How to Host the Perfect Derby Party+ Mint Julep and Lily Recipe

This Saturday is the Derby. Today's post is a little different. I absolutely love hosting and planning parties. I wanted to share my tips for hosting a Derby Party. First of all you want to figure out what all you need for your party. I always like to start out with a list of all the things I need.

Each item I feel will be beneficial to throwing a great Derby Party. It is great idea to have a few drink dispensers and a pitcher. For each of the drink dispensers I recommend either a cocktail drink or iced tea and lemonade. For the pitcher you could either do water or a type of mixed drink. One thing that is very popular for the Derby is mint juleps and a drink called the Lily. The Lily is the drink of choice for the Kentucky Oaks. It is by far my favorite.

Kentucky Oaks Lily
1 1/4 oz Vodka
1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix or Lemonade 
1/4 oz Triple Sec
3 oz Cranberry Juice

Mint Julep
1/4 oz Raw Sugar Syrup
8 mint leaves
2 oz. Bourbon

I love for a Derby Party to decorate a Food table and a bar cart. For the food table I recommend a black table cloth with white cocktail napkins. I chose a rectangular table vase to put red roses in. For plate and glasses I love these horse racing plates and plastic glasses that pair great with these festive striped straws. For your hot' devours I really like these cheese plates, and you can't forget the pie plate for Derby Pie. Last but not least you want to make sure your bar cart goes with your Derby theme. I would add a cocktail shaker set, Derby Days Decanter, Mint Julep cups, and this racing horse towel. 

Shop the Post: 

Classic Glassware Pitcher // More Beverage Serveware	Tuscany Classics 3 Piece Shaker Set // More Bar and Wine Tools	Table Vase // More Vases
Talk Derby to Me Stemless Wine Glass // More Wine and Champagne Glasses	Derby Days 34 Oz. Decanter // More Decanters	Sippers Candy Paper Straw // More Straws
Old Hollywood Marble Serving Tray // More Platters	Wayfair Basics Poplin Rectangular Tablecloth // More Table Linens	Derby Mint Julep Water Glass 12 oz. Copper // More Mint Pantry Glassware
Remy Bar Cart // More Bar Carts	Wayfair Basics 3 Piece Beverage Dispenser Set // More Beverage Dispensers	Porcelain 3 Tiered Stand // More Cake Stands
Horse Racing Paper Plate // More Disposable Plates and Bowls	Racing Horse Hand Towel // More Bath Towels	24/7 Everyday Cocktail Napkin // More Cloth Napkins
Legacy Mariposa Cheese Tray // More Outdoor Serving Dishes and Platters	Heritage Pie Dish // More Pie Pans	Granada 18 oz. Plastic Cocktail Glasses // More Cocktail Glasses
Vanilla Fare 10" Curved Serving Tray // More Decorative Trays	Stoneware Cake Stand // More White Cake Stands	Equestrian Horse Bottle Stopper // More Wine Stoppers

This post is sponsored by Wayfair. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Styled in Blue Possible.