7 Ideas to Win Big With Your DIY Derby Party
When a sporting event’s only two minutes long, that leaves more time for fascinators, florals, and a stylish photo finish. Off to the races!
The big day - Derby Day - is almost here and we are so ready! If your hosting a party like we are, here are 7 fun ideas to help you have the best party around! After you've whipped up a few snacks and a large batch cocktail of course, set the scene with the cutest DIY decor including a horseshoe wreath and a DIY ribbon betting game. Lastly set up a photo booth so guests can take their photos with an oversized prize ribbon. Everyone is a winner, right!?
For additional how-to-watch info, head to the Kentucky Derby website.
Alright, y'all, we’re off to the races!
Make a Horseshoe “Wreath”
Give your front door or buffet area an on-point decoration with a horseshoe-shaped wreath. To make: Wrap a foam horseshoe-shaped wreath form in green ribbon. Cut bundles of greenery from a green foliage garland using wire cutters. Using an awl, poke holes through the green ribbon into the foam and insert greenery. No wreath form? Simply cut a horseshoe shape out of a piece of cardboard and cover with greenery from your yard, using hot-glue.
Fill a Trophy with Fresh-Picked Flowers
Add champion charm to the buffet with an arrangement of tulips, ranunculus, daisies, and goldenrods (or any mix of freshly snipped blooms from your yard!) in vintage trophy “vases.”
Whip Up Bourbon Cocktails
Dust off the punch bowl and stir up a crowd-pleasing Derby cocktail of bourbon, club soda, orange curaçao, sweet vermouth, lime juice, and orange bitters. And while you at it give your cocktail glasses a dapper embellishment with paper bow-ties. To make: Trace a bow-tie pattern on craft paper, cut out, and assemble. Cut a strip from a color-coordinated paper and wrap around the drink glass; tape in place. Tape the bow to the wrapped strip, and let the “tie one on” jokes
commence.
Get the recipe for Bourbon Derby Punch.
RELATED: Prefer to serve a classic Mint Julep? Here's how to make a Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby (Or Any Time).
Serve a Classic Benedictine Spread
Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic.
Get the recipe for Kentucky Benedictine Dip.
RELATED: 34 Food and Drink Recipes for a Classic Kentucky Derby Experience
Bake Up Derby-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies
Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from the famed Kentucky Derby pie.
Place Your Bets
Each year, 20 horses enter the big race. For easy betting, give each guest four of their own color of washi tape–covered clothespins. Let them pick favorites by clipping the pins to the tails of paper prize ribbons. Set a per-bet amount (say, $2), and place cash in a trophy then distribute winnings accordingly. If you prefer to forego cash bets, the outcome of the races might determine who does funny challenges or even household chores, such as unloading the dishwasher or folding socks!
Set Up a Photo Booth
Smile and say “Eddie Arcaro” (one of the winningest jockeys) with a turf-backed photo booth stocked with props like paper prize ribbons, trophies, riding crops, and hats.
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