How To Throw a Stylish Kentucky Derby Soiree—Mint Juleps Obviously Included
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Photo: Anne Rhett, courtesy of Tara Guérard
We’re all from Kentucky when Derby Day rolls around. “It’s such a quintessential southern occasion and a great excuse to entertain no matter where you are,” says Charleston, South Carolina–based event designer Tara Guérard , who has planned celebrations for the likes of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds . “And who doesn’t love drinking out of a julep cup?” But while the event itself is steeped in tradition, there are plenty of ways you can put a creative spin on the classic Kentucky Derby party to make it unique and memorable for all of your guests. Start with a signature cocktail, pepper in some equestrian-themed decor, follow through with a southern-inspired menu, and you have all the makings of a festive fête. Here, Guérard shares some tried-and-true ideas to get you started.
The decor
There are lots of ways to bring southern charm to your party. Consider the following decor ideas:
Decorate with roses
Known as the Run for the Roses, the Derby is best celebrated with a touch of this classic floral choice. An overflowing centerpiece never fails: “Vary heights and add greenery to keep the arrangement loose and understated, and use sweetheart roses for a less expensive variety,” suggests Guérard. She also recommends adding scattered rose petals throughout, an impactful element that remains affordable and simple to execute.
“When lots of the same [flower] is used, it makes a bigger and better impact,” she adds, “so the more the merrier!”
Add equestrian accents
Equestrian accents are a festive addition to any Derby party, but should be executed with subtlety to keep the theme from venturing into tacky territory. Little details—napkins tied with a leather string (a nod to contenders’ bridles), a colorful Derby-colored silk ribbon affixed to a menu, glassware with a trophy-gold rim—can evoke the equestrian theme without being too on the nose. “Pull the elements in a quiet way, like leather coasters and koozies, or brass trays, so it reads as a reference rather than a theme,” says Guérard. “And a horse shoe or two would be a nice detail and hopefully bring some luck.”
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Themed food and drink displays
The iconic silver julep cup makes a great vessel for your roses, and can be easily paired with trophy cups for some added flair. “Focus on two strong moments: a well-set bar and a great food display, and let those define the space instead of over-styling every corner,” says Guérard. For that well-set bar, be sure to prepare enough of the signature mint julep cocktail to go around.
“Home parties don’t need to be overkill,” adds Guérard. “It’s most important to take care of your guests. A drink in hand and something to eat helps make guests happy.”
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The cocktail
It wouldn’t be a Kentucky Derby party without mint juleps, but Guérard suggests an unexpected twist: “Throw a white linen over any table in your home and stage a make-your-own-julep station, complete with a bourbon bar so that guests can sample their drinks with different varieties of the spirit,” says Guérard. You can also include a range of toppings, such as peaches, blueberries, and ginger, in addition to the traditional mint garnish.
Of course, juleps may not be for everyone. Make a few big-batch cocktails before guests arrive, then assign them witty names in honor of the race. Guérard likes to serve the Run for the Roses, which is one part vodka, two to three parts pink lemonade (to taste), one teaspoon of rose syrup, and a mint sprig for garnish. Other worthy names for your concoctions: the Triple Crown, the Churchill Downs, or the Final Stretch.
The menu
“Serve easy yet substantial food as guests will likely be enjoying plenty of cocktails,” says Guérard. She suggests southern comfort-food favorites such as chicken and biscuits, as well as mac and cheese cups and pimento-cheese crostini.
The dress code
Keep it casual—it’s a party, after all—but ask guests to bring their most festive hats and fascinators for the occasion. And stock up on a few beforehand in case attendees forget theirs on the big day.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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