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Step 1
Throw an elegant high society bash, if you want to capture that up-market feel of the derby, where the rich hobnob with the famous over clinking flutes of champagne. Order in that bubbly, send out classy invites and instruct your guests to dress to kill. Serve an elegant cold buffet featuring Southern specialties and seafood, served in your finest china, silver and linens.
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Step 2
Host a casual event if you’d prefer to capture the rowdy atmosphere of the infield at the Derby, where the regular folks gather to watch the race. Just carry the TV onto the deck or patio and throw a Southern style barbeque, complete with ribs, corn on the cob and red-and-white checked tablecloths.
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Step 3
Keep the mint juleps flowing--mint julep is the must-have drink for Derby day. Top off the menu with Kentucky Derby Pie for desert.
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Step 4
The Kentucky Derby is known as “the run for the roses”, so whatever the style of your party, get some roses in there. Have a rose centerpiece on the table, or just some roses in vases outside.
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Step 1
Arrange a betting pool so your friends can have a little flutter. Your party is not complete without placing bets on the ponies. Get some Daily Racing Forms for your guests. You can set a limit on bets if you want to keep it fun--perhaps $5 or $10 per person.
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Step 2
Ask all the ladies to wear spectacular hats (if you’re not rich and famous just yet, it’s fun to unearth something at a thrift store!). Have the men don suits and ties.
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Step 3
Get everyone singing My Old Kentucky Home as the race starts--you could print out the lyrics for people, or write them on a board.
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Step 4
Get that big screen TV! This is standard equipment, if you want to truly share the excitement of the race. Have a friend bring one along, or hire one for the day. On the other hand, this is the perfect excuse to get that big screen TV you've been eyeing all year long.
