Barbara Gilleece's Party Patter: How To Plan A Kentucky Derby Party

"And they're off!"

Those three words turn out to be the most exciting two minutes of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is held the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby is more than a race -- it has become an annual society event. Since the first derby in 1875, the race begat traditions from food, drink, and attire. Over the years, I have gained a lot of experience with this type of party, because I have a customer who happens to be from Kentucky. We have been doing this party together for a very long time. So if you have decided to be a part of the action this year, I am here to give you some ideas on how to plan a derby party.

So we're off!!

The colors change for the derby every year, so I go to the official Kentucky Derby web site, place my order for the invitations, and see what colors we will be working with for that particular year. There are usually two colors we use to decorate with. I incorporate these colors into the linens and napkins we will use for the event. I prefer to use a silky fabric, as it resembles the jockeys' uniform, which they call silks.

How to decorate:

• Red roses, roses, and more roses. Place in silver julep cups and use as a table center piece.
• A horseshoe wreath in the center of the table with a ribbon draped over it that that says WINNER is a fun idea. If you're the creative type, try it yourself, or go to your local florist for help.
• Place horseshoes on party tables, the buffet, or hang some on walls.
• I happened to find a photo of a horse race. I brought it to my local printer and had him blow up the picture. Then I hung it up across the tent.

What to do:

• Tell the ladies to bring their own decorated hat from home. During the party, have the men judge who has the best hat and offer a prize.
• Set up a bourbon-tasting table with small cordial glasses. Have everyone vote which one is their favorite.
• Outdoors offer the adults a game of horseshoes and pin-the-tail-on-the-horse for the kids.
• Of course, you should take bets and give betting tickets. It's also a good idea to make a poster with all the horse's names on it.
• Lastly, make sure that flat screen of yours works, and place in your party area so that everyone can watch the race.

Southern food & drink ideas:

• In keeping with the day, serve mint juleps in perhaps the official mint julep glass that can be taken home as a souvenir. Personally, over the years, I have not been able to acquire a taste for this drink. But try it yourself and see what you think. You will need lots of shaved ice.
• Provide casual southern food such as salad, bourbon-marinated pork, hot brown sandwiches, and corn on the cob.
• For dessert, don't forget to serve the derby pie, and maybe a pecan pie too.
• For a more elegant affair, you may want to use your finest silver, china, crystal and uniformed staff.

Having a Kentucky Derby party is a great way to kick off spring. It's up to you on how you create your theme, from casual to elegant. It's an exciting day, so have fun with it! Who knows -- maybe it will become a tradition in your home.

For more info, visit barbaraseleganttouchstaffing.com.