Everyone Loves a Derby Party

This Saturday, July 21st Colonial Downs will be hosting the Virginia Derby. For those that are going or if you will be watching the race at home I have put together some great ideas that you can put together for your very own Derby Party. You can also look back at yesterday's Derby themed wedding and steal some of those ideas for your race day event. 

To get your derby party started in the right direction you need to find some great free printable downloads online that will help get your party decorated. Some great sites that I found with derby party craft ideas and printables include Hostess with the Mostess, Fresh Home Ideas, Kara's Party Ideas and You can even create your own decorations by drawing inspiration from the jockey's outfits, colors and patterns. Derby races incorporate so much color that anything you choose can be deemed derby worthy.

If you are hosting your own derby party at your house a great way to get your guests to dress up is by hosting your own derby hat contest and to have all the guests vote to see who's takes win. For the guys you can ask them to wear their preppiest attire and also have the guests vote on their favorite. What preppy guy or girl wouldn't want to be a part of this contest?

And when it comes to hosting the perfect derby party you can't forget about the food and drinks. Classic mint julep and bourbon drinks are a staples at any derby get together. You can also take the same flavors and incorporate them into the other food items you have at your party like bourbon balls and mint julep cupcakes. Any southern staples, like southern style biscuits, cheese sandwiches, meatballs, and min crab cakes, make up the perfect menu for a derby party. I also found one great derby party planner that made their own chocolate horses for all the guests to enjoy!

Do you plan to attend or celebrate this Saturday for the Virginia Derby? I might just have to make these mint julep cupcakes even when I am not hosting a derby party they look so good. For those that have already celebrated or been to the races earlier this year I would love to hear all about it. Share your derby party ideas in the comments section below.


xoxo
Megan