Horse Racing Theme Party Ideas, Planning Tips,
and Supplies
…
Mark your calendars. It is never too early to begin planning your Triple Crown parties.
Kentucky Derby
Preakness Stakes
Belmont Stakes
Aaaaand They’re Off! Whether you call this party “A Day at the Races” or “The Best Kentucky Derby Party Ever,” viewing any or all of the Triple Crown races is a great excuse to gather friends and family to celebrate life!
…
…
Quick update …
We wanted you all to know we finally completed the much needed update to our Kentucky Derby celebration package. This horse racing or equestrian theme party is quite versatile, complimenting just about any occasion you might be celebrating.
…
…
…
…
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 …
…
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
…
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!)
…
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.
…
…
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
…
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.
…
…
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.
…
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.
…
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 personalizedribbon 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.
...
…
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
…
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
…
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
…
…
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.
…
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
…
Other fun looks …
Mini Rosebud Paper Flower Bouquets – Group of 6 Bouquets
…
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.
…
Each revolving centerpiece base requires 1 D Battery.
…
…
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
…
…
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
…
…
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.
JOCKEY HAT OR CAP DRINK COASTERS PK OF 8
JOCKEY HAT OR CAP DRINK COASTERS PK OF 8
HORSE RACING PARTY FAVOR OR HAT/HELMET W/ JOCKEY GOGGLES
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
….
…
…
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)
…
…
…
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)
…
…
A Day at the Races Theme Party Paper Goods
…
Kentucky Derby Party Beverage Napkins
Kentucky Derby Party Lunch Napkins
Kentucky Derby Paper Dinner Plates
Kentucky Derby Icon 16 Oz. Beverage Cups
Official Kentucky Derby Frosted Cups (25/pkg)
…
Personalized Napkins – LUNCHEON (Horseshoe)
Personalized Napkins – BEVERAGE (Horseshoe)
…
Party Kits & Equestrian Gifts carries the best selection of horse racing theme products available including …
2010 Kentucky Derby Artwork Series
…
….
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
…
HORSE RACING PARTY PENNANT BANNER
Festive Derby Bead Necklace with Jockey Caps
KY KENTUCKY DERBY NECKLACE JEWELRY
…
…
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 …
…
A special gift for the guest of honor
Horse and Jockey Hand Decorated Porcelain Coasters
…
These mini brownie pops and individual present cheese cakes work nicely as a “goodbye” gift placed on a table for you guests to grab as they walk out the door.
Individual present cheese cakes (visually fabulous but over the top expensive)
Set of 5, Sharpie Markers in Assorted Colors, Fine Point
…
Party Give-Aways
Just an idea — definitely not essential! Order some gift cards as prize give-aways or hide them in a few pairs of socks as a special surprise. Many popular merchants and denominations available.
Access to award-winning indie and foreign films.
Film Movement brings the film festival to your home
…
…
Horse Racing Home Accents
Serving Pieces
Arthur Court Horse 12-Inch Bread Tray
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Oval Serving Tray
…
Chip and Dip Trays
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Chip and Dip Tray
Arthur Court Thoroughbred 13-Inch Chip and Dip Tray
…
Miscellaneous
Arthur Court Churchill Downs Mint Julep Glass Set
Kentucky Derby Ice-lip Plastic Pitcher
…
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
…
Long Shot LONGSHOT HORSERACE Horses Horse Racing Doormat DOOR Rug Mat
For the Powder Room
Saratoga Stretch Embroidered Horseracing Towels
Forefathers of Horse Racing Tissue Box
Forefathers of Horseracing Waste Basket
Horse and Jockey Cup
Horse and Jockey Lotion Dispenser
…
Throw Pillows and Throw Blankets
Off to Deauville – Equestrian Pillow Red
Royal Ascot V Tapestry Pillow
Ruffian Cotton Throw
Chestnut Race Horse Pillow
Grey Race Horse Pillow
Hand-painted Racing Silks Pillow – Red
…
…
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.
 |
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.
 |
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.
 |
…
Wine
…
Candy
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls (4 pc Gift Boxes)
CK Products Pantastic Cake Pans
…
Horse Racing Cake Topper Figure
……
…
…
Entertainment
Music and DVD
Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments
My Old Kentucky Home
Maryland, My Maryland
…
…
Games
New Style Horse Racing Game, With Gift Box -
HORSE RACKING TOTE TICKETS SET OF 200
…
Lets Go to the Races VCR Horse Racing Game
…
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
…
…
Out of Town Guests
Party Welcome Gifts
Occasionally, great friends and loving relatives will fly or drive long distances to be able to celebrate with you. Welcome them in style with these lovely gifts. Be sure to include 2 water bottles.
Water Bottles & Personalized Labels
…
New!
We love these welcome gifts tailored to your event location!
Design your own city gift basket
…
Hotels & Transportation
Just like Expedia but better!
…
Rental Car Reservations
…
You may want to consider providing transportation for your out of town guests, especially if they are older and uncomfortable driving in a unfamiliar city. For our first big bash, we provided transportation to and from all events for the out of towners. Admittedly, thereafter we were much less generous . If interested in exploring this option, Limopros will provide free, no obligation quotes by vendors in many areas throughout the country.
…
…
Freshening Baskets/ Emergency Kits
Buy an elegant platter to display sample sized essentials. Place in powder rooms.
Arthur Court Kentucky Derby Oval Serving Tray
…
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
…
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)
…
…
Sign in Boards & Books
Sign in boards and books have become a staple at many celebrations. If you wish to allow your guests to leave a special keepsake message consider creating a board for your party entrance or simply provide a beautiful book to commemorate the occasion. We here at Party Idea Pros prefer sign in books. They are easier to store and less likely to collect dust in the basement or garage.
…
Sign In Boards
Canvas print (20×30) Sign in Board
Use a digital picture … be sure to chose a large white border. Hot glue silk rose flowers around the canvas.
…
Sign in Books
This personalized name keepsake book is beautiful and a less expensive alternative to a sign in board. Choose your color and follow the instructions. You might also want to customize your book with the guest of honor’s photo.
Custom Clear Lucite Sign in Book
Have your invitation sealed in acrylic in this custom made sign in book or design your own custom acrylic cover.
…
Photo Albums
Remember this special day for many years to come. Absolutely create an digital memory, but there is still an ease and something special about actually handling a photo album.
…
These three-in-one memory albums also make terrific personalized gifts, with room for the recipient’s name or date of birth. Each classic album has multiple cover space for photos, including two 3″ by 6″, two 3″ by 2 ½”, and one 5″ by 3″ images. The silver and wood album can hold up to 64 photos, at a 4″ by 6″ size, and features a hidden tray with multiple compartments for storing birthday trinkets and mementos.
…..
Memory Insurance
This might also be a great opportunity to create “memory insurance.” Contact Scantastic Photos to preserve your cherished memories. They will scan, digitize and organize all your photo boxes and albums. Ask to speak with Liz and tell her Marcia sent you!
…
…
Party Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories
Not sure what to wear? Nothing is easier than buying on the internet. Whether you need a sun dress for a beach party or an elegant suit to take you to the White House, you can find it online. Avoid parking hassles and over bearing sales people. Shop any time of the day or night. Generally companies make returns easy, if the item doesn’t fit or you just don’t like it. Order online today and receive that perfect something at your doorstep in just a few days!
…
Endless.com Shoes and Handbags
…
Jewelry
Party Idea Pros generally does not highlight jewelry but we recently came across a chic new designer who whose unique gemstone collection is a perfect way to memorialize this special day or for that matter, any day:
“Gemstones are the spirit of the earth frozen in time. For thousands of years, gemstones have been treasured for their power to heal, energize and inspire. The design, stones and metal all empower you. The artful combination of these elements reflects your spirit and is yours forever.” Tamara Alter
Our favorite collection of Tamara’s is her Healing Hearts collection, created in honor of Tamara’s dear sister Stefanie who passed away at the young age of 43, after a brave and courageous fight against Ovarian Cancer. All profits from the Healing Hearts collection goes to The High Heals Foundation whose mission is to raise funds to develop methods for early diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer and aid in the discovery of a cure through research, advocacy and education.
…
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!
…
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
…
Neckties
There are many pages of handsome ties for your day at the races: Zazzle
…
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.
…
…
Books
The Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook
…
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
…
…
Make the Day Last a Year
…
Don’t let this memorable day fade away with the setting sun. The next day, when all is still fresh, log onto Shutterfly.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.
…
…
…
…
…
Party Hearty!
…
…
…