Kentucky Derby Party
Throw this race-day party in record time.
The Kentucky Derby is a great excuse for a party, and the race is over in about two minutes, so you have plenty of time to eat, drink and hang out with friends. Best of all, a Derby day party requires almost no planning. Using ingredients you have on hand along with a few last-minute items from the store, you can prep most of the food the night before -- and use the morning to study up on the horses.
menu
tips + how-tos
tips + tricks
SET THE SCENE
Mad Hatters
Women traditionally wear elaborate hats to the Derby at Churchill Downs. Ask your guests to bring a straw hat, then provide bins of feathers, lace, flowers, ribbons, beads, fabric scraps and glue or a hot-glue gun for decorating. Give everyone five minutes to finish the job -- then vote on the best design.
Place Your Bets
Download and print out betting sheets to keep everyone honest. Want to sound like a Derby pro? Pick up some Derby lingo, too
ONE-STOP SHOPPING
1. Cucumber
2. Arugula
3. Cantaloupes
4. Fresh mint
5. Quick-cooking grits
6. Sliced pimientos
7. Sharp cheddar cheese
8. Cream cheese
9. Dry-cured country
10. Ham or prosciutto