Derby Viewing Party Pro Tips

While Derby parties come in all different shapes and sizes there are a few things that are key to throwing the perfect shin-dig for you and your friends.
While the actual race is ‘The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,’ there are plenty of other fantastic races to catch throughout the day.
Decide on how many guests you’ll be hosting and pick a location with enough sitting (and standing) room for everyone.
GUESTS ROOT FOR THEIR HORSE AT THE BROOKLYN DERBY PARTY

Photo courtesy Brooklyn Derby
Don’t forget that you’ll want a television (or two) so all eyes can be on the race without anyone’s view being obstructed. I get slightly aggressive when watching big races. I go through about 500 actions and emotions– point is, some people may need a little more room than others to cheer on their Derby horse.
Theme parties aren’t just for sorority girls and celebrity soirees, pick what kind of Kentucky Derby theme you want to have and run with it – upscale Hollywood millionaires’ row, laid-back infield barbecue or my favorite – a mix of both  because who says you can’t eat sloppy finger foods while dressed to the nines?! Let your guests know that they can come dressed in their Kentucky Derby best – hats, fascinators, sundresses, suits or don infield attire, either way there is fun to be had.
GUESTS DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Photo courtesy 
There are so many decoration options – check out the America’s Best Racing Pinterest page for some creative inspiration, food ideas and more.
Commercials are the perfect time to mute the TV, talk and jam out to some good tunes. If it’s a small, at-home event, make a playlist of your favorites on your iPhone – random throwbacks are always gold; if the party is at a venue decide if you want to kick it up a notch and hire a live band or DJ for some extra pizazz.
Themes don’t stop at decorations and music ---throw this party out of the water go continue the theme into the food and booze. What kind of fare helps guests’ get ‘down and Derby’? Hot browns, bourbon shrimp, burgoo, pimento cheese, Benedictine, chocolate bourbon pecan pie, bourbon balls and Derby pie to name a few.
KENTUCKY HOT BROWN

Photo courtesy The Brown Hotel
And for drinks? Mint juleps for all! This year the Official Drink of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby is the Old Forester Mint Julep - a pre-made, ready to serve cocktail. Kentuckyderby.com claims that between Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days more than 120,000 juleps are served using more than 10,000 bottles of julep mix, 1,000 lbs of fresh mint and 60,000 lbs of ice.
THE PERFECT MINT JULEP

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
While the Old Forester Mint Julep is a popular collector’s item, I will admit that it does not compare to a freshly made julep. If you really want to wow your guests – make your simple syrup the day before and mix guests’ juleps fresh.
Last year’s Early Times Mint Julep Recipe calls for 1 tablespoon mint simple syrup, 2 ounces Early Times Kentucky Bourbon pored over crushed ice and garnished with a mint sprig.
Now, while theme, music, food and booze are all great party additions you can’t forget why you’re celebrating the first Saturday in May in the first place – horse racing! Create some fun Kentucky Derby games for your guests to participate and possibly even earn some money in. 
Kentucky Derby pools are a fun way to bet amongst friends.
Outdoors with grass and space to play? Make teams and play horseshoes! Want real money betting? Allow people to pick which of the 20 horses they want to bet on and create your own Derby pools.
PICK YOUR FAVORITE HORSE

Photo courtesy ABR Team
Most importantly? Have fun! After the Derby check what track is closest to you – Derby contenders run at tracks all over the U.S., perhaps you’ll get to cheer on your Derby pick LIVE in their next race.
For those of you not going to Louisville, how do you plan to spend Kentucky Derby day?