Win, Place & Show Off Your Derby Style

On May 4, more than 100,000 spectators will gather at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, donning their best fascinators, bow ties, seersucker suits and larger-than-life hats for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” at the 145th Kentucky Derby. If you can’t make the trip north this year, here’s how you can host a fabulous party in your own backyard.

DERBY ATTIRE REQUIRED

Encourage your guests to dress the part and include the attire in the invitation. You can find great invitations on etsy.com or zazzle.com.

PLACE YOUR BETS

What’s a Derby party without a little wager? For serious bettors, hold a thoroughbred live auction and auction off each horse in the main race. For more casual bettors, try the “Derby Hat Draw,” where guests pull the names of the Derby horses out of a hat, and whoever pulls the name of the winning horse also wins the pool. Be certain to have a large-screen television so your guests don’t miss any of the action and can follow their favorite horse from beginning to end.

SOUTHERN FARE

Let your guests mingle and snack throughout the day on some easy-to-eat Southern fare. Favorites include Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, bourbon meatballs, macaroni-and-cheese bites, and bread pudding with bourbon sauce, just to name a few.

RUN FOR THE ROSES

Just as a garland of 500-plus roses is draped over the winning Derby horse at the race, you can never have too many red roses at a Derby party. Incorporate red roses for a pop of color in everything from your table centerpieces to your photo backdrop, and pay homage to this long-standing tradition.

SIGNATURE DRINKS

The mint julep is a staple at any Kentucky Derby Party, so be sure to have plenty of Woodford Reserve bourbob on hand. But don’t forget about your Champagne lovers. Try these signature drinks to really impress your guests.

• Classic Mint Julep: Bourbon, simple syrup, muddled mint and powdered sugar with a mint garnish.

• Sparkling Julep: Champagne, bourbon, muddled mint leaves and simple syrup.

Blackberry Mint Julep: Bourbon, blackberry puree, simple syrup with blackberry and mint garnish.

MAKE IT OFFICIAL

Visit the Kentucky Derby store online (kentuckyderby.com) to purchase commemorative glassware in which to serve juleps, and give your guests something to take home, too.

 

KENTUCKY HOT  BROWN SLIDERS

For filling

• Pimento cheese

• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• 4 ounces gouda cheese, grated

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 (4 ounce) jar of diced pimentos

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

For sandwiches

• 1 package (12) sweet slider rolls

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 package smoked honey turkey

• 1/2 cup pimento cheese

• 12 pieces bacon, cooked

• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 12 slices.

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon minced onion

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.

• Cut rolls in half and place bottoms in a
13 x 9 pan.

• Layer mayonnaise, turkey, pimento cheese, bacon, tomatoes and top layer of bread.

• Combine butter, minced onion and parsley and brush over the tops of the buns.

• Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes.

• Remove foil and sprinkle with
Parmesan cheese.

• Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.

• Cut into sliders and serve.

Source: strawberryblondiekitchen.com

 

Alyssa Rhoads is the owner of, and event planner for, Eventing Tampa Bay.

You May Also Like

THE PLAYERS

TBBW visited the PGA TOUR’s THE PLAYERS Championship this year to check out the exclusive THE PLAYERS Club, located at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. If you’re going to make the trip to Ponte Vedra Beach for this popular golf experience, the way to go is THE PLAYERS Club. Sip champagne, feast on lobster and watch

Pamela Harvey Brings Her “Modern Traditionalist” Interiors to the Tampa Bay Area

The challenge for interior design doyenne Pamela Harvey: shifting the stark, streamlined décor vibe of Felicia and David Sable’s Tampa Bayshore condominium to one that creates instant warmth and comfort the second you step into the foyer. “I wanted to walk into my home and have it feel beautiful—on immediate entry and throughout,” says Felicia,

Ruth Eckerd’s spring lineup

There are shows to make you laugh and shows to make you want to dance, coming to Ruth Eckerd Hall this spring. Here’s some of the performaces you might want to get tickets to early. Ruth Eckerd Hall Legally Blonde – The Musical Sunday, March 10 International award-winning “Legally Blonde – The Musical” is the ultimate Broadway

The hottest yachts for the 2019 season

The 41st Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show was held at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg. Boats ranging from 12 to 70 feet, from Clearwater-based MarineMax, were on display for four days. Models included popular brands like Galeon, Aquila and Azimut

Other Posts

20 Questions With … Joe Lopano

Joe Lopano, CEO of Tampa International Airport, has worked 37 years in the aviation industry. Prior to accepting the CEO position in Tampa, he worked at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport for 14 years as its executive vice president for marketing and terminal management. His experience also encompasses 19 years in the airline industry, including serving

Copperheads Are Gearing Up for the Valspar Championship

Golf fans rejoice! The 2019 Valspar Championship is just around the corner. The week-long event kicks off with the Copperhead 5k on Sunday, March 17 and runs until Monday, March 25. The event, which is also the place to see and be seen that week, is more than a golf tournament. It’s a place to

Tracy West