Are you excited about the “Run for the Roses? If you need stylish ideas for budget-friendly decor we’ve got you covered! Let’s celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these unique party ideas!
This year marks the 150th running of the race, and we want to help you celebrate this milestone!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
We’re from Kentucky so we know all about this famous horse race and the Derby Festival leading up to it!
But if you’re unfamiliar with this sporting event, let me tell you a little about it!
What Is The Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race held on the first Saturday in May, at Churchhill Downs, in Louisville KY.
You might have heard it called the “Run for the Roses” because the winning horse is draped with a blanket of red roses.
In Louisville, they celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports” for two weeks before the race!
When we lived in Kentucky, we hosted an annual Derby Party!
In honor of the 150th Run for the Roses, we will share ten budget-friendly ideas to decorate your home for a KY Derby party!
Eleven Unique Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
1) Incorporate red roses
The red rose is the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and the gorgeous blanket of roses is unique to this race!
Whether you use real or faux flowers, there are numerous ways to incorporate red roses!
I made a simple centerpiece for our kitchen table using a thrift store vase I painted white.
Then I arranged more roses in a white pitcher and placed it on the shelf across from the table.
2) Display a Derby Hat
Fashion takes center stage for men and women at the Kentucky Derby and wearing hats is my favorite unique tradition!
It wouldn’t be Derby without hats, so why not include them in your decor?
I displayed one of my hats on a dress form and added some jewelry to dress it up!
3) Hang a Jockey Silk
Silks are the colorful jackets that each jockey wears during a race.
I used a wood cutout of a jockey silk and attached it to the front of a boxwood wreath!
Then, I made a fun bow with four ribbons and white tulle to adorn the top!
4) Use a Unique Runner
Grab a roll of moss sheeting and use it on your table instead of a traditional runner!
5) Show Off Equestrian Items
To show off my small horse statue, I stacked two white cake plates on each other!
Then, I laid a horseshoe on the moss table runner.
6) Polish the Silver
If you have silver pieces, you should incorporate them into your decor.
Why silver?
Because the official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep, served in a silver cup!
I only have a few silver items, and Derby gives me a reason to use them!
7) Coordinate Your Place settings
If you set a table for your party, coordinate your place settings with the rest of your decor.
I used black and white buffalo check placemats, a white dinner plate, a black and white striped salad plate, and a glass with a coordinating straw.
Then, I topped it off with a DIY paper ribbon (see how to make this below).
8) Wrap napkins with Ribbon
I don’t have any napkin rings that match the Derby theme so I will create a budget-friendly alternative.
Inspired by the pretty ribbons I used on my wreath, I tied coordinating ribbons around the napkins!
It doesn’t get any easier than that!
9) Make a Banner
One of the most budget-friendly ways to decorate for a party is to use printables to create DIY decor out of paper!
Banners look wonderful hanging from a mantel, shelf, console table, or on a mirror!
I made this adorable “Run for the Roses” banner using printables from Polkadot Chair.
10) Include A Trophy or Ribbons
If you have someone in your family that rides horses you may have trophies or ribbons you can decorate with.
That’s not the case in our household so I had to rely on my DIY skills to make this happen!
I purchased this finial from a thrift shop because the shape reminded me of a trophy.
It was brown and gold, so I painted it white and then applied a silver metallic paint to look like a trophy!
Next, I made prize ribbons out of paper!
You can learn how to make an award ribbon here!
11) Frame a Printable to Display
You can create budget-friendly artwork with printables!
I used this Derby printable from Polkadot Chair, and placed it in a black frame I already had!
FAQs About a Kentucky Derby Party
If you still have questions about hosting a Kentucky Derby party check out these answers!
What are Traditional Foods Served at a Derby Party?
Click the links to learn more about these unique foods and beverages!
- Benedictine
- Pimento Cheese
- Deviled eggs
- Kentucky Derby Pie
- Bourbon Balls
- The Mint Julip
- The Oaks Lily
- Bourbon Slush
What to Wear to a Derby Party?
Fashion and the Kentucky Derby go hand in hand.
You won’t get the full experience unless you dress the part!
You may not be going to the track but it’s time to get dressed up!
Men wear suits and ties, bow ties and seersucker suits are common!
Women wear Spring dresses or outfits and coordinating embellished hats are a must!
Can You Bet on Horses at a Kentucky Derby Party?
If you live in a state that allows advance deposit wagering (ADW) you can place bets online.
Most people plan party games which may or may not involve winning money!
In Conclusion
It’s so much fun to attend The Kentucky Derby but if that’s not possible, consider bringing the party to your home!
We hope you are inspired by our Kentucky Derby party ideas, and plan to celebrate your own!
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
Save this pin so you can host a Kentucky Derby Party!
More Holiday Decor Inspiration
If you need ideas to decorate for special events or holidays check out the posts below:
- Easter Table Decor
- Valentine’s Day Decor
- Neutral Christmas Decor
- Thanksgiving Table Decor
- Patriotic Decor
Get The Look
Here are some items we spotted on Amazon that are similar to what we used to decorate for our KY Derby party! Click on the links below the picture to get the details on each one!
Faux Roses / Black Organza Hat / Red Fascinator / Brown Horse Figurine
Jockey Monogram Silk / Artificial Grass Table Runner / Cast Iron Horseshoe
Mint Julep Cups Set of 4 / Kentucky Derby Banner / Silver Wine Bucket
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
This is such a fun post Donna! The dress form had me swooning, I adore them and have no place for one in this house. I always look for the Derby pie recipe. I’m afraid the ones I find will not be the same.
You shared great information too. Pinned!
Hi Cindy! So glad you enjoyed the post! Kern’s Kitchen has never shared their recipe for the official Derby Pie so any recipe you find is somebodies best guess! Good luck finding one you like!
Super cute ideas, Donna!! Very creative uses for all of the things that you had or found thrifting!
Hi Rachel! I did not buy those thrifted finds with Derby in mind, but they worked out perfect! It’s always a bonus when that happens! Have a great day!
It’s always so much fun to celebrate and dress up for this event, Donna! I love all the pops of red you incorporated with the black and white. It looks so fun and festive! Hope your celebration is a fun one. I can’t believe it’s next week. This year is flying! Hugs, CoCo
You are so right, time is flying by! We miss being in KY during this festive time! Glad you enjoyed seeing our party ideas!
What a great hat Donna! I love that special touch, along with your ribbons. I’ve never attended, but the hat decorating alone would be something I would enjoy for the Derby!
Thanks my friend! The Derby is so fun! I can only imagine the creative hats you could come up with! I always loved having a reason to wear a pretty hat!