Last year, we had the pleasure of co-hosting a Kentucky Derby party with our friends, Mr. and Mrs. R. Suffice it to say, I was thrilled to have the quintessentially stylish Mrs. R, armed with her enviable sense of effortlessness and an impressive catalog of inspiration, on my party-planning side.
 |
| Myself and Mrs. R Derby Day 2010 |
Our joint initative was kicked off with the invite. This one, by Inviting Company fit the bill. Guests were asked to join us for good food, great drinks (oh, and a horse race too.) Fancy frocks and lavish lids were encouraged.
 |
"Jockey Feet" by Inviting Company of The Party Starts Here |
Next up was the menu. Our goal for the Derby fare, was to find make-ahead, theme-driven options that were well suited for a backyard soiree. Of them included traditional Benedictine Tea Sandwiches as well as Country Ham Sandwiches with Bourbon Mustard and Apple Slaw. Displayed in galvanized trays, each were wrapped in paper printed at home from a downloaded graphic, and tied up with string:
 |
| Country Ham Sandwiches with Bourbon Mustard |
For treats, Bourbon Balls were a must. Mrs. R did a divine job preparing them, and we chose to serve them in paper cones created using the same papers. An old Coca-Cola crate, layered with recycled paper shred, proved the perfect solution to keep them standing.
My contribution to the sweets table, was Mint Chocolate Cupcakes. Decorated using paper flowers and polka dot baking cups I purchased at Michaels, they were displayed on a variety of cake stands and garnished with fresh mint.
On to drinks. The party was a family affair, so we tried to provide options for our guests of all ages. Galvanized pails and floral tins created by an Etsy artist, housed Izze sodas, while water and lemonade was offered in glass dispensers.
In the adult beverage section, a self-service Mint Julep bar was stocked with the three official Kentucky Derby bourbons. The framed recipe for "mixing," allowed everyone to cater their cocktail to their liking. The polished silver cups, were purchased on eBay a few years back.
Floral arrangements, created with blooms picked up at the farmer's market the morning of, were tucked into a mismatched assortment of containers and vases.
Entertainment was also a high priority. For the kids, it included horse bouncers, jockey hats, handmade paper pinwheels and even a game of "Pin the Saddle on the Race Horse."
 |
| Bourbon Balls in Paper Cones |
My contribution to the sweets table, was Mint Chocolate Cupcakes. Decorated using paper flowers and polka dot baking cups I purchased at Michaels, they were displayed on a variety of cake stands and garnished with fresh mint.
 |
| Mint Chocolate Cupcakes |
On to drinks. The party was a family affair, so we tried to provide options for our guests of all ages. Galvanized pails and floral tins created by an Etsy artist, housed Izze sodas, while water and lemonade was offered in glass dispensers.
 |
| Cold Drinks |
In the adult beverage section, a self-service Mint Julep bar was stocked with the three official Kentucky Derby bourbons. The framed recipe for "mixing," allowed everyone to cater their cocktail to their liking. The polished silver cups, were purchased on eBay a few years back.
 |
| Mint Julep Station |
Floral arrangements, created with blooms picked up at the farmer's market the morning of, were tucked into a mismatched assortment of containers and vases.
 |
| Farmer's Market Florals |
Entertainment was also a high priority. For the kids, it included horse bouncers, jockey hats, handmade paper pinwheels and even a game of "Pin the Saddle on the Race Horse."
 |
| Horse Play |
 |
| Jockey Hats |
 |
| Paper Pinwheels |
The adults, however, were lured into a "luck of the draw" competition of Win, Place or Show. Each guest was asked to draw three tickets, the back of which contained the name of one of the running horses and their odds.
 |
| Not-So-Official Horse Race Drawing |
And finally it was time...two minutes and the fate would be known. A bottle of Kentucky bourbon was destined for the ticket holder of the winning horse. Those holding the tickets of the second and third finishing horses, would receive partial sponsorships to dine in arguably the most well known Kentucky-based restaurant of all time. (If I may, I highly recommend the chicken strips...and there is no shame in dipping them in a bit of ranch dressing.)
 |
| Winner, winner chicken dinner! |
Far be it from us, however, to let the holder of the last place horse go unrecognized. After all, wasn't it only appropriate they receive at least a little something for their encouragement? Another Etsy find, a Derby-inspired sweater (complete with shoulder pads) was presented to its very gracious receiver:
Thank you to all of our dear friends who joined us. And, a very special thanks to our guest and photographer, Allison Morgan, for capturing the event and helping us to preserve such special memories.
I sincerely hope to see you all next year at 323. For now, I'm off to the races...
Wow, I don't think I have ever loved a party I didn't attend as much as I love this one! I hope your hat, or maybe fascinator, are as entertaining as the ones form the Royal Wedding!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was such fun to put together. Oh the fascinator...if only Victoria B. had given me a heads-up a week earlier. I'll be sure to collect pics for a post next week.
ReplyDelete