Derby day is quickly approaching (May 7), and we hope you all are ready to get your best spring dress and derby hat out to celebrate the quickest sporting event. Sure, we’d love to be at Churchill Downs in the action, but we’re partial to hosting fabulous celebrations at home with our nearest and dearest. If you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year, read on! We’ve shopped CLT stores and the web to find decor, entertaining essentials and things for your guests to do to make the gathering a little more competitive.
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party in Charlotte
Start with Decor
Decor is one of the easiest places to start. Sporting events are always extra easy because the theme is set ~ all you have to do is find items that fit your style and space. You can go as simple as adding a jockey throw pillow to your seating, or as elaborate as a horseshoe of roses with matching banners. If you’re looking for those perfect finishing touches to make your party the best, we’ve found some items available in local stores and online that will get the job done.
When it comes to hosting a party or event, our pro tip is: serve good food. It’s simple but will have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your event. Keep in mind the time of day as to whether you should have an actual meal or heavy hours d’ouvres. Either way, the worst thing is having your guests leave hungry or dissatisfied. Think about serving easy pick-up items and some of your favorites. If you don’t want to eat it or will have trouble eating it while mingling, your guests will too. If you’re looking for ideas, we recommend bite sized derby pies, Kentucky hot brown sliders and some oaks lilly cocktails to go with your mint juleps. Once you have an idea for what you’ll be having, shop these on-theme items to make the ultimate presentation.
If you’re gathering with the girls, try a hat decorating party. Each guest brings their own hat to decorate. Set up a buffet of items including feathers, pins, ribbons and silk flowers and watch the inspiration and creativity unfold.
Have a Best Dressed Contest
Designate a judge and have everyone come in their best derby attire. The more extravagant the better. Purchase these fun ribbons online and award a winner for best outfit and a winner for the best hat.
At Home Bingo, Horse Betting and Trivia
These pre-made templates are an easy way to keep your guests entertained between conversations or while they are eating. It’s also a lot more fun to watch the pre-race broadcast when you have things to keep you engaged.
This board game is a great option for a smaller gathering of people but still a fun way to enjoy each other and some light (or heavy) competition.
Best Julep Contest
Have guests make their batch ahead or set out the ingredients for everyone to do it at the party. This fun competition will bring laughs and some fun new recipes. Not a huge fan of the julep? Have everyone bring a batch of their favorite cocktail and find some new favorites!
Backyard Yard Games
Keeping with the horse theme of the party, set up a game of horseshoes in the backyard and enjoy a casual game with friends. Don’t have a set? Try bocce ball and lasso golf from Blackhawk Hardware
Taylor Reese runs the style blog, Reese's Hardwear. The Charlotte native and resident has worked in trend forecasting and cosmetics for several years. She started blogging in 2013 and continues to share her personal style and knowledge of fashion and beauty. See more of her style at www.reeseshardwear.com
