entertaining, party ideas, tabletop inspiration
Off To The Races :: A Kentucky Derby Party
Every year I vow to myself that I'm going to throw a fabulous, over-the-top, big-hat worthy Kentucky Derby party (because really, I just want to wear the hat) and this year I finally got inspired to throw a little something together...
I love a little dose of preppy style every now and then, so what better excuse for a stripes, ribbons, seersucker, and roses?
Here are the elements. Gifts for guests are tucked into striped boxes topped by golden jockeys (that we spray painted!). Table numbers mimic the gates at the track - pick your number wisely! Mint Juleps are a must, but we put a little twist on ours... And then of course there are traditional Derby snacks: benedictine and cucumber sandwiches stuffed with parsley, and maple bourbon pecans set on individual plates.
The set up was inspired by these super fun harlequin print (just like the jockeys wear!) paper dishes. I found ribbon to match the colors, and did a simple DIY with these wood numbers and a little paint to coordinate as well!
So what's with the numbers, you ask? Well, I placed them next to a plate, so each guest would get their own snack and pick a number at the same time. (There are 20 horses in the Derby so make your guest list to match!)
When the race begins - everyone has their number. Whoever's horse wins, gets a prize at the end!
Or... you can have some good old fashioned fun with a little game like this one - set them around the party and let your guests compete according to their number!
I like the subtle stripe motif too - you can see it in the straws, gift boxes, seersucker tablecloth, and the numbers... but it's not even close to overwhelming! Just a nice common thread to tie the theme together even more.
And then, of course, there must be a mint julep! But ours isn't just any julep - we created a boozy granita for guests to sip on or spoon, and it's insanely delicious and refreshing. (Recipe tomorrow!).
Parting gifts for every guests always top off the celebrations. What you put in them is up to you!
Is anyone hosting a party this year? I do hope you'll use some of these elements!
images by meghan klein for coco+kelley // styling by cassandra lavalle
This sounds like the funnest derby party to me. You did such a great job with the decorations and the food looks amazing! P.S. I’ve got to have some of that julep.
The Office Stylist
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Oh I love this!! Def having a party now, so inspired and so fun! Would love to know where that floral garland is from too!
How fun is this??? OMG, what a great idea! Everything came together wonderfully honey. So adorable!
Kori xoxo
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/blonde-episodes-2170917
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Coming from a Kentucky girl who lives in Louisville, and hasn’t missed a Derby in 12 years… This is fabulous!!
And the winner is…ALL OF THE ABOVE!! franki
[…] make it to the race? Never fear! You can throw your own derby day party with a little help from Coco + […]
LOVE this! Planning a Kentucky Derby themed baby shower. May I ask what spray paint you used for the horses?…a nice gold it hard to find!
Hi Seana! I’m so sorry I don’t recall what brand it is – this project was a while ago, and I actually have several golds in my stash for that very reason!
Beautiful Party Inspo! May I ask where you purchased the striped favor boxes?
My daughter is graduating college & the mustang is her mascot. Was going to make mini bottles, but love your boxes and presentation so much more!
Thank you kindly!
Hi Kimber! I believe I found them at a local paper source, but I would try Amazon or Etsy!
Where did you get the moss covered urns?!
Love this! I know this was posted a while ago, but wondering if you can tell me where you found the moss trophies, snack boards and brass pots?
Much thanks!
Wondering if you can help me locate the moss trophies, brass pots and glasses?
Hi Paige! The brass pots were items I found from goodwill. The glasses are older from anthropologie (not sure if they still carry them) and the trophies I found with a quick google search online. Because this post is rather old, I’m sorry I don’t have further info for you!