Don’t Just Horse Around: How to Throw a Kentucky Derby Party
What is the Kentucky Derby? Why a swashbuckling horse race of course—attended by elegantly dressed guests wearing lavish hats. Every May since 1875, the most prestigious American horse race happens in Louisville, Kentucky. The race itself is only two minutes long, but the Seersucker Suits, straw bowler hats, floral ruffled dresses, and flouncy wide-brimmed hats cause a show and photographs for a lifetime. Sipping on delectable mint juleps attendees place their bets on their favorite horses. Over $150 million is won by betters each year, the jockey takes home a million of that, and the winning horse is draped with a garland of pink and white roses. Thousands of people attend and millions of people watch from home or at parties across the world. As the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., the Kentucky Derby is unquestionably worth celebrating.
If you are not traveling to Kentucky this year, take a look at and host a Dreamy Derby extravaganza like the one below.
Bell tent styled with lux loungers and rugs by Ash + Arrow Event Collective and elegant white balloon garland by Aerial backdrops.
Boho table given a horse flair by Ash + Arrow Event Collective.
Do-it-yourself bouquet bar in the spirit of Spring by Sweet Violet Co.
Custom watercolor Derby cookies by The Missing Pastry.
Blackberry Mockito
Serves Three
1/2 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 tsp simple syrup
Juice of 1 lime, divided in half
2–3 cups ice
16 oz club soda
Add the blackberries, mint, and sugar to a small bowl and muddle together.
Spoon an equal amount of the muddled mixture into 3 cocktail glasses.
Add an equal amount of lime juice to each glass.
Fill each cup with ice, and top with club soda.
Garnish with sprigs of mint or lime slices!
Rustic bar cart featuring ambrosian Wine Juleps, Oaks Lily and Blackberry Mockitos by The Mane Tap.
Pastel chocolate covered strawberries with tiny butterflies by D&A and dainty tea treats by host.
Elegant & sustainable place settings by Ash + Arrow Event Collective and watercolor Derby cookies by The Missing Pastry.
White trailing wisteria with heirloom rose by Aerial backdrops.
This event is everything you need to place your bets, grab your hats, and watch the race!