Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

If you are looking for an excuse to celebrate, why not throw a Kentucky Derby Party. Horse lovers and fashion fans will love to gather to share their predictions for the winner and to watch the 135^th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2^nd.

Kentucky Derby Decorations

Even though the race is just days away, you still have time to throw together a great party. Call to invite guests or design your own Kentucky Derby themed invitation and e-mail to invite friends and family. Your backyard patio or lawn is the perfect setting for the pre-race gathering.

Roll out the red carpet for your guests to walk upon as they approach your front entrance. You can easily create with little cost, by purchasing an inexpensive red flat sheet and folding in thirds. Your guests will love your attention to detail and will help get them in the spirit of the "Race for the Roses."

Kentucky Derby Party Attire

A Kentucky Derby party is the perfect opportunity to let your guests show off their creative flair for fashion. Encourage guests to wear their favorite hat and award the guest with the most creative hat with a special gift.

Dresses for the ladies and seersucker suits for the men are traditional Derby wear, but if your guests favor more casual attire, let the hats be the focus of your party wear.

Kentucky Derby Menu

To capture the true spirit of the Kentucky Derby your menu should center around Southern flavors. Beverages could range from sweet tea to refreshing mint juleps. Or Bloody Mary's to mimosas, serve a variety of libations that your guests can enjoy. The menu could feature Southern favorites such as fried chicken or more traditional dishes like Kentucky Burgoo. For dessert, consider red velvet cupcakes , Southern chocolate pecan pie, or Derby cake.

Music and Game Ideas

Before the race gets under way, why not hold your own "Race for the Roses." Guests can challenge each other by participating in a potato sac race with the winner receiving a floral bouquet of roses. Or for couples, encourage couples to race piggy-back a short distance to the finish line with the winning duo showered in rose petals. Be creative and focus on fun.

Have each guest select their picks for first, second and third place. Keep a special prize reserved for the guest who picks the winners.

Of course, no Kentucky Derby party is complete without the theme song of the Kentucky Derby, "My Old Kentucky Home." You can find this and other songs on-line from a variety of sources or purchase a CD containing the official Kentucky Derby playlist for your party.

Watch the Kentucky Derby
Be sure to tune in to watch the race shown on NBC beginning at 5 pm ET on Saturday, May 2, 2009.