Every year we throw a Derby party and each year it gets better and better.
I DIY something new each year and buy a new decor to add to my stash.
Before the party I print recipes and use dollar store frames and picture holders on the table. The John Daly was added this year – it’s an easy crowd pleaser.
The oaks Lily was very popular this year!
We bought the official Woodford bourbon for the derby. They design a different label each year. I had plenty of fresh mint from the garden – it’s invasive and everywhere.
The drinks table was set up a few days early so I was sure I had everything. I do the same thing on the island for food laying out platters and dishware in advance.
I found these awesome bottle lights that are rechargeable and have 3 settings. We saved 2 bottles to remember the event by! If you are interested in the lights here’s my amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3YwUY25
I hung a floral wreath in the entry and used bottle lights to welcome guests. Link for the lights https://amzn.to/3YwUY25
I ordered these oval plates, napkins and cups from Amazon. The red plates I picked up at Dollar Tree as extras. Link for plates https://amzn.to/4iLMmMc and some faux roses https://amzn.to/3YqDZP1
This was my 2025 DIY. I ordered these ribbons online, stacked them and add real ribbon to some of them. If you want to jazz up some ribbons here’s my affiliate link for these https://amzn.to/42SNych
I bought this fascinator for the party. It is offered in many colors. I didn’t know what I was going to wear so I matched my hair 😂. It was inexpensive and light to wear. Here’s my affiliate link for the facinator https://amzn.to/4d2KygM
My other 2025 DiY project was painting the silks. I bought 20 pieces of posterboard at the dollar tree and drew a shirt shape. I cut them out and used acrylic paints to re-create a few of the silks in the Derby this year. I might get them laminated to bring out for the next race. These were inexpensive and made by a big impact.
We had bourbon meatballs and Kentucky Mac n cheese in crockpots. I used these labels to help ID the dishes.
I made several Tupperware containers worth of cucumber sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches. I cut the crust off of three loaves worth of bread. We only had a few left.
We also had ham sliders, deviled eggs, charcuterie, and more each item labeled on the table in case guests had dietary concerns.
I hope this gives you some fresh ideas for hosting a derby party your own.
Cheers y’all~ Kristen
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