Kentucky Derby Party Planning

Plan the ultimate Derby Day party with the help of caterer extraordinaire Marianne Miller.

By: Molly Kentala Broman | From the issue: April 2011

Photo: Emily J. Davis

A Derby Day refreshment: Mint juleps.

And they’re off! If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs on May 7, bring a little bit of the Kentucky Derby to the lake area with our party planning guide. Marianne Miller, owner of Saga Hill Cooking & Events, shares her tips for a Derby Day party that will net you the most bang for your buck.

Set the Scene

As with any elegant southern affair, it’s important to dress not only yourself but your tabletop, too. Gather up your finest linens, china and flatware—or borrow from your mother or grandmother’s collection. If you don’t own a matching set of place settings, don’t worry. Miller suggests mixing different patterns, colors, even styles for a shabby chic vibe.

Looking to add to your assortment? The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer in Wayzata is a treasure trove of fine furnishings at a fraction of their retail cost. It’s a great place to find beautiful table linens in spring colors, additional pieces of china, even those mint julep cups for the signature drink of the day. Miller lists the Hope Chest as one of her secret weapons, though she’s been known to scour area thrift stores like the new Goodwill in Minnetonka.

Derby Classics

The Kentucky Derby is known as the “run for the roses,” as the winning horse is draped in a blanket of red roses upon winning the race, so don’t forget to accessorize accordingly. If fresh red roses are out of your price range, you can find silk beauties at Natures Harvest in Wayzata or Michaels in Minnetonka at a fraction of the cost.

While keeping the television on is considered tasteless at most parties, this is one time you won’t want to miss the action. The race is actually the 11th of the day—and happens around 5:24 p.m. Central Time—but keep the TV tuned to the action as lively ambiance throughout the soiree. Encourage guests to sit and enjoy the rush of the Louisville crowd with ample seating. You can even throw a few oversize pillows on the floor for the men.

To get your guests engaged in the race itself, print out a listing of the horses and their stats at kentuckyderby.com. Place these near the TV, complete with pens and pencils for making notes, and encourage friendly wagers. Remember, the Derby pays out for a win, place or show (first, second or third, respectively) just like other horse races.