We may or may not be getting some snow flurries today. While I am so ready for spring to come and stay, I am looking forward to the first Saturday in May which many of us call Derby Day. Being a Kentucky gal, I love all things that come with the Derby. It’s steeped in tradition from the beautiful surroundings of Churchill Downs, to the hats, expensive horses, the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home”, etc. I could go on and on.
So, today I thought it would be fun to share with you five things you need to get ready to host a Derby party or to just enjoy the day with your family.
1. The book Keeneland Entertains is a must have. My mom gave the book to me for Christmas, and I have used many of the recipes inside. You will find recipes for mini hot browns, bourbon balls, beer cheese and lots more Kentucky favorites. Now my mouth is watering just thinking of all this food. The book is loaded with recipes for many events.
2.Kentucky Derby themed plates and napkins. It’s rare for me to use paper plates, but I do when I host a Derby party. It’s an easy way to add some more Derby spirit to the party, and then clean-up is much easier.
3. Mint juleps are a must. Even if you don’t like them, you must try at least one on Derby Day. One of the special things about sipping a julep is the mint julep cup. It’s just not the same to sip them from any other kind of cup. In Kentucky many people have silver monogrammed cups that are handed down through the generations. If you aren’t one of those people, these cups will do just fine.
4. The bourbon might be flowing on your Derby Day, but if you don’t like drinking it, you might like eating it in the form of bourbon balls. They are easy to make, but if you want to go the “easier” route, you can get some of my favorite Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls.
5. Finally, a Derby Day outfit just isn’t complete without the statement hat. This one was made by Kentucky native Polly Singer who makes hats for the Kentucky Derby, and other events around the world that require the proper chapeau.
These items will get you off to a good start. Now just buy a dozen or two red roses, pull out the white table cloth, and you have a good start to making your Derby Day really special.
Thanks for stopping in.
Cheers!
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What ingredients are in a mint julep in addition to the Woodford Bourbon?
Terry,
A mint julep consists of good bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and lots of ice. Cheers!!!
Love this post! I’ve pinned it for future reference. It makes me smile to think of your hosting a Derby party up there in Syracuse.
I had no idea Woodford Reserve made bourbon balls. I’m going to check that out! WR is a good bourbon, in my opinion. . . and of course I’ve done extensive bourbon tasting just to be sure. My hubby prefers a good single-malt Scotch, but I love a good bourbon. Just have to be sure to enjoy it responsibly and never too much at once–even in the form of balls!
Richella, our family thinks Woodford Reserve is the absolute best bourbon out there, so you know their bourbon balls are delish!!