It’s an eventful week! Cinco de Mayo Friday and Kentucky Derby Saturday! With all my fiesta prep I almost forgot to share a few quick ideas for your derby party! This year I am not throwing a crazy party but last year’s was AMAZING {check it out here!!}. So for those of you hosting, here are a few tips to incorporate into your day!!

Mint Julep cocktails are an essential. Here’s a recipe on Southern Living. I recommend serving them in mint julep glasses but anything with a monogram would look just as classy! Don’t forget extra mint for garnish!

In addition to anything monogrammed {how cute are these govino flutes from White Elephant Designs?!}, don’t forget your accessories! Linen cocktail napkins {these are Kim Seybert!}, fun drink stirrers {die for these animal horse stirrers!}, and anything silver {Draper James has an amazing selection here!}. I filled my silver pedestal bowl with healthy trail mix bar snacks.

Choose romantic blooms and fancy china! A Derby Party is meant to be a classy affair, so dust off your grandmother’s china for your serving plates! Serve tea sandwiches and delicate petit four cakes for dessert! And for flowers, choose a selection of roses and english garden roses. For today, I love the look of smaller and tighter displays rather than larger mixed ones!

For last year’s party I requested that everyone dress in Derby attire and I have to say people got REALLY into it!! Seersucker pants, floral dresses, and oversized floppy hats. It was amazing!! People love themed parties – so totally encourage them to come ready to party! {See more Derby outfit ideas in my party recap!}.

Hope everyone has a fun day watching the race!!

Shop the post: