Kentucky Derby days are here again.
The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports takes places on the first Saturday in May.
Louisville, Kentucky rolls out a Southern welcome to thousands of attendees while Churchill Downs takes the lead as Kentucky Derby festivities and finery celebration central.
Iconic to sight and tradition, the landmark Twin Spires of Churchill Downs were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Baldez.
The twin hexagonal spires stand tall as the premier architectural feature so closely associated with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
Time-honored traditions and thoroughbred horse racing reigns supreme on Kentucky Derby Saturday.
Red roses, mint juleps and fascinating choices of Derby Day finery fill the grandstands, box seats and infield of Churchill Downs as well as themed Kentucky Derby Days parties.
Derby Guys and Dolls Finery
My parents and I attended the Kentucky Derby in the late 1970’s. Experiencing the Derby live and in person is a thrilling event, but once was enough for us.
Expensive?
Yes!
Crowded?
Oh, dear goodness, yes, and that was 30+ years ago!
I can only imagine the crowd control issues involved with the attendance numbers of today’s Kentucky Derby.
Are we glad we attended?
You betcha!
Our current Kentucky Derby Days party is an at home affair.
We are not above breaking out the good stuff as in fashion jewelry, hats, tableware, get down and Derby tunes and Kentucky bourbon in My Old Kentucky Home fashion.
The Run for the Roses is a win, place and show tradition for this horse racing enthusiast family, and it’s a sure bet on the first Saturday in May the hats, the party, and the race will be on.
The Derby Day tablescape always includes red roses, a hat of top, feathered or derby style, a toast to jockey silks, and a creative spin on tablescape accessories.
I’m using the red rose bouquet paper cocktail napkins and 12 x 12 sheets of red roses scrapbook paper for placemats.
Red Roses Scrapbook Paper – 12″ x 12″
Kentucky Derby Days Are Here Again Decor Ideas
Natural 15-inch Defiance Spirited Horse Accent
Silver mint julep cups are the traditional favorite, but I’m taking the long shot odds the copper trophy cup will make a stylish showing.
The Gray Barn Jartop Polystone Horse Head Sculpture
Mini award trophies make great Derby party favors, cocktail stirrer holders, vases, etc…
Assorted Mini Award Trophies
Vintage Royal Doulton English Toby Jug, “The Jockey” model
Vintage Red & White Jockey Cap Bottle Opener
The Kentucky Derby – 101 Reasons to Love America’s Favorite Horse Race
It isn’t a Derby Day party until traditional Kentucky Derby delicacies are served.
The fresh rosemary in these Southern Living Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans is the perfect taste complement to the minty bite of a Southern strong Mint Julep.
If it doesn’t bite, it isn’t right.
Southern Living Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans
Tea sandwiches spread thick with Benedictine spread and garnished with radishes, pimento, cucumber slices and bacon are bite sized samples of traditional deliciousness.
A Kentucky Derby party ideas must.
And they’re off!
