How To Host A Killer Kentucky Derby Party

If you can’t be at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6 to hear galloping hooves and grandstand-cheering fans firsthand, you can bring the Downs to your digs by throwing a killer Kentucky Derby party. The 143-year-old race celebrates the beginnings of spring while boasting the acceptable excesses of Mardi Gras and the pomp-and-circumstance of a refined Southern affair.

But, if we’re being completely honest, it’s really just a fabulous excuse dress and drink the part – so here’s a list of must-haves for hosting your own Derby debauchery:

The Downs - It should go without saying, but you’ll obviously need a TV – and preferably one large enough to allow all your guests to gather around it and be able to watch the race unobstructed. There are races all day but the race – known as ‘the greatest two minutes in sports’ – starts around 6:30 p.m.

Fast fact: The Derby is the first race for the coveted Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

THE DÉCOR: True to the Kentucky Derby’s nickname, the Run for the Roses, decorate with the eponymous flower – and BONUS POINTS if you incorporate the traditional silver julep cups for your arrangements. You could also use brightly colored linens and napkins as a nod to the jockeys’ colorful uniforms.

Fast fact: The jockeys’ uniforms are called ‘silks.’

THE DIVERSIONS: Since the ‘greatest’ event in sports only lasts two minutes, plan a few Derby-inspired games to keep your guests entertained – and burning off their bourbon – before and after the race.

Fast fact: Only three horses raced in the 1892 Kentucky Derby.

THE DRESS CODE: Inexplicably over-the-top hats are a MUST at the Derby, as are pastels, seersucker, oxford cloth, linen and bow ties. And since most people don’t own big hats these days (a shame, really), DOUBLE BONUS POINTS if you provide a hat-decorating station (see also: THE DIVERSIONS). Buy inexpensive baseball hats and floppy beach hats (think: Dollar Store or similar) and supply glue guns, sequins, glitter, rhinestones, ribbons, etc. Then, simply add bourbon and see what ‘masterpieces’ come from cocktail-fueled crafts.

Fast fact: Thought to bring good luck to the gamblers, hats tend to be eccentric in the general admission infield while those seated are more elegant.

THE DRINKS: Two words: Mint. Julep. And while the traditional mint-and-bourbon drink is a must, you can always impress your guests by putting your spin on the classic drink and creating a signature cocktail for your party.

Classic Mint Julep Recipe

5 mint leaves
1 1/2 oz simple syrup
2 oz bourbon
crushed ice
mint sprig

Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release the oils, rub the inside of the glass with them, place them in the bottom of the glass. Then fill a glass with crushed ice, add in simple syrup and bourbon, and fill the glass with ice until it mounds over the top. Garnish with mint sprig and ENJOY!

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Fast fact: Over 120,000 mint juleps are said to be consumed at the race each year.

And if hosting just isn’t your thing, Tampa Bay Downs will be hosting a special 12-race card followed by the simulcast of the 143^rd running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. If you like keepin' it easy and the fanfare of dozens of people in Derby Hats Tampa Bay Downs will be THE place to be, come Derby Day!