Elegant Entertaining: How to Throw the Best Kentucky Derby Party

Discover the secrets to elegant entertaining with my simple tips for throwing the best Kentucky Derby party. From a sophisticated table setting to charming DIYs and delicious Derby party food, learn how to easily elevate your race watch party with a special touch of Midwest charm.

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Hosting a Winning Kentucky Derby Party: Midwest Style!

Dust off your derby hats and get ready to channel your inner Southern belle (or gentleman).

The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, and I’m sharing all my best tips for hosting a winning Derby party that’s both stylish and budget-friendly.

We’re talking creative table settings, DIY Derby party decorations, and of course, delicious Southern-inspired food.

I’m even throwing in some free Kentucky Derby printables!

I created custom Derby party invitations, menu cards, a “Run for the Roses” banner and a whole stable of printable horse racing party supplies…pun intended.

My printable bundle includes everything you need to create a festive atmosphere for a Derby-themed party.

These printables are free for MWLS subscribers and can be accessed by visiting my printables library. (The password to access the printables library can be found at the bottom of each e-newsletter.)

Not a member of the MWLS community?

You can join now and download Your FREE Kentucky Derby Party printables.

Once you have your free Kentucky Derby theme printables, you can get your race party prep underway!

So, put on your fascinator or seersucker suit, and let’s host an unforgettable celebration infused with touches of signature Midwest charm.

Table of Contents

• Welcome to Supper Club
• Inviting Guests to Your Derby Day Party
• How to Style a Derby-Themed Tablescape 
• Affordable Centerpiece Ideas for Your Derby Party
• DIY Decorations for Your Party
• Free Kentucky Derby Party Printables
• Download Your FREE Kentucky Derby Party Printables HERE
• A Southern Spread: Crafting the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Menu
• More Kentucky Derby Party Ideas and Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
• The Finish Line: A Derby Party to Remember
• More Kentucky Derby Party Inspiration

Welcome to Supper Club

If you’re new to our supper club or this is your first time visiting here at MWLS, welcome!

I always look forward to these virtual dinner parties, and I know they’ve become a reader favorite too!

For each party, I team up with my friends Rachel, Stacy, Ann, AnnMarie, and Michele to bring you a dose of table styling inspiration, hosting tips, and mouthwatering recipes—all tied together by a theme.

Our journey started back in January 2021 with our very first party, and now, after more than 30 celebrations, we’re still going strong!

If you like to entertain too, I would love to have you subscribe and join the MWLS family to get all the latest tablescapes, seasonal DIYS, party menus, and more sent right to your inbox.

And, If you’ve missed out on any of our past supper club parties, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the inspiration here.

Inviting Guests to Your Derby Day Party

Who doesn’t love receiving an invitation in the mail?

I created one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby party invitations using Canva, a free design website.

They are a simple (and affordable!) way to set the tone for a memorable Kentucky Derby party—just edit, print, and drop them in the mail.

Or, save some money on stamps, download the invites as a PDF, and send them electronically.

MWLS subscribers can access the invitations for free in my printables library (just enter the password when prompted).

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up to gain access to these invites and my entire collection of free party printables!

How to Style a Derby-Themed Tablescape

For your Derby party tablescape, create a layered place setting that captures the elegance of Churchill Downs.

First, start with a crisp white tablecloth for a clean and classic base.

And don’t stop at the white tablecloth!

Next, add a touch of whimsy with a green grass table runner that mimics the Derby racetrack, then layer a red and cream rose print fabric runner down the center for a pop of color.

Elevate your place settings with sleek black charger plates, but don’t let their appearance fool you—these are plastic and were an inexpensive craft store find!

For a touch of vintage charm, mix and match your dishes!

My favorite cream stoneware plates are my go-to for tablescapes – they’re so versatile and work with almost any theme!

Then, to add some extra visual interest, I paired them with black and white square plates that I snagged at a local thrift store for a steal – proof that a stylish tablescape doesn’t have to break the bank!

And don’t forget the napkins!

Beautiful black and white gingham fabric napkins add a playful checkered touch to your Kentucky Derby table setting.

In addition, clear glass hobnail drinking glasses elevate your elegant Derby party table with added texture and vintage charm.

Now it’s time for the final touches!

To begin with, slide black-handled silverware into a napkin pocket for a beautiful presentation.

Then, to complete the look for your Kentucky Derby-themed party, top each place setting with red cloth napkins folded like a rose and a horseshoe.

Affordable Centerpiece Ideas for Your Derby Party

A little creativity goes a long way toward making affordable party decor, and this Kentucky Derby centerpiece shows how a trip to the thrift store can be a total win!

I found an old soccer trophy for a steal!

Although it was in rough shape when I bought it, a quick coat of silver spray paint.

A tiny toy horse nestled on top of a bouquet of red silk roses transformed it into a championship trophy.

Then, to go along with my centerpiece, I found two small metal bowls nearly identical in size and shape.

While my trophy dried, I gave the bowls a quick spray paint job to match, then filled them with faux ivy for an additional pop of color.

Together with some mint julep cups the thrifted trophy and bowls create a festive centerpiece for my Kentucky Derby table.

DIY Decorations for Your Party

Instead of shopping for expensive store-bought supplies, embrace your inner crafter and make your own Kentucky Derby party decorations.

DIY horse drink stir sticks are an easy way to incorporate the racing theme into your party.

Then, for an extra touch, transform ordinary red and white paper fans into award ribbons.

Hang the fans above your buffet or dessert table and add black and white striped grosgrain ribbon to the bottom to mimic the iconic winner’s circle ribbons.

Also, don’t forget the little details!

Bring your party ideas to life by repurposing racing-themed decor like a toy horse.

I borrowed this one from my daughter’s old toy stash and placed it near the food for a whimsical touch.

Party Planning Pro Tip: Before you hit the store, embrace the spirit of a budget-friendly horse racing-themed party by shopping your home first. Look around for items you already have on hand.

Free Kentucky Derby Party Printables

I’ve created a free bundle of printables for The Derby festivities!

This party pack comes with three simple-to-download paper party items: a “Run for the Roses” banner, cupcake toppers, and straw flags.

Also, for the first time, I’m adding three customizable party must-haves: Derby party invitations, along with two different menus you can personalize.

You can easily print these at home on cardstock, then simply cut them out and they’re ready to use!

Easy-peasy!

Just click below to subscribe to Midwest Life and Style (MWLS) and become a member.

As a community member, you’ll gain access to my exclusive printables library, where you can download all the Kentucky Derby party decorations you need for a festive celebration!

Download Your FREE Kentucky Derby Party Printables HERE

Already a MWLS subscriber? My Kentucky Derby party printables can be found by visiting the printables library tab on the main menu. The password to access the printables library can be found at the bottom of each e-newsletter

A Southern Spread: Crafting the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party Menu

Finally, no Kentucky Derby party is complete without delicious food!

Remember to set up a buffet for your friends to graze on an array of Southern-inspired dishes before and after the race.

Consider displaying your menu on a small tabletop chalkboard so your guests know exactly what food you plan to serve at your Derby party.

Crystal drink dispensers help to create a defined beverage station, and of course, don’t forget the mint julep cups for the signature Derby cocktail.

For a budget-friendly yet elegant touch, use silver trays from the dollar store to serve a variety of hot and cold Derby appetizers, like mouthwatering crockpot bourbon meatballs.

Looking for a healthy and easy grazing option?

Arrange a colorful charcuterie tray loaded with fresh, seasonal vegetables and paired with a homemade creamy herb veggie dip.

Deviled eggs and pimento cheese spread are always crowd-pleasing appetizers guaranteed to be a hit at your Kentucky Derby party.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something hot and tempting, you can’t go wrong with classic Kentucky Hot Browns or my personal favorite, cheesy shrimp dip.

Lastly, don’t forget about deserts for your Kentucky Derby party!

Treat your guests with cupcakes or other bite-sized sweets for the perfect no-fuss treats.

The Finish Line: A Derby Party to Remember

Thank you for stopping by today!

I hope these planning tips and ideas help you host an elegant Kentucky Derby party that’s festive and unforgettable!

Now all that’s left to do is to grab your friends and family and get ready to celebrate Derby Day in style!

As always, feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later.

Cheers!

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