How to Host the Best Kentucky Derby Party Most people think about the clear blue water and sandy beaches when they think of Palm Beach County, but PBC (mainly Wellington) is also a premier equestrian destination. with dozens of upscale stables, breeders, facilities, and trainers, horses are a big deal in the area. For fans of racing, the Kentucky Derby is the Super Bowl, The Masters, the Final Four; it’s the biggest event of the year. If you’re not making your way to Louisville to watch in person at Churchill Downs, then one of the best ways to make the most of the day is to host a Derby Party. Here's a quick guide to hosting a party that will have your guests excited to do it all again next year





Planning and Invitations


Theme and Decorations: It all starts with the setting, the atmosphere. If you’re going the extra mile, you can use equestrian-themed decorations, like horseshoes, jockey silks, and roses (the Derby is also known as 'The Run for the Roses'. One step down is to Incorporate the traditional colors of the Derby—red, black, and gold. Go for the Churchill Downs vibe with greenery and floral arrangements.


Invitations: Instead of just texting or emailing your friends, you could whip up a quick and fun e-vite template that reflects the Derby theme. If you want to make it a real spectacle, or just inject some extra fun, then tell guests they should come dressed in Derby attire—ladies in wide-brimmed hats, and guys in borderline-obnoxiously-bright colors. If nothing else, this makes for great and/or funny pictures.


Food and Drinks


Kentucky Cuisine: The best menu to go with is the Southern classics like Hot Browns (open-faced turkey sandwiches with bacon and Mornay sauce), bourbon-glazed pork chops, and Kentucky pecan pie. Don’t forget the Benedictine spread, a cucumber and cream cheese-based appetizer that is a Derby-day staple.


Beverages: Churchill Downs churns out over 100,000 mint juleps on Derby Day, so this is a must-have. The mint julep is the traditional drink of the Derby, made with fresh mint, bourbon, sugar, and crushed ice. Again, if you want to go the extra mile, serve it in silver julep cups. And if you want to keep with the official theme of the day, Woodford Reserve is the title sponsor, so that’s an easy way to decide which bourbon to go with if you’re unsure. Also, consider offering a non-alcoholic version, maybe replacing the bourbon with southern sweet tea for those who prefer it.


Entertainment and Activities


Watching the Race: Make sure your TV setup is adequate for all guests to comfortably watch the race. Again, if this is your first time watching: the big race itself is only about two minutes long (there are other races going on throughout the afternoon though). It’s more fun to get everyone in the same room when the final race comes at 6:57 pm. So set up a place big enough to accommodate everyone at once.  Throughout the afternoon, as people are mulling about, you can set up multiple TVs so everyone can catch a glimpse of one of the other races here and there (or watch all of them, for true fans).


Friendly Bets: Set up a betting station where guests can place mock bets on their favorite horses. You can make it a little more exciting by offering prizes for the winners to add excitement to the race viewing. For example, a good little on-theme prize could just be a bottle of Woodford Reserve.


Games and Music: Got enough space? Plan some lawn games like croquet, horseshoes, or cornhole for entertainment before and after the race. Have a playlist ready with Southern and classical horse-racing themes to enhance the atmosphere. There are a bunch of premade playlists on Spotify, Pandora, or other music streaming apps.


Hosting Tips


Prepare Ahead: Much of the food can be prepared in advance. The mint juleps can also be pre-mixed in large quantities—just add ice and garnish before serving—or you can make a mix-your-own station.


Dress the Part: As the host, set the tone by dressing in Derby fashion, but if you’re having best-dressed or hat contest, then simply exempt yourself (if you want) and encourage some friendly competition. This shows your guests you’re fully in the spirit and sets the tone for the party.


Weather Plan: If you're setting up for an outdoor party, have a backup plan for one of our South Florida Spring afternoon showers that can come out of nowhere. Awnings, tailgate tents, etc; just have something ready to deploy or a clear path to move the party indoors.


Looking to Go Out Instead of Hosting?


There are a few other ways to enjoy race day. For instance, Kentucky Derby Fest at PBKC "The Best Party South of Churchill Downs", it's an all-day event with live music, a hat contest, wagering, and a live stream of the Derby on the big screen. 


The Worth Ave Association is also hosting a live stream, hat contest, and a shopping extravaganza Tickets can be found on Eventbrite. 


Life is more fun when you make it fun. Even if you're not a racing fan, a Kentucky Derby party is a good reason to reconnect with friends, family, or meet new people, and the race is always exciting. Whether your guests are horse racing aficionados or just there for the mint juleps and to wear a big hat, they’re bound to have a fantastic time.
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