Top Ten Derby Preps for Humans Partying at Home

The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby is almost here! The top thoroughbreds from across the nation have been prepping to make their run for the roses. Are you ready? Below is a list of “Derby Preps” for humans to make the most out of the first Saturday of May whether you’re hosting a fabulous party at home or attending a shindig at your local watering hole.

1. PLAN YOUR OUTFIT
Most of us began the process of planning an outfit months ago and look forward to any excuse to get a little dolled up! It’s always a good idea to have a few extra hats and fedoras handy to supply those that arrive to your party without hats. Everyone has a friend who is a hat party-pooper!

 

2. INVITE YOUR FRIENDS
Inviting your friends via email is easy if you visit www.kentuckyderby.com/party. You’ll find tools to invite your friends, manage the RSVP list, and update your guests.

 

3. ORDER PROGRAMS
Order or download official programs so your guests will feel like they are really at the races! The program will give information on the horses, trainers, and jockeys. You can easily view and share information and odds on all of the races by visiting Lady and The Track.

 

4. DECORATE
Most party supply stores with have the standard Kentucky Derby paper party supplies. Worst-case scenario you can always buy the pony plates originally meant for a four-year-old girl’s birthday party. If you and your friends like to fancy things up, you can always go with The Great Catsby theme! Roses are always a nice decorating touch for the Kentucky Derby “Run for The Roses.”

 

5. LEARN HOW TO MAKE A PROPER MINT JULEP
This is an art and practicing the recipe is highly recommended. You and your guests will be delighted if you take the time to prepare the Mint Juleps the proper way.
Ingredients For Each Serving:
Mint leaves
2 tablespoons Mint Syrup (see recipe below)
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon
Fresh mint sprig
Preparation:
Prepare the Mint Syrup.
Crush or muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-ounce Mint Julep Cup (using the back of a spoon to crush mint leaves) until mixture forms a paste. Then fill the Mint Julep Cup 1/2 full with crushed or shaved ice. Add prepared Mint Syrup, water, and bourbon. Stir until the silver cup is frosted on the outside. NOTE: A glass tumbler will not frost on the outside. To serve, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
Mint Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat an pour over a handful of mint leaves and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerator syrup mixture overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves and continue to refrigerate. This syrup mixture will keep for several weeks.

 

6. HOST A HAT CONTEST
A good activity at your party is a hat contest, especially if your guests are making their own hats. This is something you will want to mention when you send out the Kentucky Derby party invitations.

 

7. FEED YOUR GUESTS

Finger food is always best when your hosting a party that revolves around a mature cocktail such as the Mint Julep. A Southern style menu may be just what your guests are looking for. Try fried chicken, cornbread, mini pecan pies, and sweet potato mash.

 

8. BET ON YOUR FAVORITE HORSE
Placing a bet on your favorite racehorse is easy, fun, and legal. You can safely place a bet online by following our easy instructions here. We highly recommend you and your guests set up your online account ahead of time so you can simply focus on betting the day of the Derby.

 

9. CHAMPAGNE TO CELEBRATE
Celebrate your winnings with a champagne toast! There is no better way to congratulate your winning guest than with a glass of bubbly!

 

10. PARTY FAVORS
We always like to send our guests home with a little something to remember the night by. One idea is to give your guest a horseshoe painted with the date and Derby year, “Kentucky Derby 139 2013.” If you use roses as centerpieces you can also send them home with guests.

The 2013 Kentucky Oaks on May 3rd will air from 5:00-6:00 PM EST on NBC. The 2013 Kentucky Derby on May 4th will air on NBC from 7:00-7:30 PM EST.

Lady and The Track would like to wish all of our readers GOOD LUCK and HAPPY DERBY DAY!