And they’re off!
Those three little words ignite what’s been termed the most exciting two minutes in sports. This year the 138th Kentucky Derby, will be held on May 5th, 2012. Bluebird Productions is here to help guide you to the finish line with tips on how to be sure your Derby party brings home the gold! Check out the official Kentucky Derby Party checklist here.
For an elegant southern affair you should use your finest silver, crystal, linens and china. Decorate with large bouquets of red roses. Ask your florist to design a horseshoe shaped wreath of roses as a centerpiece for your table. Serve a beautiful luncheon buffet with tea sandwiches, dips (including the regional specialty Benedictine), cold seafood, and assorted salads. For a more casual bash, plan a southern barbecue with ribs, biscuits, corn on the cob, and salad. Use red and white-checkered tablecloths. Decorate with spring flowers or roses.
Whether you’re going for something more elegant or laid back, Mint Juleps are the drink of the day and Kentucky Derby Pie is the preferred dessert.
Mint Juleps (adapted from Southern Living recipe)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup water (prefer distilled or bottled)
- use only the leaves from 8 fresh mint sprigs finely chopped (no stems)
- 1 quart bourbon (prefer Jim Beam)
- fresh mint sprigs
Combine water, sugar, chopped mint leaves and bourbon in a glass container, stir until sugar dissolves. Cover and let stand 4 -6 hours. Strain mixture into a large pitcher, discarding chopped mint. To serve, fill glasses with cracked ice; add bourbon mixture, and garnish with mint sprigs. Silver julep cups are recommended but we are sure your guests will enjoy this classic drink any way you serve it. Plastic cups work just as well especially after the first drink.
When we think of the Kentucky Derby, we think… Large and beautiful hats! Traditionally, women wear big hats on Derby Day. To add some real spice to the fun, be sure to include hats as suggested attire for ladies in your invitation. You can get creative and make your own hat or have a contest and prize for the best Derby hat.
What is it that has us all sitting on the edge of our seats while watching Kentucky Derby?!… Betting! We suggest making copies of articles from national and local papers that will help your guests pick a horse. You can also create signs for a betting window, owners box (post a sign at your front door), feedbag (buffet), watering trough (bar), cashier, winners circle, be creative!
We know planning the perfect event can be stressful, so let Bluebird Productions handle everything for you!
