How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party

How can you resist celebrating an event nicknamed "The Run for the Roses"? This one has it all: gorgeous horses with names cooler then rappers', iconic wardrobe, minty-fresh cocktails and friendly wagering...all done with famous Southern hospitality.

Things You'll Need

• A plethora of hats and decorating supplies
• Red roses, gold trophies, fresh mint and race horse figurines
• First, second and third place ribbons or 60 red roses and lucky horseshoe
• Food and beverage
• A loving-cup style trophy, paper and pens for writing horses names on
• Voice recorder and tapes or discs

Instructions

1. Invitation: Record you and your family singing a verse of "My Old Kentucky Home" (no matter how bad it is) along with the party details. If you are looking for insider tips about the Derby for your invite check out the official Web site (see Resources below).

2. Write the names of each contender on slips of paper and pile them into a humongous loving-cup style trophy. Each guest draws a horse's name and donates some bank for the pot. The winner takes home the pot and the trophy, until next year's event. Give second place 60 red roses tied with 10 yards of ribbon (like they do at the Derby) and present the third place winner with a lucky horseshoe.

3. Wearing a hat is optional, but do have a few simple ones on hand for guests to make a scene in: baseball, derby, wide-brimmed, straw and fedoras all work. Have a riot of feathers, flowers and slogan buttons close by to spice up that headgear.

4. Thoroughbreds lose between 15 and 25 pounds during the race, so keep your strength up by serving Louisville classics like shrimp and grits with a bibb-lettuce salad and soda bread. For the best shrimp and grits recipe this side of the Mississippi go to Jack Fry's Web site (see Resources below).

5. For sipping, Mint Juleps are a must, but the difference between the classic Derby drink and the Mojito is basically the rum. Substitute it for the whiskey in the julep and top with club soda and you've got a Mojito...muchas gracias!

6. You don't have to design a paddock to create the Derby vibe, just use icons of the event as buffet or coffee table centerpieces. Think red roses, gold trophies, fresh mint and racehorse figurines. See Resouces below.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent Seabiscuit or Dreamer for inspiration.

• For giggles ask guests to use the horses names in a short story like: "Stevie Wonderboy made a Private Vow with the First Samarai to find Achilles of Troy and give him Too Much Bling."

• Here's how to make a pitcher of classic Mint Juleps: •2 c Sugar •2 c Water •Plenty of sprigs of Fresh mint (for the drink and décor) •Crushed Ice •2 oz. per serving of whiskey Place sugar, water and ice in a pitcher then have fresh mint and shot glasses full of whiskey for guests to add to their drinks as they make them.

• If 60 red roses and lucky horseshoes aren't easily available, pick up first, second and third place ribbons from a local craft or trophy store to hand out to the winners of the betting game instead.

• Check your local TV Guide for Derby specials, out-takes, pre-game shows and other schedules. Or log onto http://www.tvguide.com.

• With all this competition things can get a little intense...make sure everyone is betting for fun, not for a Porsche.