How to Host a Backyard Kentucky Derby Party This Year

Here we are, right in the middle of a beautiful Spring. And our friends and neighbors are looking forward to our annual backyard Derby party. We are back again with scoop’s blue-ribbon guide to help a girl out.

Planning tips and trends for an updated and winning 2024 Kentucky Derby party:

Drape the roses on us. This sequined Helsi gown from Neiman Marcus is a strong contender, not-to-be missed winner, for dress-of-the-day. After all, the party always twirls around the vibe of the dress—and this year, we’re feeling fancy.

KK Bloom might just call for a mid-soi·rée outfit change with this one. The two-dress event really should be more of a thing.

The Pearl Pagoda always deserves a lap. Especially during Derby Days. Scoop girls know a Derby party hat when they see one. And The Pearl Pagoda’s new location on Park Road is fantastic.

Bring these violet coupes home for cocktail hour. And don’t forget the fresh mint. Cheers to The Derby.

Or these plastic mint julep ready cuties.

Mix it with the good stuff. @drinkspiritsofalchemy just gets us. Chris Hawks’ creations have us chemically reacting. For that mint moment mix this with your favorite bourbon. Muddled or not.

These plates are a must. Are they too good for Grannie’s famous potato salad? Never.

Gathered CLT with the prime race-day menu inspo. Deviled eggs and bacon are our love language — straight to the winners’ circle.

Order these Julep cups so they arrive in time to drink your winnings in like a real champion.

Tweens invited this year? How fun is this dress from Judith March?

He’s gonna look great in this shirt. Like always.

No one is disqualified after a fit from Onward Reserve. It’s not a dead-heat. There’s a clear winner.

Snacks keep us chatting. Chatting and mingling. And nothing let’s us do so quite like bite-sized cheese straws. Piedmont Pennies is a Charlotte favorite. Place heaping bowls around for sharing.

Share jockey picks with fruit and mint for easy snacking and betting.

Sometimes you just know a winner when you see her. This Gucci Flora has us placing wagers on host-of-the-year.

The green onion in Mere’s pimento cheese sets this party-staple apart from the competition.

And then of course, a memento for every guest. Personalized even. Be that extra.

Let us know how your party turns out. We’re all in.

@scoopcharlotte

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Angela Williams
Angela Williamshttp://www.angelaerinwilliams.com
A writer in Charlotte trying to shop and eat at all the places.