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Even if you live nowhere near the rolling bluegrass hills of Kentucky, it’s still fun to gather your friends for a Kentucky Derby viewing party. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is this Saturday, May 4, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Luckily, there’s still time to plan a Kentucky Derby soiree, with a little help from our tips and ideas:
Kentucky Derby Party Menu:
Plan a menu featuring traditional eats that hail from Kentucky! You can find links to all of these recipes on our Kentucky Derby Pinterest board:
- Kentucky Hot Brown Bites: A play on the traditional Kentucky dish, these savory treats feature mornay sauce, turkey, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pimento Cheese Spread: This delicious spread is a Southern classic.
- Benedictine Dip: This dip is a classic and favorite Kentucky appetizer.
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: It may not the the Colonel’s recipe, but your guests will love it.
- Mint Juleps: These are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Serve them ice cold in silver mint julep cups.
- Pecan Pie: Another Kentucky staple, this pie will satisfy the sweet tooth.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Classic silver mint julep cups.
Kentucky Derby Party Decor:
- Begin by filling your space with red roses, which are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. Each year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby gets a garland of roses, which is why the Derby is dubbed the “Run for the Roses.” A fun and appropriate touch is to arrange the roses in silver trophies.
- Add equestrian elements to your party decor, like velvet riding caps, riding crops, and horse figurines.
- Create a display of horse show ribbons, which can be found online.
Kentucky Derby Activities:
- There will be television coverage of the Kentucky Derby festivities starting at 11am ET, so keep the tv on in the background throughout the day. Post time, which is the time the horses are supposed to be lined up for the race, is 6:24 pm ET.
- Placing bets is a big part of the Derby. Make your Derby viewing a friendly competition by having each guest put in a couple dollars. Draw numbers and let each guest choose the horse they believe will win. Whoever’s horse wins, or places best, gets the cash prize!
- When you invite your guests, ask them to dress in their best Derby wear. Traditionally, Derby-goers in the grand stand wear suits and cocktail dresses. And the women all wear big, fancy hats!
- One last fun activity is to stage a Kentucky bourbon tasting. Get several varieties from your local liquor store, and let your guests sip and taste each.
Will you be tuning into the Kentucky Derby this Saturday?
PS – Check out our Wild Horses party theme for more equine fun!
