5 Tips for Planning a Fabulous Derby Party

April 16, 2016

The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner! Here are five tips for throwing a fabulous party to ring in the event of the season!

  1. Dress the part.  Let your guests know there’s a dress code, its half the fun! Leave your denim at the door. This party calls for wide-brimmed hats, cheery florals, gingham prints and bow ties.
  1. Go big, go bold. Whether its your fabulous fascinator or gorgeous blooms for your centerpieces (hello peony season!), the bigger, brighter and more colorful, the better!This is, after all, the event of the season!
  1. Dress your table for spring. Make a gorgeous garden party out of your tablescape. Opt for delicate hues of vintage china and classic linens. Turn to your garden: snip sprigs of lavender to finish off each place setting and gather garden roses and citrus from your yard to tie into to your centerpiece.
  1. Sip on a Signature Drink. Although the Mint Julep is perhaps the most quintessential poster child of the Kentucky Derby, why not take tradition for a spin? Serve something festive, refreshing and cool like a Lavender Whiskey Sour or Sweet Tea and Jack.
  1. Refresh your menu. Tie the gorgeous flavors and colors of spring into a light, southern-inspired menu. Think peach gazpacho, mini chicken and waffle stacks, cucumber tea sandwiches and a bright asparagus salad. End with fresh berries with mascarpone and bourbon vanilla whipped cream.