post-party pics

did everyone have a wonderful derby weekend, rain or shine?

we were fortunate in the northeast to have summer-like weather for our party --

and i'm so happy the skies cleared for the running of the race, itself.

(although it looked awfully dangerous in all that mud!)

i honestly do not have a lot of pictures -- not one of the massive spread of food, fabulous juleps and bellinis, or of that amazing display of desserts --
as i was playing hostess, bartender and crowd controller, 

but here are a few from the festivities.

muffy
in her hat she made by herself

mr prep explaining and demonstrating the kiddie stick horse race

mr prep sounding the call of the horses
(honestly, one of my favorite parts of the party!)

favorite hats of the party

good friends

and the prep family, the last picture taken of the night, if you can't tell

(i was in clean-up mode, outfitted in my 1950s-style apron, 

but at least it matched my dress!)

it was so fun to have friends and neighbors come together

(winter in the northeast is brutal and we tend to hibernate inside, 

so we all make the most of warm-weather events!) 

we have decided to make this an annual event!

talk derby to me

 well, i'm off to the races!

virtually speaking 

(darnit all, but it will be sunny and warm in the northeast where i am, 

and louisville is calling for a downpour! can you believe?)

here's a sampling of the dress choices and hat.

the hat is much too small for my liking,
but it still bumps into doorways when i wear it.

and here is a little derby-inspired table decoration!

i'm using red roses, but i thought this was just too cute!

and since i'm a barbie girl, i found this cute derby-inspired barbie!
isn't she a cute little derby souvie?

will post pics and tales on monday!

hoping you all have a lovely weekend!

pre-party prep

$1,000 sterling silver 136th kentucky derby mint julep cup by tiffany & co.

party planning is almost complete...i'm praying for gorgeous weather next weekend!

this weekend entails getting all the goods together and...
yardwork -- mulching & planting (bleh)

i'm not much for the outdoors or yardwork.

here's whay i have planned for the party....

FOOD

• pulled pork bbq • golden flake dill pickle potato chips (sent up from my parents in TN) •
• corn dogs for the kids • coleslaw • raw vegetable tray • fresh fruit tray • cheese & cracker tray
• derby pie • mini red velvet cupcakes • horse-shaped iced sugar cookies

DRINKS

• mint juleps • peach champagne bellinis • sweet tea • pink lemonade • beer

ATTIRE

spring dressy casual
dresses and hats for the ladies; khakis and oxfords for the gentelmen

DÉCOR & AMBIANCE
red, white and blue (derby colors)
red roses and silver trays
oversized gold foil horeshoes
framed pictures of derby icons (churchill downs, horses, women in hats, etc.)
derby imprinted paper plates and napkins
country music
derby pre-race festivities on the big screen

GAMES
pick the winning horse
best hat
make your own derby hat (for the little ladies)
stick horse races (for all the children)

please tell me what i'm missing or need to alter!
hope you have a fabulous weekend!

giddy up

i'm so excited to be hosting my first kentucky derby party!

the invitations came last night, and i'm feverishly planning a menu and activities -- it's a family party, so i'm planning on doing stick horse races
and design-your-own hat stations for the little ones.

but i'm counting on you more experienced derby party planners
to help me finalize my details!

suggestions welcome!