So many fun things happening in the next few weeks. First, we have Derby, Mother's Day, and fun graduation ceremonies. It is time to prepare; they will sneak up on us before we know it. Today I am talking about things Derby, our plans, and the items I have pulled together to create a simple day of watching races while eating and sipping. We planned a fun Derby party a few years back, and a cancer diagnosis derailed it, so I am really excited to be chatting Derby and showing you how to set up a fun little event. For us, it will be an early cocktail hour with some bourbon tasting and, of course, all the Mint Juleps. Yes, please!!
With planning a cocktail hour with some heavy apps, basically an early light dinner, I am setting the table on our porch. My parents will be here, so it will be fun to have some yummy bites and enjoy all the bourbon. Also, Derby occurs on Mother's Day weekend, making it even more fun. I am all about setting a table I can use for more than one thing, and this Derby table I have planned can be dissected and set again for Mother's Day. That is a significant win, win and makes it easy to enjoy more than once.
I have cleaned our porch of pollen, scrubbed the table and chairs, and it is ready for its debut. I ordered this table cloth, will use some monogram napkins I already own and pair it all with a beautiful dish set from Laura Ashley. The beauty of setting it for Derby and Mother's Day is selecting a tablecloth and plates I can use for both with a tiny change in napkin and glasses. Who knows, I may want to serve Mint Juleps again. 😉
Luxe Curations sent me a set of six julep cups I can not wait to use. All of our julep cups have seen better days, and I only have two I feel comfortable drinking from, so this was a true treat. They are gorgeous and ready for their debut, filled with crushed ice, fresh mint, and bourbon. I use this recipe for my juleps, and it is delicious. But beware, they are strong. I serve Woodford Reserve and use the yearly Derby bottle. Each year they create a new bottle, and I have two now, the beginning of a collection. This year's bottle is so beautiful. You can find it at your local shop or order it online. I love a true julep cup. They are made of stainless steel to keep your beverage ice cold even in the hotest of weather. You hold them by the top beaded rim, or the bottom. You can use code DERBY for 20% off anything on the Luxe Curations site. I am definitely a julep cup lover as we drink Mint Juleps all summer long. If you prefer to use the official yearly Derby glass, you can find them here. Order soon; they sell out.
Drinks are managed, so let's discuss food. I am using a fun sampling of yummies with a menu created for the event by Mary Catherine Studio. I found this recipe today that sounds delish if you want a great Ham Slider. I order biscuits from Callie's, and this set would be perfect. While you are online, grab the sliced country ham and the cocktail pecans, both of which are perfect. For sweets, I ordered baby pies locally and then ordered these pecan Sandies. If you have one of Lee's Sandies, you know they are addicting. I had to freeze them so I wouldn't eat them beforehand.
For some extra goodness, I recommend these ribbons, some darling applique cocktail napkins from Lilly T. Grace, and these fun cocktail stirrers. I am using my collection of Revere bowls, all the pink roses (pink is more me), and little extras to make it special and unique. Anything I use that can be shared, I will share for you. Since I am using the Laura Ashley Blueprint collection for both Derby and Mother's Day I am linking all the pieces I own below. You need to check out this collection, it is amazing, and anything Laura Ashley is timeless and pure magic.
Stay tuned; amazing Derby goodness coming so very soon. 🏇
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