Throw a Derby Party

Off to the Races

Make your Kentucky Derby party one for the record books! Throw a fabulous fete with our easy ideas for decorating, dressing, and dining in true Southern style.

Make Equestrian-Theme Cookies

Cute cookie cutters transform our classic gingerbread cookies into race-ready treats. A quick royal icing is an easy way to decorate the cookies with equine-inspired accents.

• Get the royal icing recipe.

Decorate with Roses

In 1904, the rose became the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. Showcase the beautiful blooms by creating this easy centerpiece. Simply place cut roses and a little water in stemless wineglasses.

Decorate with Roses: Rosette Cupcakes

Pay homage to the stunning blooms with our rosette frosted cupcakes.

Here's how to make the rosettes:

For this classic cupcake design, use a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe a spiral of frosting, starting at the center and working toward the outside of the cupcake.

• Get the cupcake & butter frosting recipe here!

Make a Themed Centerpiece

Create a delicate horse-theme centerpiece for your Derby Day table. We love a blooming mix of camellias, dahlias, and daisies. For a traditional bouquet, add in red roses.

• Get the horse pattern.

Flower Arranging 101

Learn how to arrange flowers and create a beautiful, colorful bouquet.

Serve Spiked Punch

Toast your guests with a big bowl of our kicked-up mint julep punch. Decorate the table with a little sparkle: silver julep cups and a vintage trophy.

Cheers to our easy punch: 1 cup bourbon, 2 cups mint simple syrup, 4 cups chilled club soda over ice.

Set the Table: Horseshoe Stacks

Stack napkins and top them with a silver horseshoe for the easiest party-pretty table.

Did you know? Horseshoes are considered lucky. They used to be hung in homes to attract good fortune!

Set the Table: Bow Tie Napkins

Create these make-you-smile bow ties out of any paper napkin you like!

1. Fold a square black napkin into thirds.

2. Pinch in the middle.

3. Tie a small piece of black fabric around the middle. Twist ties also work just as well!

Sport a Showstopping Hat

There's no such thing as too much when it comes to Derby hats. Whether you love wide-brim hats or frilly headbands, the more adornments, the better.

Did you know? Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to be good luck!

Bring on the Bow Ties

For this party, you'll want to dress to impress. For guys, this means donning the mensware classic -- a bow tie. We especially love this mint julep-theme version.

Southern Favorite: Mint Juleps

It wouldn't be a Derby Day party without mint juleps. Our classic recipe has just three ingredients and couldn't be easier to make!

Southern Favorite: Sweet Tea

Take a break from sipping mint juleps with Trisha Yearwood's classic sweet tea. For even more sweetness, rim each glass with sugar and serve with an orange slice.

Southern Favorite: Bourbon-Glazed Cocktail Sausages

These bourbon-glazed cocktail sausages are the odds-on favorite for Derby Day. Simply assemble right in your slow cooker and serve with toothpicks.

Southern Favorite: Pimiento Cheese Poppers

Stuff mini peppers with our favorite Southern staple and you have a winning appetizer. For easy entertaining, the pimiento cheese can be made in advance.

Southern Favorite: Corn Bread Salad

Transform classic corn bread into a partyworthy salad. Layers of bacon, cheese, corn bread, and veggies make this the Southern star of the show.

Southern Favorite: Cheese Straws

Every Southern cook has their own recipe for cheese straws. Here's ours: a flaky Gruyere version that starts with purchased puff pastry.

Southern Favorite: Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie

Indulge in a much-loved Derby Day dessert! Adding rich dark chocolate keeps this classic pie from being too sweet.