Nothing says Kentucky Derby quite like seersucker and fascinators! Welcome to our spectacular Kentucky Derby themed party, where we invite you to experience the magic of this iconic event in true Southern style. Picture yourself stepping into a world where Southern charm and Americana collide in a grand celebration of elegance and tradition. We will guide you through every aspect of our Southern celebration, from setting the stage with Southern-inspired decor to indulging in a delicious feast fit for Derby Day. We are excited to share our Kentucky Derby themed party with you.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: What is the Derby?
The Kentucky Derby has been an iconic horse racing event since 1875, steeped in history and tradition. Held annually at Churchill Downs race track in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, it’s no wonder it’s known as the most exciting two minutes in sports. And with a whopping 143 years under its belt, it’s also the longest running sporting event in the United States. But the Derby is more than just a race – it’s a grand celebration of Southern culture and Americana, complete with fancy hats, mint juleps and the classic tune “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Select the Preppy Color Palette
Getting down and derby. Let’s paint the town with a splash of color at our Derby-themed soirée! With hues as vibrant as the Kentucky Derby itself, our preppy color palette of blue, green, white, and yellow is ready to trot into your heart and elevate the party mood. Blue skies above Churchill Downs, greenery reminiscent of Kentucky’s rolling hills, whites as pristine as Derby traditions, and yellows brightening up the scene like a sunny day at the races. These colors aren’t just for show—they’re here to add a dash of fun and whimsy to our Southern-inspired celebration!
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Set the Stage with Southern-Inspired Decor
We transported our guests to the Club House of Churchill Downs. Our stylish and sophisticated party featured equestrian and Southern-themed decorations. Hostess with the Mostess has several Derby printables that you can download for free. Her Preppy Paddock printables fit perfectly with our theme and matched this adorable backdrop from WH Hostess. We purchased a variety of picture frames from Michaels to display our printables. Last year, we choose Americana colors and used this set of printables by Hostess with the Mostess.
For a touch of Southern charm, we turned to Hostess with the Mostess for their fabulous Derby printables, which we displayed in picture frames from Michaels. Last year, we went with a classic Americana theme, using printables from Hostess with the Mostess, and they were a huge hit! The Derby is famously known as “The Run for the Roses,” and it’s no coincidence that roses are the official flower of the event. A garland of red roses is draped over the winning horse, and we wanted to bring that tradition to our party as well. With the help of Inga from International Garden, we created stunning floral arrangements featuring yellow, orange and white roses. And since it’s a horse race, we couldn’t resist adding adorable paddock centerpieces with mini horses, spray-painted to match our color scheme, courtesy of Archana.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Incorporate Festive Florals
The Derby is often called “The Run for the Roses.” Accordingly, roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and a garland of red roses is draped over the winning horse. Inga from International Garden created our floral arrangements with beautiful yellow, orange and white roses. Since this is a horse race, Archana also created adorable paddock centerpieces complete with mini horses. We spray painted the horses to match our preppy color scheme.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Best Dressed Competition
Now, let’s move on to dressing to impress: embrace fabulous Southern attire that exudes charm and elegance, setting the tone for a day of sophistication and style. Think seersucker suits, sundresses with wide-brimmed hats, bow ties, and floral patterns that reflect the vibrant energy of the Derby itself. Embrace pastel colors and classic accessories like pearls or a pocket square to complete your look. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Southern belle aesthetic or a more modern take on Derby fashion, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your ensemble.
A best-dressed competition or a “show off your Derby style” photo booth can add an element of fun and friendly competition to the event. With everyone dressed to the nines, the party will truly feel like a Southern celebration straight out of the pages of a Derby-inspired fashion magazine. So, as you plan your Kentucky Derby-themed party, don’t overlook the importance of dressing the part. By embracing fabulous Southern attire, you’ll elevate the event to a new level of sophistication and style. So go ahead, dust off your seersucker suit or don your most elegant sundress – it’s time to make a grand entrance and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the Derby.
And let’s not forget the official drink of the Kentucky Derby – the classic mint julep, often served in ice-frosted silver cups. But for those who may not be bourbon fans, Diageo and Sons & Daughters also offered other delicious options, including the Winner’s Circle Punch, Derby Day Collins, and Run for the Rosé (for all the wine lovers out there). To add some fun to our drinkware, we used floppy hat and bow-tie wine markers, as well as DIY Derby hat stirrers and drink flags for our “Churchill cocktails.”
The menu, created by Chef Jon Bignelli of Sons & Daughters, was a true Southern feast. Guests couldn’t get enough of the mouthwatering fried chicken and biscuits, and raved about the Kentucky Hot Browns and Bowtie Pesto Pasta. And what’s a party without a photo booth?
Our custom Derby Photo Booth props added a fun touch to the preppy WH Hostess backdrop, and we had a blast scouting for the Best Dressed Southern Gentlemen and Southern Belle of the evening. Congratulations to our friends Noah and Kristen, who won the awards and received delicious custom Best Dressed cookies from Julie James of The Meringue Bakeshop NYC.
Speaking of delicious treats, Archana also created adorable chocolate Derby favors for all the guests, including bow-ties, ladies hats, and horses in milk, vanilla, orange and lemon chocolate. A special thanks to our partners Rena, Mary, Diageo, and the amazing staff at Sons & Daughters – and of course, to all our wonderful guests who joined us for this spectacular event. We couldn’t have asked for a better group and we can’t wait for the next big celebration! Cheers to the Kentucky Derby and all its rich traditions and Southern charm. Don’t miss out on the fun – stay tuned for more exciting events from
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Selecting the Color Palette
As you bring together the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and Derby Day excitement, your guests will be delighted by the attention to detail in every aspect of your party. From vintage-inspired decor pieces to charming accents that evoke the spirit of the South, your celebration will be a visual feast that sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The Kentucky Derby has been an iconic horse racing event since 1875, steeped in history and tradition. Held annually at Churchill Downs race track in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, it’s no wonder it’s known as the most exciting two minutes in sports. And with a whopping 143 years under its belt, it’s also the longest running sporting event in the United States. But the Derby is more than just a race – it’s a grand celebration of Southern culture and Americana, complete with fancy hats, mint juleps and the classic tune “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster.
Our custom Derby Photo Booth added a fun touch, as guests competed for the titles of Best Dressed Southern Gentlemen and Southern Belle of the evening.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Embrace Fabulous Southern Attire and Dress to Impress
Dressing the part is key. Ladies wore floral dresses and festive hats/fascinators while the gentleman sported bow-ties and fedoras. Vineyard Vines was the official sponsor of the Derby, but we also recommend our friends Ralph, Ted, Kate, Lilly and Milly.
Dressing the part was a must, with ladies showcasing floral dresses and fabulous hats or fascinators, while gentlemen rocked bow-ties and fedoras. Dress to Impress: Embrace Fabulous Southern Attire Now, let’s move on to dressing to impress: embrace fabulous Southern attire that exudes charm and elegance, setting the tone for a day of sophistication and style. Think seersucker suits, sundresses with wide-brimmed hats, bow ties, and floral patterns that reflect the vibrant energy of the Derby itself. Embrace pastel colors and classic accessories like pearls or a pocket square to complete your look. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional Southern belle aesthetic or a more modern take on Derby fashion, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your ensemble. As you mingle with guests and savor the delicious food and drinks, your outfit should complement the overall ambiance of the party. Encourage your guests to embrace the dress code and make a statement with their attire.
Of course, dressing the part is a must at any Derby party. Ladies showed off their floral dresses and fabulous hats or fascinators, while the gentlemen rocked bow-ties and fedoras. Vineyard Vines was the official sponsor of the Derby, but we also recommend checking out our friends at Ralph, Ted, Kate, Lilly and Milly for some stylish Derby attire.
Dressing the part was a must, with ladies showcasing floral dresses and fabulous hats or fascinators, while gentlemen rocked bow-ties and fedoras. Our custom Derby Photo Booth added a fun touch, as guests competed for the titles of Best Dressed Southern Gentlemen and Southern Belle of the evening.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Sip on Signature Cocktails that Capture the Spirit of the Derby
Mint Juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and are often served in ice-frosted silver cups. Since bourbon may not be for everyone, Diageo and Sons & Daughters also served Winner’s Circle Punch, Derby Day Collins and Run for the Rosé (for those that prefer wine to cocktails).
The party featured a delicious menu and signature cocktails, carefully selected to fit our preppy color palette of blues, greens, yellows, and hints of orange. Guests indulged in a true Southern feast, featuring mouthwatering fried chicken, Kentucky Hot Browns, and Bowtie Pesto Pasta, all expertly crafted by Chef Jon Bignelli of Sons & Daughters. The drink menu included classic mint juleps, Winner’s Circle Punch, Derby Day Collins, and Run for the Rosé, offering options for every taste.
As you continue to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic event, be sure to sip on signature cocktails that capture the spirit of the Derby. From classic mint juleps made with fresh mint and Kentucky bourbon to refreshing cucumber gin cocktails, your drink menu will elevate the party to new heights. Don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic option like sweet tea or sparkling lemonade for guests who prefer a lighter refreshment. With each sip, you’ll be transported to the heart of Louisville, where the Derby magic comes alive through every glass.
Sip on Signature Cocktails that Capture the Spirit of the Derby, as you continue to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic event., Sip on Signature Cocktails that Capture the Spirit of the Derby As you continue to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this iconic event, be sure to sip on signature cocktails that capture the spirit of the Derby. From classic mint juleps made with fresh mint and Kentucky bourbon to refreshing cucumber gin cocktails, your drink menu will elevate the party to new heights. Don’t forget to offer a non-alcoholic option like sweet tea or sparkling lemonade for guests who prefer a lighter refreshment. With each sip, you’ll be transported to the heart of Louisville, where the Derby magic comes alive through every glass. Now, let’s move on to dressing to impress: embrace fabulous Southern attire that exudes charm and elegance, setting the tone for a day of sophistication and style.,
And let’s not forget the official drink of the Kentucky Derby – the classic mint julep, often served in ice-frosted silver cups. But for those who may not be bourbon fans, Diageo and Sons & Daughters also offered other delicious options, including the Winner’s Circle Punch, Derby Day Collins, and Run for the Rosé (for all the wine lovers out there). To add some fun to our drinkware, we used floppy hat and bow-tie wine markers, as well as DIY Derby hat stirrers and drink flags for our “Churchill cocktails.”
We added Southern charm to the glassware with floppy hat and bowtie wine markers. We also made Derby hat stirrers and Derby drink flags for the Churchill cocktails.
Kentucky Derby Themed Party: Create a Derby Menu
Now, let’s move on to indulging in delicious cuisine fit for a Derby Day feast., Indulge in Delicious Cuisine fit for a Derby Day Feast Now, let’s move on to indulging in delicious cuisine fit for a Derby Day feast. From traditional Southern favorites like bourbon-glazed ham and shrimp and grits to elegant finger foods such as mini Kentucky hot browns and Derby pie bites, your menu will showcase the best of Kentucky culinary delights. Don’t forget to add a touch of elegance with a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, perfect for grazing throughout the day. With a spread that caters to a variety of tastes, your guests will be in for a treat as they savor each delectable bite, setting the stage for a truly memorable Derby celebration.
Now, let’s move on to indulging in delicious cuisine fit for a Derby Day feast. From traditional Southern favorites like bourbon-glazed ham and shrimp and grits to elegant finger foods such as mini Kentucky hot browns and Derby pie bites, your menu will showcase the best of Kentucky culinary delights. Don’t forget to add a touch of elegance with a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, perfect for grazing throughout the day. With a spread that caters to a variety of tastes, your guests will be in for a treat as they savor each delectable bite, setting the stage for a truly memorable Derby celebration.
We worked with Chef, Jon Bignelli at Sons & Daughters to create a Southern inspired menu.
Guests indulged in a true Southern feast, featuring mouthwatering fried chicken, Kentucky Hot Browns, and Bowtie Pesto Pasta, all expertly crafted by Chef Jon Bignelli of Sons & Daughters. The drink menu included classic mint juleps, Winner’s Circle Punch, Derby Day Collins, and Run for the Rosé, offering options for every taste.
We ordered the fried chicken and biscuits, which was delicious. Guests also raved about the Kentucky Hot Browns and the Bowtie Pesto Pasta.
THE PHOTO FINISH
We believe every party should have a fabulous Photo Booth. We designed Derby Photo Booth props that coordinated with the preppy backdrop from WH Hostess.
THE KENTUCKY DERBY TROPHY
We scouted for Best Dressed Southern Gentlemen and Southern Belle throughout the evening. Our friends, Noah and Kristen, won the awards and received custom Best Dressed cookies from Julie James of The Meringue Bakeshop NYC. Julie is offering a 15% discount to Twinspirational Followers- just place your order with the code Twinspirational.
THE FAVORS
Archana created chocolate Derby favors for the guests. She made bow-ties, ladies hats, horses in milk, vanilla, orange and lemon chocolate.
THANK YOU
Special thanks to Rena, Mary, Diageo, the wonderful staff at Sons & Daughters and everyone that joined us.
We couldn’t have asked for a better group!
Can’t wait for the next big event! Cheers. In conclusion, our Kentucky Derby themed party is a perfect blend of Southern charm and American tradition. From the elegant decor to the delicious cuisine and signature cocktails, every detail captures the spirit of the Derby in a spectacular way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Derby in true Southern style. Join us for a celebration that immerses you in the elegance, charm, and excitement of this iconic event. As they say, “Run for the roses, as fast as you can.” See you at the party! Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Style with a Seersucker and Fascinator-Themed Party!
A special thanks to our partners Rena, Mary, Diageo, and the amazing staff at Sons & Daughters – and of course, to all our wonderful guests who joined us for this spectacular event. We couldn’t have asked for a better group, and we can’t wait for the next big celebration! Cheers to the Kentucky Derby and all its rich traditions and Southern charm. Don’t miss out on the fun – stay tuned for more exciting events from us at Twinspirational!
In conclusion, our Kentucky Derby themed party is a perfect blend of Southern charm and American tradition. From the elegant decor to the delicious cuisine and signature cocktails, every detail captures the spirit of the Derby in a spectacular way. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Derby in true Southern style. Join us for a celebration that immerses you in the elegance, charm, and excitement of this iconic event. As they say, “Run for the roses, as fast as you can.” See you at the party!
“The best thing about the Kentucky Derby is that it is only two minutes long. It is the quickest event in sports, except for Sumo-wrestling & Mike Tyson fights. Maybe Drag-racing is quicker, but I have never been attracted to it.”––Hunter S. Thompson
I love how everyone really dressed the part, everyone looks like they’re having fun! I’d surely love to try those refreshing cocktails and those delicious appetizers.
Whoa, this looks and sounds like an AMAZING place to go to! I would love to visit here myself one day.
Run for the roses! How lovely and inspirational!
This is SUCH a cute idea!! I’ll remember this for next year.
Wow, sounds like a great fun Derby event! I am loving everything about it❤️. From the beautiful theme-based decor to stunning outfits to those delicious foods, just WOW 😍😍😍
Wonderful outfits, truly colorful. Didn’t know about the Run of the Roses before, but I do now!
the event looks wonderful! it is such a nice idea!
It looks like you had a lot of fun. This is really exciting.