The Derby season has officially begun and the races are off for that most coveted grand prize. Not only is this the biggest day in the world of equestrian sports, but it’s also the perfect excuse to gather some of your closest friends and drink bourbon all day long. Not that we really need an excuse for that anyway. Nothing brings together a crowd more than good booze and the comradery associated with a “watching party”. Recreating your own slice of Churchill Downs heaven is much easier than you may think, and with a little effort; your home or backyard will be transformed.
If you have space, set your up your Derby Day party outside. May is the perfect time to entertain outdoors in the South. The summer heat has yet to descend, and the threat of a mosquito swarm is a couple of weeks ahead. Keep the décor casual, but with a refined elegance that oozes sophistication that one might experience on a thoroughbred Kentucky farm. In keeping with a farm theme; I chose to have my Derby Viewing Party barn side. An oversize farm table surrounded by an assortment of seating seems right at home amongst the rolling pastureland. A wobbly, folk-art bench balances the rustic aesthetic with the more traditional rattan solarium chairs and red, herringbone armchairs.
An abundance of silver is a must at any “Run for the Roses” viewing party. So, for my tablescape; I incorporated as much silver as I could. When using silver pieces, I prefer to use a mixture of polished and unpolished pieces. I know, Gasp! The tarnished patina just does a little something for me, and I’m much too lazy to fool with polishing. Small serving trays are perfect for chargers and trophies for the flower arranging. To add a masculine, agrarian touch; combine galvanized items with the silver. Here, I used a time-worn water bucket to hold a large arrangement of Photinia Serratifolia. In lieu of traditional red roses one might find on the winners stand; create your own overflowing and spilling combination of woody, natural cuttings.
I have always enjoyed collecting commemorative plates. They can be found in most any second-hand stores and were a popular staple amongst tourist in their mid-century travels. Some major manufacturers of these plates were Homer Laughlin and Wood & Sons. For this tablescape, I chose plates that depict buildings. One of my favorites portraying Lee College in Tennessee. The ticking fabric was once a staple in many homes for domestic purposes such as mattress coverings and pillow making. Its durability is unparallel and the tightly woven threads prevented down feathers from slipping through. Napery made from old world ticking adds nostalgia and closely resembles seersucker which is most certainly derby approved. Ticking napery is stain resistant and cleans easily with a mild detergent. A dark, leather horse echoes the stain of the farm table as he gallops boastfully through the centerpiece.
For the main course, I opted for bourbon pork sliders. The pork is slow cooked and perfectly slathered in a sweet, brown sugar sauce. Rosemary corn muffins are a southern twist on the traditional roll or bun. Find the recipe for Bourbon Pork Sliders here: Bourbon Pork Sliders and Rosemary Corn Muffins here: Rosemary Corn Muffins
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Cold and refreshing Mint Juleps await in silver wine goblets. Goblets are an interesting alternative to the stemless traditional julep cups. Find the recipe for Mint Juleps here: Mint Juleps
An antique silver trophy mounted in black adorns the barn wall and evokes memories of big win. Leftover sprigs of Photinia serratifolia are tucked behind the frame and echo the large arrangement on the dinner table. Inexpensive silver-plated trays can easily become wall art when mounted on a scrap of dark fabric in a shadow box.
