I desperately wanted to post this last Friday, but it has been such a busy weekend I am finally able to sit down and type away. This past Saturday was the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Track – a big deal for all the white linen suit with Vineyard Vines bow tie, Lilly Pultizer pink and green dress and oversized hat wearing individuals of the northeast. The 2 minute race creates a buzz for the entire weekend from who will win, who’s in town and of course whose party to attend. I thought I would dedicate a blog to a horse party – these ideas can be used any time of year and are especially popular for the Kentucky Derby. What I LOVE LOVE LOVE about a horse race party is that the race is short, and the party is long. It’s not like a Superbowl party where you have to have the TV on for hours and everyone is glued.
First we need to invite our guest – I found some creative invites (http://www.invitationconsultants.com) that you can snail mail to your guest (see above). Use “post time” as the date and time of the event, “trainers” as the hosts, and “track” as your address. These horse racing terms will get your guests excited about your upcoming party. And, don’t forget to remind them big fabulous hats are a must!!
The ambiance is the biggest factor for a horse race party, you not only have to set the stage but make sure you and your guests are dressed to impress for this all star event. Without exception the drink of the evening is the Mint Julep – no exceptions. The drink has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for more than a century and on race day 120,000 drinks are served (just because we’re celebrating the Travers, Belmont or Preakness doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the Early Times drink). Here is the official recipe:
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Early Times Kentucky Whisky
- Silver Julep Cups
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy & Drink Responsibly!
If you’re not a whiskey drinkerand don’t want to serve the Mint Julep, may I suggest some Champs with a dash of raspberry syrup. Ok, lets get to the food – finger foods are best at this type of party . But for dessert how about a rose covered cake or cupcakes to resemble to roses draped over the winning horse. You can be creative with the food – if you’re planning on have a millionares row party, incorporate fancy finger foods, if youre planning on an infield theme go with some bbq for your guests. You can really be creative.
I prefer the fancier horse race party – draping table cloths to go with the jockeys colors, covered in rose petals of course, with a giant winners trophy as your centerpiece. Enhance the night with the “best dressed”, “most creative hat” or other winning categories for your guests to compete. To make the event even more fun have you guests bet on the winning horse, you can even give the winner a prize – guests will really get competitive.
Be creative & enjoy.
I
xoxo jill
Don't Be Tardy For My Party 