Kentucky Derby Party

Whoa! We had a great "First Annual" Derby Party this year. We polished our silver, bought some roses, and even had a few trophies to help us decorate. I always have a problem with everyone bunching up in one smaller room (kitchen) during our parties. To alleviate that we tried to set up little stations throughout the house. It worked pretty well. 

On the kitchen table which we pushed up against the wall to provide more walking space was the Mint Julep Bar. We had several different Kentucky Bourbons to choose between and taste test. I think it turned out quite nice. In the squeeze bottle is a minty simple syrup. Putting it in the squeeze bottle helped with people spilling. (Note for next year: Buy extra ice. By end of night very few people were drinking mint juleps still, but we still ran out of regular ice for mixed drinks) 

In the dining room we set up the food. I tried to keep everything I made as finger food and either Kentucky related or at least Southern. But we invited guests to bring something if they like. As always we ended up with a great spread. I made 3 types of pimento cheese spreads for people to choose between (recipe in Southern Living magazine - Feb 2012). Hot Browns are a traditional Kentucky Derby item. I found this recipe for Hot Brown Bites. They were a huge success and looked very pretty on the tiered stand. We also bought a Country Ham and Beaten Biscuits and a selection of jellies all from Kentucky (www.atasteofkentucky.com). The ham was a hit. The hard biscuits, not so much. I like the idea of ham biscuits, but next year I think I'll find different biscuits. I like the official paper plates & napkins. It adds to the spirit and allows for easy cleanup. Same with the table cloth. After the party I just wadded it up and threw it away. No mess.

Upstairs in the same room as our main tv we had the betting boards. This helped get people to hangout upstairs a bit before the race and listen to some of the commentary. The betting boards were fun. $1 a bet - Just sign your name next to the horse for win, place or show.  

Here's the voting station for people to place their picks for best dressed lady & man. The prizes were displayed here as well as a few decorations. On this table was also the envelops for the $5 lottery draw. For $5 you could randomly select envelop with a horse. For the kids we had a page of trivia questions and gift certificates for them upon completion. 

Upstairs in front of our 82 inch tv is also where we watched the pre-race and race itself. We had lyrics to Old Kentucky Home for everyone so that we could all sing along. 

Outside was a "track" from Party City. It wrapped around our backyard fence. Made for a fun backdrop for pictures. 

Once the main event was over we opened up the "dance floor" (living room) for dancing while the kids played a little corn hole.






The whole event was a success! Not sure how we will build upon it, but I know we will, can't wait for next years!