This past weekend I hosted my very first Kentucky Derby Party with my closest family and friends. I thought that this would be the perfect occasion/excuse to have a garden party as well as try a mint julep for the first time.

The party started well before the race so that we had plenty of time to play all of the games outside while it was still daylight. I had three stations set up, one for Croquet, Bocce Ball and Horseshoes of course! I made these three large prints explaining the rules so that everyone knew how to play! You can now get them in my etsy shop here.

Because we weren’t going inside right away, I set up the drink bar in the middle of the party. I offered Mint Juleps, Oaks Lilly’s and water of course. The Oaks Lilly’s were the biggest hit, and it’s the lesser known fruity drink of the Kentucky Derby. You can get my Drinks Y’all banner here in my etsy shop.

I set my alarm to let us know when the race was nearing and it was then that we all went inside to enjoy all of the food and place out bets!

I prepared hot browns, pimiento cheese and derby pie! All southern staples for the Kentucky Derby!

For betting, everyone got three chances to bet on whatever horse that they wished. All they had to do was put their name on the slips and drop them into the bag with the horse that they wanted to win!

The main prize was bragging rights, but we also gave out a few token prizes to the winners!

Congratulations to Nyquist who won the race!!

Although the derby is over, these are great ideas for next year or if you are planning on hosting a garden party anytime soon!

Cheers Y’all! Have a good week!