Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

Dress Code

Encourage guests to arrive dressed to impress in their finest Derby attire!

Gentlemen at the Derby are renowned for their impeccable style. Some opt for vibrant, colorful pants paired with a coordinating shirt, while others prefer a more understated look with a classic navy blazer. A Derby essential for guys is a tie – whether a bow tie or a traditional necktie, a pop of color is often chosen to complete the ensemble. To top it off, many men accessorize with a sophisticated fedora or bowler hat, often in a simple, natural shade, complementing their suit.

For the ladies, big, floppy hats and colorful spring dresses are iconic staples. Whether you choose your show-stopping hat or your stunning dress to be the focal point of your look, you're sure to radiate charm.  Complete the look with a cute pair of heels and a chic clutch to perfectly pull your derby party outfit together. With a grand hat and a lovely dress, you're guaranteed to look fabulous for the Derby.

Place Your Bets 

Encourage friendly wagers! Set up a betting table conveniently at the entrance.

Who says you need to be at the Derby to place a bet? As guests arrive, greet them with a fun betting sheet to kick off the excitement! Simply print out our easy-to-use sheet along with a list of all the horses for them to choose from.

Here's how to play:

• Win: Guess the horse that finishes first.

• Place: Pick a horse that finishes first or second.

• Show: Select a horse that finishes first, second, or third.

Guests can make a friendly wager, from simply making dinner for the winner to putting money on their guess. Keep a running tally by writing down the finishers in the designated column after each race. At the end of the night, tally up the correct guesses to see who wins (or who has to pay up!).

Derby Dishes: Iconic Kentucky Derby Party Food

No Kentucky Derby party is complete without classic foods for a Derby party. Recreate the culinary experience of Churchill Downs with these festive recipes:

Old Forester Butter Shrimp & Orzo 

A bourbon-infused entree that feels fancy but is simple to prepare – perfect for any Kentucky Derby party food spread.

Ingredients: 

• Orzo

• 1 Cup Orzo

• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter 

• ½ Teaspoon Salt 

• Water or Chicken Stock for Orzo

• Shrimp

• 1 Pound Large Shrimp, Peeled & Deveined

• ½ Teaspoon Salt 

• ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper 

• ¼ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Optional)

• Bourbon-Butter Sauce 

• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter 

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

• ¼ Cup Old Forester Bourbon 

• ½ Cup Chicken Stock 

• ¼ Cup Heavy Cream 

• Juice of ½ Lemon

• Pinch of Salt & pepper, To Taste

• 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (Garnish)

Instructions: 

• Cook the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring enough water or stock (to generously cover the orzo) to a rolling boil. Add ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir in the orzo and cook according to package directions (typically 8–10 minutes) until it's al dente.

• Finish Orzo: Drain the cooked orzo and return it to the pan. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for extra flavor. Cover the pan to keep the orzo warm while you prepare the shrimp.

• Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) on both sides.

• Sear Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer the seared shrimp to a clean plate and set aside to keep warm.

• Deglaze with Bourbon: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant (be careful not to let it brown). Carefully pour in the ¼ cup of Old Forester Bourbon. (Optional Flambé Caution: To ignite the bourbon, carefully use a long lighter or match. Always exercise extreme caution!) Let the bourbon simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

• Build the Sauce: Stir in the chicken stock and, if desired, the heavy cream. Increase the heat slightly and allow the sauce to bubble gently and reduce for 2–3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

• Finish Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. For an even richer sauce, whisk in another tablespoon of butter off the heat.

• Combine & Serve: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over them to warm through for about 1 minute. Divide the warm orzo among your serving plates, then top with the sauced shrimp.

• Garnish: Finish by sprinkling generously with fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness. Enjoy immediately!

Bluegrass Field Salad 

This vibrant salad featuring Kentucky Bibb lettuce and fresh berries is a light, elegant addition to your foods for a Derby party menu.

Ingredients: 

• Salad

• 1 Large head Of Kentucky Bibb Lettuce, Washed & Gently Dried

• 1-2 Cups Mixed Seasonal Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries etc.)

• ½ Cup Sliced Almonds, Toasted

• Raspberry & Poppy Seed Vinaigrette 

• ¼ Cup Raspberries

• 2 Tablespoons Raspberry Jam

• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar 

• ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

• 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds 

• ½ Teaspoon Dijon Mustard 

• ¼ Teaspoon Salt, Plus More to Taste

• ⅛ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper, Plus More to Taste

Instructions: 

Vinaigrette

• Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the raspberries, raspberry jam, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until the raspberries are fully broken down and the mixture is relatively smooth.

• Emulsify with Oil: While the blender is still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

• Add Poppy Seeds: Stir in the poppy seeds by hand at the very end.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasonings as needed to your preference. Set aside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Salad

• Toast Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or place a dry skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Spread the sliced almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet (or directly in the dry skillet). Toast for 5–7 minutes (or until lightly golden), stirring or shaking occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

• Prepare Lettuce: Gently tear or cut the Bibb lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the lettuce beautifully on a large serving platter or in a spacious salad bowl.

• Add Toppings: Generously scatter the fresh berries and the cooled toasted almonds over the lettuce.

• Dress & Serve: Just before serving, lightly drizzle the salad with the prepared Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette. You can also offer extra dressing on the side for guests to add more to their liking. Enjoy immediately!

Prosciutto & Pimento Cheese Cups

Easy to eat and bursting with Southern flavor, these mini bites are always a hit at Kentucky Derby parties.

Ingredients: 

• 6 Ounces Thinly Sliced Prosciutto or Deli Forest Ham 

• 1 Container (12 Ounces) Palmetto Cheese Spread Original Homestyle Pimento Cheese

• 2 Green Onions Thinly Sliced

Instructions 

• Prepare Oven & Prosciutto: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the prosciutto into 24 squares, each about 3-inches. Firmly press one prosciutto square into each cup of an ungreased mini muffin tin.

• Bake Prosciutto Cups: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the prosciutto is lightly browned and crispy.

• Cool: Let the baked prosciutto cups cool in the muffin tins for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to cool completely. The cups will become crispier as they cool.

• Fill & Garnish: Once cooled, pipe or spoon about 1 tablespoon of pimento cheese into each crispy prosciutto cup. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.

From delicious Kentucky Derby party food to fun wagers and dapper derby party outfits, your celebration will feel like a day at the races. So polish those mint julep glasses, set the table with spring florals, and get ready for a day full of charm, style, and Southern hospitality!

Let us know in the comments below which Kentucky Derby party food you’ll be trying this year! 

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