Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party – 5 Must Try Ideas

A Kentucky Derby Party to celebrate the running of the roses is one of those theme parties that sounds easy, but then what do you serve?  How can you decorate?

Looking to host a memorable Kentucky Derby party in 2023? Look no further! Whether you’re enjoying the festivities outside, on the rail, or in the comfort of your own dining room, we’ve got you covered with these 5 must-try ideas. From delicious food and refreshing cocktails to equestrian-themed decor, we’ll help you bring the excitement of the running of the Roses to your party. Get ready to make your Kentucky Derby party one to remember with our expert tips and recommendations.

Here are 5 Simple Ideas for Hosting

Make Anything Horseshoe Shaped

1) Make anything horse-shoe-shaped!  I chose small finger sandwiches.  I made a simple mixture of grated cucumbers and cream cheese, called Benedictine Spread, which is spread between sandwich bread that I cut with “U” shaped cookie cutter.  I topped with my green gingham cupcake toppers, which are perfect for accenting appetizers and snacks.

(I bought a bigger horse show cookie cutter just for this purpose, but NONE of my gluten-free bread was big enough to use it, so I got out my alphabet cookie cutters and used the “U”!…always improvising with gluten-free!)

Decorating the plate with cucumbers and red radish wedges repeated the colors of the roses.

Check out the EnFete Kentucky Derby Party 2023 Collection in the shop.

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Serve a Fun Cocktail in Addition to Mint Juleps

Serve a fun cocktail, whether it’s Mint Juleps or something else, every Kentucky Derby party needs a fun libation.  Try my Kentucky Derby Adult Lemonade – made with Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon.  We also have a recipe for an Oaks Lily Cocktail on our blog.

Use Horseshoe Ribbons

Decorate in green and white and use Derby horseshow ribbons as a theme.  I love the classic preppy green of this handmade Derby decorations collection I made for the shop.  Have fun and decorate doorways, windows or put a ribbon on the front door. 

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Use LOTS of Red Roses or Other Colors to Compliment Your Kentucky Derby Party Theme

If you’re celebrating the Running of the Roses, then you have to have ROSES!  I arranged some in an old trophy cup (from my grandmother’s chicken shows!) and added a little Bells of Ireland as an accent.  

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Derby Party Bowtie Utensil Packages

Bowtie Utensil Packages!  See my tutorial to make these easy accents perfect for so many horse-themed, Derby-themed and preppy parties and picnics!

Make those Bow Ties above from these popular shop choices in dinner napkins:

You’re now set with FIVE ideas to make your Derby Party perfect. Check out More Inspiration inside EnFete.

Shop the entire Kentucky Derby 2022 Collection in the EnFete shop to put together the perfect Derby party in one place.

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I’d love to see pictures if you try any of my ideas.  Tag me on Instagram!