There are 3 main focuses on a Kentucky Derby Party: January 19th, 2009

Nothing will please your guests more then good ol’ Kentucky favorites. You can turn your party into a classic Kentucky gathering or a fun for all BBQ! Which ever you choose, sharing the experience of Kentucky with your guests will be more then enjoyable.
If you want to go with the classic Kentucky party, white linens with polished silver and china will claim the simple elegance of the bluegrass state. Providing your guests with a traditional Kentucky snack will be a delight. Kentucky Benedictine (a cucumber dip) is a go around favorite, serve with crudité, crackers or triangles of cocktail rye. Beaten biscuits and country ham can be made into snack size tastings for your guests. “No dessert until you finish your food” is not taken into account when hosting a Derby party. Bourbon Balls are a definite crowd pleaser. For a main course Burgoo or Hot Browns are always a great choice. Burgoo is a classic soup made with a variety of meats and vegetables. Hot Browns are a signature item from Louisville’s Brown Hotel. Hot Browns can also be made vegetarian style to please any guest. And for dessert…Derby Pie.
If your taste is a little more wild then a classic Kentucky party, then bring on the BBQ and the potluck! Provide the meat for your guests and have your guests bring their favorite southern style side dish. Pick up some Derby themed decorations and have a free for all day, food, liquor and gambling.
Don Richards
February 16th, 2009 at 11:07 am
My family, never just has a day party, it is more of a weekend party. The entire family stays at Grandma’s Oaks night and then Derby morning she fixes us sausage gravy and biscuits. This is an all time crowd pleaser. I do not have any suggestions to make your party better but it would not be Derby to me without Grandma’s Sausage Gravy and Biscuits.
Gabbie Waller
February 20th, 2009 at 9:01 am
If I am hosting an upscale Derby party, is it acceptable to hire a bookie, or is that tacky? I am wanting the option to be available for my guests but I do not want them to feel as if I am pressuring them to bet. Thanks!