Tag Archives: derby time

It’s Almost Derby Time

If you listen carefully, it is almost as if the world stops and holds its breath for a few moments on the first Saturday in May as the horses prepare to leave the gate at the Kentucky Derby.  The race may only last two minutes, but what a powerful, spell-binding two minutes it is!  Never, however, think that the day begins and ends with the horses.  The Kentucky Derby is more than a race, it is a tip-of-the-hat to the great tradition of friends coming together and, when friends come together in the spirit of southern hospitality, there is going to be food and lots of it.  The decorations may be soft and refined or bold and casual.  The food may be all things southern or a pot-luck as diversified as the friends who bring it, but one thing remains constant at any Derby party — the celebration of never-ending friendships.

Plan your party, invite your friends and grab your hat!

It’s the 139th Kentucky Derby

Saturday, May 4, 2013

source:  Southern Living

Kentucky Derby Party Menu

Kentucky Derby Potluck

This Kentucky Derby potluck menu is an easy-to-do spread of ham and biscuit sandwiches, cheese grits, and a rich, nutty pie–all washed down with mint juleps, of course.

Horseradish and Honey-Glazed Ham

Oklahoma Cheese Grits

Kentucky Pecan Pie

Mint Juleps

 

Additional Southern Delights

Shrimp and Grits with Red Eye Gravy

Sweet Potato Casserole

Hazelnut Dacquoise

Pecan Petit

The Early Times Mint Julep

Sweet Iced Tea

Party Ware and Serving Pieces

Spreader Set — Horse Heads

Coasters - "The Race"

Coasters

139th Kentucky Derby Dessert Plates

Kentucky Derby Dessert Plates

139th Kentucky Derby Beverage Napkins

Beverage Napkins

139th Kentucky Derby Souvenir Cups

139th Kentucky Derby Souvenir Cups

Plastic Jockey Helmets

One Dozen Red Roses

One Dozen Red Roses

 

The Derby Dress

Everyone knows about “hats” for the Kentucky Derby, but did you know about the Derby Dress and the race before The Race?

Photo:  Sam English

The day before the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks event takes place and the tradition is to “Pink Out!” for Susan G. Komen–Breast Cancer Awareness. The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies.  The prize is $600,000 and a large garland of lilies thus earning the name “Lilies for the Fillies”.

Kentucky Oaks 2011

Photo:  Dan Dry

Black Halo Colorblock Belted Sheath

Donna Ricco Ruffle Trim Charmeuse Sheath Dress

Kate Spade ‘silverscreen’ Striped Bow Front

 

Rules for Dressing for the Kentucky Derby

Rule Number One: Wear a fabulous, attention-getting hat.

Rule Number Two:  Choose a dress that complements the hat both in style and color. Solids and primary colors are top choices.

Rule Number Three:  Avoid a monochromatic color scheme (shoes, dress, hat — all the same color)

Rule Number Four:  Wear comfortable shoes.  Heels are preferable, but flats are totally acceptable.


Black Halo ‘Jackie’ Belted Gabardine Sheath Dress

Komarov Handkerchief Hem Dress and Jacket

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Dress

Rachel Roy Dress

St. John Collection Knit Dress and Jacket

Milly ‘Danielle’ Ruffled Dress

For Derby Hats see

Hats On … It’s Derby Time