Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for a Fabulous Race Day Event

The first Saturday in May is the Kentucky Derby. If you aren't among the thousands that flock to Louisville, you can watch it on TV and host a celebration with our Kentucky Derby party ideas. The Kentucky Derby Festival lasts for two weeks, and each day at the derby is filled with fashion, food, and a unique combination of high-class traditions and down-home comforts.

Treat yourself—and your Derby Day party guests—to the same refreshments and entertainment that attendees enjoy at the big race in Kentucky. Mix up a delicious mint julep and use our best party-planning tips to throw the ultimate Derby Day celebration.

Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for Decor

The first Kentucky Derby party idea to kick off your planning is creating classic Southern-inspired decor. Vintage silver serving pieces and a big bouquet of pink roses bring elegance and charm to your celebration.

Kentucky Derby Day food can be part of the party decorations. A horseshoe-shaped cookie cutter transforms our classic gingerbread cookies into race-day-ready treats, and bright candies and frosted cupcakes pull in the color scheme. All you have to do is add a few flowers, and your Kentucky Derby decorating is done.

Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for Food

Did you know the Kentucky Derby is known as the "Run for the Roses?" It's a reference to the roses draped over the winning horse. Luckily, rose petals are edible and can be a part of your Kentucky Derby dessert spread.

Make a delicious Strawberry, Mango, and Rose Pavlova and decorate it with fresh rose petals. If you're feeling inspired, try making rose petals from fruit leather and using them to top cupcakes or make our traditional Kentucky Derby Brownie Walnut Pie or Derby Skillet Cookie. The only race your party guests will engage in will be the race to grab the last treat.

Kentucky Derby Party Ideas for Appetizers

Instead of making several main dishes for your party, an easy and fun Kentucky Derby party idea is to assemble a DIY charcuterie board. Choose a few appetizers to prepare before the party, and fill in the rest of the spread with easy store-bought snack foods like nuts, vegetables, and cold dips. For example, try a Hot Brown Stromboli (made famous by The Brown Hotel in Louisville—a Derby Day classic!), supplemented with crackers, nuts, and sliced veggies.

Other Derby Day-approved appetizer ideas include sweet potato Hush Puppies, and our Hot Greens Dip made from collard greens and Havarti—a fantastic combo of a Southern favorite and creamy cheese.

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