both as decoration and for serving, and lots of roses and silver. I used a piece of white and navy striped wrapping paper as the runner for the buffet.

I designed 4″ circles to coordinate with the invitations, and used them as centerpiece sticks for my small arrangements of red roses:

Just for the grown-ups: Mint Julep Jello Shots:

A super easy appetizer: Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw (the oil and vinegar kind!):

What Kentucky Derby party would be complete without Mint Juleps?! This year we put a twist on the traditional julep: a Sweet Tea Mint Julep. YUM.

We also put a twist on the traditional Derby Pie: Derby Pie Cupcakes with coordinating 2″ cupcake toppers!

And for a simple dessert, berries and bourbon cream served over fresh biscuits and drizzled with honey:

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing the above recipes and tips to celebrate your best Kentucky Derby yet, so follow us here on the blog and on Instagram and Pinterest for updates!

And to see more of our Derby Party, check out the Everyday Party Magazine!