It seems fitting to say good-bye as we would at the Kentucky Derby, when the jockeys mount their horses, step onto the track for the post parade, and the band strikes up My Old Kentucky Home.

Derby Party Day has finally arrived! Thank your former self for all the careful preparations you made so that you can relax and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports with your friends and family.

Since 1938, the official drink of the Derby has been the mint julep. This drink consists of bourbon, crushed ice, sugar, water, and fresh mint and is traditionally served in a frosty silver julep glass.

For larger gatherings, I tend to favor grab-and-go food and only on special occasions do I include anything that even requires a fork.

The best part about a themed party is costumes. A Derby party is one of the best events to go all out! As a host I love picking out the perfect party dress (and hat!) and I always encourage my guests to dress up as well.

I like to plan my playlist ahead of time to feature music to create the appropriate ambiance for my party. To avoid guests showing up before you’re ready (and because I have family who are notoriously early for everything), I start my playlist 30 minutes before the party is scheduled to begin.

For a dapper Derby party, the must-have decor is roses! If you can’t afford a centerpiece with a hundred fresh red roses, use a few silk stand-ins, or get crafty.

If you have two months to plan your Kentucky Derby party, great! This gives you plenty of time to work through the details. However, if you’d like to throw together a Derby party in less time, you can zoom right through these steps and party with your friends by the weekend!

Inspired by the long-running Epson Derby in England, Meriwether Lewis Clark was determined to create a similar event in the United States.

All great parties start with a party theme. Once selected, this party theme will make the rest of the party planning a breeze.