Ways to Start Planning Your Derby Viewing Party

Planning on throwing a Kentucky Derby watch party this year? It may seem like the run for the roses is a while away, but with only two months until the first Saturday in May, it’s time to start planning. Below is a selection of ideas on how to get started on your Derby viewing party; but if you have any tips to share, we’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Remember: you can purchase any item in each set below; just click on the image that you like and follow the links!
Your first step to a great Kentucky Derby party is a killer invitation. If you want to send out digital invitations, outlets like evite.com, Paperless Post and Punchbowl are all good sites to visit. But if you want to send out an unforgettable invite, below are some great options:

16DerbyParty01aa by penelopemiller on Polyvore
Clockwise from the upper-left-hand corner, these are:
-Red Ribbon Derby party invitations, Etsy, $15
-Aqua racehorse silhouette invitations, Zazzle, $1.96 per
-Blue and white They're Off party invitations, Print Villa, $14.99
-Rustic Roses Kentucky Derby party invitations, Paper Style, $25
-Run for the Roses Chalk Kentucky Derby invitations, Paper Style, $25
-Ticket-Style party invitations, Etsy, $15
Now that you have your invitations set up, it’s time to think about decorations. I think you can go one of two ways here: kitchy and fun, or classic and chic. Let’s start with kitchy first:

16DerbyParty01 by penelopemiller featuring red home decor
Clockwise starting from the upper-left-hand corner:
-Everyone loves a photobooth; it makes for perfect Instagram moments and props make people happy! This assortment of photobooth props is $55 from Etsy.
-Snag a bunch of gold-tone plastic trophies (these are $4.97 from TrophyKits.com) and then stuff them with fake roses for $17 by afloral.com. These can go right on the bar to lend a festive air!
-For just $2.21 from ZIGGOS.COM, you can score these amazing horse racing-themed centerpieces. They’re the perfect touch for your Derby party!
-Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Plan accordingly for your juleps and be the best host ever.
-For $2.15, Marshall Floral Products will send you these plastic julep cups, which will give you the look (but not the cost) of the traditional silver drinking vessel.
-This Kentucky Derby tablecloth ($6.99, Oriental Trading Company) is on-theme and will make any spills (see Woodford Reserve, above) a cinch to clean up.
-While you’re at it, snag the matching paper plates, too! ($8, Oriental Trading Company)
-You and your guests are going to want to bet on the races; visit eBay to pick up these wagering slips for just $4.99.
Looking for party supplies that are a little more polished? The set below can serve as your inspiration:

16DerbyParty02 by penelopemiller on Polyvore
Clockwise starting from the upper-left-hand corner: 
-These Derby Day cling decals are a beautiful photo backdrop for your party, and they won’t damage the surface you stick them on. Best of all, they’re just $3.99 from Party City!
-How cute are these rose-shaped lollipops? They’re a great party favor or table decoration, and you can choose the color and flavor you want when you buy 6 for $13 on Etsy.
-These beautiful cotton napkins are $33 for a set of six from Horse and Hound, and they’d make a beautiful addition to any Kentucky Derby viewing party table.
-Make your table beautiful and cleanup a breeze with some simple rose red paper plates; these are just $1.69 for 20 plates from Ziggo’s.
-For $15, you can have these sweet and sophisticated printable PDF Derby decorations for your party via Etsy.
-Paper guest towels are always a good idea; these racehorse-embossed versions are $8.75 for 18 towels from Horse and Hound (and they’re fantastic for any gathering when you may have a lot of traffic in the powder room!)
-Finally, check out these paper tablecloths from Horse and Hound: they feature the jockeys’ silks of every Triple Crown winner in history (including 2015’s American Pharoah!) and you get a set of 50 for $32.
Finally, it’s never too early to start planning your Derby party menu. Below are examples of traditional Southern fare to consider; but be sure to check back here at ABR closer to Derby Day since we’ll have a ton of recipe ideas for you!

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Clockwise starting from the upper-left-hand corner: 
-Mini Kentucky Hot Browns, Southern Living
-Mint Julep recipe from Martha Stewart
-Mini Derby pies; recipe by the Speckled Palate
-Bacon-topped deviled eggs by Bon Apetite
-Kentucky bourbon balls from All Recipes.