Kentucky Derby Party Ideas: “Taste of Derby” Official Party
One of these years I’m determined to make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby! It’s quite the trek from San Diego to Louisville though, so in the meantime I will happily continue celebrating the Derby at home with friends & family. :) And along those lines, I’m excited to bring you the brand new Taste of Derby theme that I’ve been busy with lately… which includes tons of creative Kentucky Derby party ideas + FREE party printables and easy Derby-inspired recipes!
My goal for this new Kentucky Derby theme was to create a Vintage-Modern look that felt both classy and casual/fun at the same time – just like the Derby itself. The vibrant red, green, and blue colors utilized here are common racing silks colors and are also reflective of the beautiful 14 Hands wine labels (the official Taste of Derby wine partner).
I relied on entertaining basics (white plates, white serveware, neutral linens), DIY projects like rolled paper roses, and simple food styling ideas to bring this theme to life, and designed several printable paper details featuring horses, jockeys, and racing silks patterns. (The printables will be featured in a separate post this afternoon since this post is already getting long!)
We hope you’ll be able to use some of these ideas and printables to make your Derby Day celebrations with friends extra festive this year! Read on for more “Taste of Derby” sneak peeks + a link to the full album & party details…
The free Kentucky Derby printables from this party are available for download here. Enjoy! :)
- Theme Design & Styling: Hostess with the Mostess
- Party Printables: Jennifer Sbranti
- Photography: Sonny Sbranti
- Wine: 14 Hands
- Derby Recipe Inspiration: Taste of Derby
- Wilton Red Icing Roses: Michaels
- Toy Horses, Chalkboard Paint, Satin Ribbon, Burlap Garland (for chairs): Michaels
- Unbleached Muslin Fabric (table runners & napkins): JoAnn
- 5″ Wood boxes: Jamali Garden
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Oh my gosh, Your Derby Ideas are so creative and cute!!! I came across your site a few weeks ago, searching ideas for my daughters’ Dr. Seuss Party we are having in May and was sharing your site with a friend in Chicago tonight , when I came across the Derby Stuff!!! I live 20 mins from Louisville and was born and raised there. If you want me to send you anything Derby Related just let me know!!! Love your IDEAS!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks, Larissa! That’s so sweet of you! :) Good luck with the Dr. Seuss party – LOVE that theme!
LOVE it, Jenn! Your styling + graphic design talent is just incredible! I love the “RUN” setup and the burlap chair sashes! And those mint julep jars…..LOVE.
Thanks, Michelle! Nice to hear from you :) I did have fun putting this together and was so excited to find those tiny jars at Michaels… had to find a way to work them in! ;)
The paper roses are fabulous!!!
such a unique theme! It makes me want to go to the Kentucky derby. I love the little horses and paper roses. :)
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous party spread!! I’m thrilled to see that you used my paper rose tutorial! Thanks so much for the link back, I appreciate it.
Those rose cupcakes are so pretty-love them! :)
I have always wanted to have a Kentucky Derby party and now I REALLY want to have a party! Your ideas and printables are just fantastic!!! Maybe I should start planning for next year! :)
Jenn, your Kentucky Derby party ideas, and especially the decorations, are super. Where did you get the 14 Hands wine? Oh, I see you have a link. Thanks. The labels are really cute. An idea for a hostess gift, or door prize, could be TRIPLE CROSS, a mystery that takes place in Louisville and Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby.
HTWM you have done it again! Run for the roses themed is amazing! I am loving the colors of blues and greens and the preppy fun vibe of everything! Ijust had to share the horse centerpieces with my followers too! http://blovelyevents.com/2013/04/30/the-horses-have-it/