Horse Racing Theme Party Ideas, Planning Tips,
and Supplies
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…Mark your calendars. It is never too early to begin planning your Triple Crown parties.
Kentucky Derby – May 5, 2012
Preakness Stakes – May 19, 2012
Belmont Stakes – June 9, 2012
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Join the Festivities. Visit NY for the Belmont Stakes!
Click Here for the Best NY Hotel Deals!
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New!
These 2 gorgeous mint julep cups on sale at One Kings Lane – these are both special offers and are only available while supplies last!
Silverplate Mint Julep Cup – $65.00 $95.00
Silverplate mint julep cup. Designer Lee W. Robinson was born and bred in Kentucky horse country, so who better to curate a special Kentucky Derby day collection of antique furniture, fine oil paintings, and equine accents? Renowned for interiors that marry dramatic Georgian style and English-country elegance, Lee also has a Louisville, KY, boutique that offers goods of his own design as well as pieces from other designers–and he’s known for the Kentucky Derby parties he hosts at his home, which was built by famed architect Ogden Codman Jr. in 1922.
Beaded Mint Julep Cup – $19.00 $50.00
Celebrate Kentucky Derby Day by nabbing this mint julep cup, which has a traditional silver finish and beaded edges. Although the cup is most often associated with the Kentucky Derby and the all-too delicious mint julep cocktail, you can use it as a chic vase every day of the year.
Cold mint juleps were traditionally served in the hot South within silver or pewter cups; held by the bottom and top edges, the drink remains cooler and a frost (hopefully) forms. This version is classically designed with the beads at the top and bottom. Although some say the iconic silver cup wasn’t used until 1839, the drink has been linked to the Kentucky Derby since 1938.
Southern Style Mint Julep Recipe
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Invitations
Choosing your invitation is the equivalent of the title of a paper … it sets the tone for the entire party! There are so many great horse racing theme invitations, Party Idea Pros had trouble picking just one. Here are our favorites …
Kentucky Derby Invitations Pkg/8
Roses & Horses Derby Party Mint colored Invitation
Fun Invitation To Host a Ky Kentucky Derby Party
MINTally ready for the DERBY! party invitation
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Roses & Horses Derby Party colored Invitation
Roses & Horses Derby Party Mint colored Invitation
Run For The Roses Derby Party Rose Invitation
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Racing Horses race Kentucky Derby Party Invitation
Vintage Style Horse Racing Derby Party Invitation
Thoroughbred Race Horse Invitation
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Three Horses Racing – Neck and Neck to Finish
Racing Horses race Kentucky Derby Party Invitation
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Sorry, we can’t link directly to these invitations. Just click the product picture or product link and then search by the invitation name.
Kentucky Derby Wedding Invitation
Did someone say mint julep? This refined, letterpress design takes its cues from the grand ‘ole Southern celebration for which it is named. A bouquet sets the stage for the graceful lettering to follow on this wedding invitation. Formal type gives way to romantic script announcing the couple’s names in this traditional look befitting an unforgettable wedding celebration. Fonts shown: Caslon Small Caps, Shelley Volante Script
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Remember you may also need to order any or all of the following: : Save the Dates, Let’s Celebrate Cards, Reply Cards, Reply Envelopes, Stamps For Invitation, Stamps for Reply Card, Thank you Notes, Welcome Letter for Out of Towners, Directions, Menus, Thank you for joining us tags. (More concrete ideas and suggestions coming soon!)
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Elegant Return Address
The custom embosser is all about sophistication. Now you can easily add some elegance to everyday stationery or as an elegant alternative to having your return addresses printed on your party invitation envelopes. They also make wonderful gifts. You will be surprised at how often you use your new embosser.
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Stamps
Personalize your stamps by using Zazzle custom postage. Before purchasing any postage, please be sure to bring a complete invitation, including all inserts, to a local post office to determine exactly how much postage is required.
‘Race of A Lifetime’ (open sky) SMALL stamp
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Personal Party and Event Websites
Have you always wanted a friends and family web page? Set-up an event web site to improve communication, and keep your guests. informed This is a fun extra. If you are on a tight budget and have computer savvy friends and family, you might even want to save money by foregoing invitations and instead send invites via your website.
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Table Linen
A Day at the Races! With this theme your options are limitless. Your final decision should be based on two factors: the physical characteristics of the event room and your guest of honor’s personal style.
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Party Idea Pros recommends sticking with greens or natural colors: hunter bengaline, hunter classic, Grass Twist, Buckskin Suede or Natural Yuma. You can create a racing silk look by using different color napkins at each place setting or keep the linens simple and add pizazz with your centerpiece.
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If you want to save some money, use a classic solid linen or most venues will supply complimentary white or cream linens. Either will work — although you may want to use colorful napkins. Likewise, if you are hosting a racing party at your house I would stick to neutrals or the green family. In fact, placemats will also work great, and to tell you the truth, individual sheets of scrap booking paper work great and are adorable. Choose a any neutral or green colored paper: Green Day. If you are feeling creative and have lots of time, you can even create a layout highlighting your guest of honor. Alternatively, use your place mats as place cards by creating a page for each of your guests. Laminate it and tie with personalized ribbon for a complete favor anyone can enjoy. Or rather than make your own, just purchase these racing place mats.
Just a note on chair covers: chair covers may not be necessary if the chairs supplied are fairly neutral and in ok condition. In fact, I tend to not use chair covers at any of my personal parties. Having said that, if your budget permits, the overall look of certain rooms is enhanced if chair pads are used. Match your cloth.…
If you are having a fairly large party, don’t forget to include your place card table, your gift table, buffet tables, and any ceremonial tables when determining your linen count. Also, if you chose to use more ornate linens, do not use them for the cocktail hour; they will have a greater impact as your guests enter the dining room.
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Paper Goods
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Kentucky Derby Party Lunch Napkins
Kentucky Derby Paper Dinner Plates
Kentucky Derby Icon 16 Oz. Beverage Cups
Kentucky Derby Icon 10oz Frosted Cups (Pkg 25)
Kentucky Derby Icon Beverage Napkins (Pkg. 24)
Kentucky Derby Icon Swizzle Sticks ( 8 Pkg.)
Personalized Napkins – LUNCHEON (Horseshoe)
Personalized Napkins – BEVERAGE (Horseshoe)
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Party Kits & Equestrian Gifts carries a great selection of horse racing theme products available including …
2010 Kentucky Derby Artwork Series
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Centerpieces
The Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with red roses. Each year a garland of 554 roses is presented to the winner! So think roses, roses, everywhere. Use different sizes on different tables.
24 Long Stem Red Roses with Silver Vase
12 Long Stem Red Roses with Silver Vase
Spectacular Six Foot Rose Bouquet
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We generally prefer red roses for this theme, but we must admit these elegant julep cups filled with assorted roses and flowers work well, also.
Martha Stewart`s Perfect Rose Bouquet
Martha Stewart Vibrant Bloom Bouquet
Martha Stewart Fresh Scent Bouquet
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Consider DIY if you prefer to stick with a more classic derby look. Simply add red roses to these lovely julep cups or horse and jockey vases.
Arthur Court Churchill Downs Metal Mint Julep Cup
Horse and Jockey Straight Vase
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The Preakness Stakes, on the other hand, is associated with Black Eyed Susans. Since Black Eyed Susans are not readily available, consider using simple yellow daisies as a nod to the real thing.
Add some flowers!
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Jockey Centerpieces
This Arte Felguerez Jockey sculpture looks great on its own, but looks even better when elevated and surrounded by flowers. We still have ours sitting on the fire place hearth nine years after we used it as part of a centerpiece!
HORSE AND JOCKEY CENTERPIECE DECORATION
Musical Horse Racing Snow Globe
This gorgeous snow globe would be stunning atop a beautiful rose centerpiece
Horse & Jockey Centerpiece Bowl
Fill this great horse and jockey centerpiece bowl with fresh fruit or colorful vegetable or even paper flowers
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Bronze Racehorse & Jockey Sculpture – 10″ Tall x 10″ Wide – Woodtone Base 6″ x 3.5″ x 2″ High
Jockey Horse Race Bronze Plated Statue Sculpture
Horse Jockey Figure Bronze Plated Statue Sculpture
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Other fun looks …
Mini Rosebud Paper Flower Bouquets – Group of 6 Bouquets
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Ky Derby Party Horse & Jockey Centerpiece Cascade
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Now Make It Move
These centerpieces are just too darn cute to stay still. Place them on this revolving base to add movement and pizzazz to your table.
Lots of options …
Rotating Display Base with Mirror Top and Mirrored Mosaic Sides
Large Rotating Display Base Has Mirror Top And Will Hold Up To 44 Lbs.
Rotating Display Base with Mirror Top and Lighted Center Uses AC or Battery Power
Rotating Display With Mirror Top And Color-Changing Lights Enhances Your Favorite Collectibles
Rotating Display Can Hold Up To 8 Lbs. and Will Run Up To 3 Months on a Fresh Set Of Batteries
Rotating Display Can Hold Up To 2 Lbs.
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Each revolving centerpiece base requires 1 D Battery.
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Fun Day at the Races Theme Party Table Decor
Includes over 960 double-sided 1″ photos mingled with 1/2″ and 3/4″ colored accent pieces. Choose up to 10 of your favorite photos of the guest of honor. For the 3 accent colors, Party Idea Pros recommends Azalea Shimmer, Flame Orange Shimmer, Lagoon Shimmer, Punch, Fairway Shimmer, and Vista Blue
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Napkin Ties
Just wrap these necklaces or around your napkins or slip the napkin through the horsehoe . Another great option is to simply skip the napkin rings altogether. Instead use roses or suckers as napkin decor. Just fold your napkin beautifully and place adornment in the pocket. All can do double duty as party favors.
KY KENTUCKY DERBY NECKLACE JEWELRY
Sucker Large White Chocolate Horsehead
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Place Cards and Place Card Holders
Assign each table a jockey silk or hat and then write your guests’ names directly on the silk with a metallic pen. Both the coasters and the larger hats can work — it is a matter of preference. Out of the 3 options, we would probably go with the jockey hat coasters.
HORSE RACING PARTY FAVOR OR HAT/HELMET W/ JOCKEY GOGGLES
JOCKEY HAT OR CAP DRINK COASTERS PK OF 8
Personalized two tone place cards
Use a fine point or paint marker to write your guests’ names on your place cards.
Set of 5, Sharpie Markers in Assorted Colors, Fine Point
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Favors
Any of the napkin rings or place cards can double as party favors but if if you wish to lavish even more gifts upon your guests, you can’t go wrong with either of these party favors. They will also add another dimension to your table setting. Order 1 party favor for each couple, 1 for each single.
Thoroughbred Heritage Coasters
Wrap together with a Personalized ribbon .
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls (4 pc Gift Boxes)
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Candles
Most venues supply tea-lights and holders but if yours does not, consider purchasing some. The play of light makes a difference. Place at least three on each table
Three Horse Candle Votive Holder
Tea light candles (20 pack)
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A Day at the Races Theme Party Decorations
KY DERBY PARTY HORSE RACE CENTERPIECE OR DECORATION
KY DERBY PARTY HORSE & JOCKEY CONFETTI MULTI COLORED
HORSE AND JOCKEY JUMBO GARLAND 9′ LENGTH
KY DERBY PARTY HORSE & JOCKEY GARLAND HORSE RACING DECOR
Ky Derby Party Horse & Jockey Centerpiece Cascade
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HORSE RACING PARTY PENNANT BANNER
Festive Derby Bead Necklace with Jockey Caps
KY KENTUCKY DERBY NECKLACE JEWELRY
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Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Horse in a Tournament Race
Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Gilded Horse Racing Trophy
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The Little Extras for your Day at the Races Theme Party…
Sometimes Party Idea Pros just comes across an idea or a site which might provide that little extra something you are searching for …
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A special gift for the guest of honor
Horse and Jockey Hand Decorated Porcelain Coasters
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Horse Racing Home Accents
Serving Pieces
Arthur Court Horse 12-Inch Bread Tray
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Oval Serving Tray
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Chip and Dip Trays
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Chip and Dip Tray
Arthur Court Thoroughbred 13-Inch Chip and Dip Tray
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Miscellaneous
Arthur Court Churchill Downs Mint Julep Glass Set
Kentucky Derby Ice-lip Plastic Pitcher
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Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Spire Salt and Pepper Set
Arthur Court Thoroughbred 6-Inch Napkin Holder
More Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Collection
More Arthur Court Horse Serving Pieces
For the Bathroom and Kitchen
Racing Silks Embroidered Hand Towels
Horse & Jockey Lotion Dispenser
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Throw Pillows and Throw Blankets
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A Day at the Races Food and Drink Ideas
Courtesy of Allrecipes Staff
It’s the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby was first held in 1875, and the race endures as America’s longest-running annual sporting event.
Related Articles and Links
- Making a Mint Julep (Video)
- Entertaining Advice
- American Regional Cuisines
- Kentucky Derby Recipe Collection
Aaaaand They’re Off!
Menus and ideas for your Kentucky Derby party.
In the Kentucky Kitchen
There are a few born-and-bred-in-Kentucky dishes that you’ll see on every Derby party menu. The first is Henry Bain sauce. It was named after its inventor, who was the head waiter at Louisville’s Pendennis Club. Bain made the sauce in 1881 as an accompaniment to wild game, and it’s been a Louisville tradition ever since. A sweet, tangy, spicy concoction, this sauce is best served with beef tenderloin.
Another cornerstone of Louisville cuisine is the Hot Brown sandwich. Created by the chef of the Brown Hotel, this open-faced sandwich consists of two slices of toast topped with juicy roast turkey, tomato slices, crispy bacon and a blanket of Cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce. The sandwich is then broiled until the cheese sauce turns golden brown.
From Louisville’s Benedict Hotel comes the Benedictine, a cucumber canapé spread.
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Derby Desserts
Dessert on Derby day can only be one thing: a rich, dense chocolate-nut pie flavored with Kentucky bourbon. The original version of this pie is trademarked and fiercely protected by its inventors, but there are several unofficial versions of it: Run for the Roses Pie, Eighth Race Pie, Thoroughbred Pie and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
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Derby Drinks
There is only one proper drink to have at a Kentucky Derby party, and that’s a mint julep. A traditional mint julep is made with bourbon, muddled mint leaves and sugar, finely crushed ice and a generous sprig of mint for garnish. Almost every state in the South claims to have invented it. The time-honored way to serve a julep is in a frosty silver goblet, but you can use whatever festive cups you like. An extra-nice touch is to trim straws so they just slightly stick out of the cup. When guests sip from the short straws, their noses will be close to the refreshing mint garnish.
While it’s certainly not traditional, consider serving an alternate cocktail for the bourbon-averse: a tart, minty Mojito or a nonalcoholic Mint Tea Punch.
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Wine
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Candy, Cakes, and Cookies
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls (4 pc Gift Boxes)
CK Products Pantastic Cake Pans
Horse Racing Cake Topper Figure
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Entertainment
Music and DVD
Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments
My Old Kentucky Home
Maryland, My Maryland
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Games
New Style Horse Racing Game, With Gift Box -
HORSE RACKING TOTE TICKETS SET OF 200
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Lets Go to the Races VCR Horse Racing Game
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Courtesy of Allrecipes Staff
The Derby hat is as longstanding and important a tradition as the Kentucky Derby itself. Almost everyone at the race or any Derby party will be wearing a spectacular hat, whether costly and custom-designed or made at home with a glue gun and imagination. Ask your Derby day guests to come wearing Derby hats, and offer prizes for the most ornate, the most stylish, the most creative and the most bizarre.
Or turn hat-decorating into a party activity: ask everyone to bring plain hats and a selection of ribbons, flowers, lace, tulle, feathers, plastic horse figurines, and any other hat decorations they can dream up. There is no such thing as too big, too bold, too elaborate or too outlandish. Provide glue guns, wire, tape, staplers and scissors, and let the fun begin!
Bright Butterfly Decorations
Pastel Butterfly Decorations
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Freshening Baskets/ Emergency Kits
Buy an elegant platter to display sample sized essentials. Place in powder rooms.
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Oval Serving Tray
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First aid kit, Tylenol, Advil, hairbrush, comb, bobby pins, concealer, lip gloss, mouth wash, hairspray, stain remover, antacid, tampons and sanitary pads, sewing kit, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, nail file, mints & hard candies, hand lotion, and dental floss
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If you don’t have the time or patience to make your own, consider ordering a complete basket delivered to your home, ready for the big event.
In the Basket – Women (1 – 50 guests)
In the Basket – Men (1 – 50 guests)
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Party Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
If you really want to go way, way over the top consider renting real diamond jewelry. I am fascinated by this concept. Adorn Brides actually leases fine elegant genuine jewelry for special occasions for a fraction of the price it would cost to buy it. How much more sparkly and glamorous can you get than wearing tens of thousand of dollars worth of jewels!
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Hats
Nothing says you are spending a day at the races more than a hat — wear one!
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Hat design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Titanic Hat Edwardian Tea Party Hat NEW Design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Design by Darna
Kentucky Derby Hat Edwardian Style Hat Design by Darna
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Neckties
There are many pages of handsome ties for your day at the races: Zazzle
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Cufflinks and t-shirts (too bad you can’t wear theme together)
Jockey Horse Racing Cufflinks w/Gift Box
T-Shirt Mens Navy Blue “Born to Horse Race. Forced to Work.
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Books
The Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook
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How to Throw a Great Derby Party
Great Breeders and Their Methods: Leslie Combs II and Spendthrift Farm
Homestretch: A Celebration Of Americas Greatest Tracks
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Make the Day Last a Lifetime
Don’t let this memorable night fade away with the morning sun. The next day, when all is still fresh, log onto Snapfish.com to create photo books, memory calendars, and even photo thank you notes or create a 5×7 photo card announcing the day, time, and location of your next celebration.
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Or do it the old fashion way — print your photos and store them in an easily accessible photo album.
Jockeys Before the Race by Edgar Degas
Photo Pages for 3-Ring Binders
This might also be a great opportunity to create “memory insurance.”
Hustle the box of photos out from under your bed and grandma’s bed and send them to GoPhoto to be scanned so the family can enjoy the photos forever! This would make an incredibly memorable present for any occasion!
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- Horse Racing Theme Party Ideas, Planning Tips,
- and Supplies
- Join the Festivities. Visit NY for the Belmont Stakes!
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Invitations
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Table Linen
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Paper Goods
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Centerpieces
- Fun Day at the Races Theme Party Table Decor
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Napkin Ties
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Favors
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Candles
- A Day at the Races Theme Party Decorations
- Horse Racing Home Accents
- A Day at the Races Food and Drink Ideas
- Entertainment
- Party Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
- Books
- Make the Day Last a Lifetime
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Party Hearty!
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