Guest Picks: Kentucky Derby Party Fixings and Decor

I am an interior and event programmer who grew up in Lexington, Kentucky, which implies that I don’t mess around when it’s time to sponsor a Kentucky Derby party. Here are a couple of ideas to help inspire you to pull together a stylish and unique party to honor “the most exciting two minutes in sports” Aaaaand they’re off! — Dean from My Little Apartment

Etsy

Vintage Tarnished Trophy Cup, Small by Little Flea Vintage – $35

Make your party an immediate winner by incorporating vintage trophies to the tablescape. You may often find them at thrift stores or online. Fill them with flowers, use them on a buffet for utensils, or have guests blindly pick their pony out of the trophy when it’s time to put their bets.

Mark and Graham

Hexagonal Mint Julep – $25

Put a twist on the conventional julep cup with this modern hexagon form. Scatter it with crushed ice, a shot (or two) of bourbon and a drizzle of mint-infused easy syrup. Don’t overlook a straw and a sprig of mint for garnish!

Goal

Rose Wood Wreaths

This is a cheap alternative to a wreath of living red roses, and it’s a lovely nod to the blanket of roses that the horse receives in the winner’s circle. Hang it on the front door or use it as a centerpiece.

Etsy

Florence Broadhurst Horses Stampede Cushion Cover by Steal the Limelight – AUD 89

Don’t forget to bring some Derby decoration to the couch. This Florence Broadhurst fabric is just one of my favorites that are all-time. It’s a little pricy, so a throw pillow is the perfect way to make this horsey print without breaking the bank.

SmartPak Equine

Ribbon Rack – $79.95

Produce a garland with these horse show ribbons. You may hang it on an entryway, above the pub or somewhere outside. You might also integrate the ribbons into a centerpiece or hand them out to the winners.

Etsy

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey Bourbon Barrel Head by Barrel Creators – $59

Offer your Derby party a genuine touch by serving beers on bourbon barrel lids. These thick oak circles possess a weathered patina and are ideal screens for sausage sandwiches or cheese tortes.

Crate&Barrel

Pronto White Folding Bistro Chair – $59.95

Extra seating is essential for parties at home, especially when there’s a spectator sport involved. These seats fold up for easy storage, work indoors or out, and are similar to the seats used in the boxes at Keeneland, one of the most stunning racetracks on the planet.

Etsy

Classic Kentucky Derby Glasses by Moonlight Decorator – $25

Serve different beverages in classic Derby eyeglasses. All these are plentiful on Etsy and eBay and are often pretty inexpensive. They’re great gifts for the guests to take home.

Kohler Interiors

Bamboo Server

No party is complete without a pub cart. I really like this classic gold bamboo find! It’s the ideal place for visitors to restock their mint julep, along with the bamboo gives a preppy nod to the equestrian vibe.

KV Supply

Diamond Particular Plain Horseshoes

Horseshoes create the ideal small equestrian accents. Use them as coasters, hang them above doorways, repurpose them as trivets or place card holders — the possibilities are endless.

1stdibs

Bronze Horse Head Lamp

If you want to get very fancy, I’d recommend this stunning bronze horse head lamp. Do I even need to explain why? It is awesome. Buy it to the party, and keep it on display indefinitely.

Kentucky Derby Museum

Jockey Silks Plates – $7.95

These jockey silks paper plates are the ideal means to function Kentucky favorites like fried chicken, corn pudding, fresh strawberries and grits.

Lawn Jock

Traditional Red Lawn Jock – $600

Lawn Jockeys are not just for outdoor usage. You could use this guy in the bathroom to hold the toilet paper, as an accent to the hearth or next to some console. You could paint them pick up a classic with a small patina.

Williams-Sonoma

Presidio Silver Plate Tiered Plate Stand – $124.95

This silver tea cake rack is perfect for pimento cheese sandwiches or bourbon balls. If you don’t know what a bourbon ball is, Google it and purchase some immediately. You are welcome.

Allen Booth LLC

Bourbon Barrel Table – $500

This bourbon barrel table is ideal for all those having an industrial vibe to your area — I am speaking to you, Restoration Hardware lovers. But if your inside is on the more modern side, these tables would work well with just about any outdoor decoration.

Anthropologie

Andalusian Bust

What, you don’t want a huge porcelain bust of an Andalusian? I sure do. Though it’s not a thoroughbred, this stunning accent will make certain to let your visitors know that you’re of the horsey set.

AHAlife

Reclaimed Horseshoe Rocking Chair

I’d most certainly enjoy cheering on the ponies whilst sitting in this unbelievably over-the-top horseshoe rocking seat. I really like how bright, glossy and glossy it’s — proof that just ’cause it comes in the country doesn’t mean it’s Americana.

Silver& Pewter Gifts

Pewter Horse Head Drink Stirring Sticks – $23

Don’t forget to pick up some Derby drink stirrers. These pewter choices are great as you can reuse them, but it is also possible to find plastic jockey hats, plants and stirrups in bulk.

Vagabond House

Glass Ice Buckets, Horse Head

A glass ice bucket with pewter horse head handles? Yes, please! Wouldn’t that be ideal atop the posh bar cart? And you’ll require somewhere to maintain the crushed ice hockey you created to your mint juleps. You simply cannot use regular ice in mint juleps.

Daly’s Silks

Framed Racing Silks

I totally adore styled racing silks. They’re colorful, often geometric and can be quite unique to the farm or family who had them framed. These keepsakes are tough to find, so snap one up in the event that you come across them in a thrift or antique shop.

Next: Groom Your Rooms With Kentucky Derby Decor

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