Off to the Races

You don’t have to make a mad dash for Churchill Downs to enjoy the long-standing tradition that is the Kentucky Derby. To help, we collaborated with Spoonflower and Black Twine to show how easy it is to don your derby hat, stir up a mint julep, and saddle up for fun with a Run for […]

share /

entertaining

« Celebrating Earth Day

up next

Make Every Day Mother’s Day »

go back

Sarah

love,

You don’t have to make a mad dash for Churchill Downs to enjoy the long-standing tradition that is the Kentucky Derby. To help, we collaborated with Spoonflower and Black Twine to show how easy it is to don your derby hat, stir up a mint julep, and saddle up for fun with a Run for the Roses event fit for virtually any venue. Ride by our side as we highlight how our amazing vendors helped us rein in the gorgeous details of this must-throw sophisticated spring soiree.

Derby Decor

Clean lines with small pops of color really go a long way, which is why we followed a theme of simple elegance when styling this off-to-the-races party day. The custom rose-and-horseshoe patterned fabric designed by Spoonflower, laid a beautiful foundation to coordinate complementing details such as subtly striped linens, metallic accent pieces, acrylic horseshoe party favors, and of course, fresh roses. We especially loved how the tablecloth hues used offered a nod toward the bold racing silks worn by horse jockeys without being so flashy that it put the refined simplicity of Southern charm at risk.

Leisurely Grazing

Avoid putting the party out to pasture by serving cocktails and canapés sure to fuel your friends and family throughout the entire fun-filled day. Mint Juleps are an absolute must, but bubbly was also available for those not big on bourbon. Elegantly prepared hors d’oeuvres included mini Kentucky Hot Browns, Caprese Skewers, Chive Deviled Eggs, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus, and Bourbon Balls. Each were custom created by Johnny Delmonico’s, but all are easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen. Bonus: Easy-to-eat treats encourage the mingling merriment more reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby Infield.

Dress Code

Celebrate spring fever by inviting guests to dress the part. Encourage the ladies to pair statement-making hats and fascinators with seasonal dresses, while offering the classically handsome route for the gents. But just because everyone may be dressed to impress, doesn’t mean the it needs to make for a stuffy scene. One of our absolute favorite details of this derby day was the whimsical apparel created by the Sprout Patterns and Spoonflower duo. The dresses all boasted pretty patterns, while the derby-themed bow-tie came in first place.

As you get on track for serving up Southern hospitality at your derby-themed party, we wish you the best of luck all the way from the starting gate through the home stretch. May there be a special rose garland waiting for you at the finish line.